Xbox X|S is the console to own in 2023 because the games, especially third-person shooters, are coming by the truckload. Yep, while PlayStation’s always got a steady outflow, going ahead, the Xbox brand will match it and then some. Now let’s talk about the third-person shooting games that are gonna rock our socks off.
We’ll not bore you with too much detail, so let’s cut to the chase. The third-person shooters we’re picking today are some of the most genre-defining and innovative games on Xbox X|S. Also, we’re going with mostly newer releases, so expect to see more of those, but also a few oldies but goldies.
Which Xbox X|S Third-Person Shooters Are The Best in 2023?
Before diving into our selection of the most dope third-person shooters of 2023 on Xbox X|S, a couple of things. One, our list will focus entirely on exciting and highly original games. Second, only one game per franchise since that’ll make things fair for the lesser-known ones.
Also, expect to see some truly special indie gems in the mix with the big-time AAA titles. As always, no list of ours is complete without a few surprises coming our reader’s way. It’s exciting times ahead, our fellow Xbox fans, so let’s get this party started!
10. Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed
We’re kicking off the list of loud and proud Xbox X|S third-person shooters with one of the funniest games ever. Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed is a riot from start to finish. With an even more bonkers premise than its predecessor, the game will have you using some of the most absurd weapons in all of gaming.
If you want an example of what you’ll find in Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed, well, you’ve got an anti-gravity gun and the meteor strike. Their names pretty much explain the mayhem that players can cause to the human population. It’s a barrel of fun, and what’s more, you can enjoy the action in co-op in this remake.
There are plenty of shenanigans awaiting players that they can inflict as Crypto, the protagonist alien, over the humans. Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed also has the flying saucer spaceship, which is more useful for attacking powerful human resistance troops, as well as backtracking.
9. Exoprimal
Moving on to the next game on our list of excellent Xbox X|S third-person shooters, we have Exoprimal. We’re not fond of the live-service gaming model. Having said that, Exoprimal is the kind of game that hooks us through excellent high-octane gun fights and exo-suit survival brawls.
We’ll be honest with you, Exoprimal’s entire selling point is that it’s teasing us for that elusive Dino Crisis Remake, which we’re still waiting on! Until then, Exoprimal will fill the void. In Exoprimal, a time distortion that pits prehistoric predators, the dinosaurs, and there’s always a herd of them. The dino numbers need thinning, and it’s up to the player character and their team to finish this job.
Exoprimal is great if you’re into games like ARK: Survival Evolved that push the players into flight or flight mode, thanks to their many dangers. It’s a multiplayer third-person shooter with a high level of difficulty. You’ll need some practice to get the hang of it.
8. Shoulders Of Giants
Shoulders Of Giants is the next entry on the list of fantastic Xbox X|S third-person shooters. It is unquestionably beautiful, with a very heartfelt vibe. In Shoulders Of Giants, players experience the odd-ball duo of a giant sentient mech and a gun-totting anthropomorphic frog on a quest to save the galaxy.
Whether you prefer to handle things with the melee sword strikes or the blasts from the firearm, the combat feels equally exhilarating. The gun edges out, of course, because of its range and utility and ties into the strong third-person shooting element.
Shoulders Of Giants is great to play solo, but way more enjoyable when you’ve got a buddy. It’s even better with a significant other, just like our favorite Xbox X|S games for couples. The level layouts and character designs have such an incredible level of detail in Shoulders Of Giants that everything stands out in the game, yet the screen doesn’t get jumbled up.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
Next up, it’s a game that needs no introduction because Rockstar Games made it. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterclass of story-telling, very much like its predecessor. However, its status as one of the great third-person shooters on Xbox X|S is still a topic of debate within the gaming fandom. We, for one, agree with that it’s freaking phenomenal.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel in the chronology yet, ironically, has much more striking visuals and in-depth game mechanics. Also, the shootouts and weapon handling feel highly authentic and fun. There’s a high level of immersion as you gotta perfectly line up your shots for non-lethal or fatal targets.
The plot and characters of Red Dead Redemption 2 are some of the very best in all of gaming. It cements Rockstar Games’ legacy as one of the pioneers of industry-challenging games. For more similar suggestions, feel free to take a gander at our favorite action-adventure games on Xbox X|S.
6. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Adding a little seasoning of survival horror to our third-person shooters, we’ve got Resident Evil 4 Remake. It’s a delight for everyone who’s into the blend of action and horror games. Fan-favorite protagonist Leon Kennedy returns. Possessing the charm and suave nature that the fandom loves him for, Leon steals the show in every scene.
The action is pulse-pounding from the get-go as mind-controlled villagers and other mutant abominations come after Leon. Players must tread lightly but also go ham where necessary, including doling out the signature German Suplex. Resident Evil 4 Remake has plenty of ways to switch up the pacing, which keeps players glued to their seats, including puzzles and stealth sections
Resident Evil 4 Remake is faithful to the original in many ways and has some welcome improvements over the original. The shooting, in particular, is much more tense because the enemy A.I. is really tenacious, especially on higher difficulties. Some of the boss battles had us sweating buckets.
5. Risk Of Rain 2
Many third-person shooters come and go, but few have the staying power on Xbox X|S like Risk Of Rain 2. Not many games have the feature of scaling the bosses and enemies as the players progress, like Risk Of Rain 2. The emphasis on action and movement is highly impressive and will create a lot of tension for casual players.
Risk Of Rain 2 progression system is sublime, as it rewards players for exploring and getting better. You need to survive an onslaught of enemies to locate a transporter, then defend yourself until it’s primed. The longer you make the final stand, the better the chances of upgrading your abilities. Each new skill further amplifies with upgrades, and they can be combined.
Risk Of Rain 2 also has a unique way of keeping the experience fresh through procedurally generated levels. If you’d like to know more about the game, our friend’s comprehensive 2023 guide about Risk Of Rain 2 is worth a look.
4. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Things are heating up on our list of amazing Xbox X|S third-person shooters with Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. The entire trilogy of Mass Effect games is beyond excellent. The Mass Effect series easily sits at the apex of the best space games. Combining stellar visuals in this enchanting remaster, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition brings a highly compelling narrative and riveting gameplay.
Players go on a journey throughout the galaxy to thwart the biggest threat to all organic life. The combat in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition has loads of variety thanks to the different skills. The against-all-odds vibe that Mass Effect: Legendary Edition projects is enthralling.
If you’re still on the fence about whether you should check out Mass Effect: Legendary Edition or not, how about this? The Mass Effect games have companions and romances that’ll melt your heart and have you gushing. Yep, when you’re not out there shooting hostiles, you can bond with your crew and even get lucky, if you’re lucky.
3. Control
For our next pick on the list of exciting Xbox X|S third-person shooters, we’ve got Control. Yeah, we know it leans more on supernatural themes, but its gameplay foundation is on solid shooting mechanics. For us, the best way to describe Control is that it’s a modern take on the Matrix.
Control stars Jesse Faden, who’s a member of the Federal Bureau of Control, as she investigated paranormal events surrounding a mysterious place, Oldest House. The story is full of juicy plot intrigue, and if you’re into mystery games, you’ll get a kick out of Control. As for Control’s gameplay, her weapon of choice changes forms on the fly, which is really neat and handy.
The shooting and using Jesse’s powers in conjunction is a marvelous experience, one we can’t get enough of. In Control, gravity means nothing when in combat, and traversal just feels superb. The angles at which you can make shots and use your powers are absotively thrilling.
2. Gears 5
Can’t have a third-person shooters contest on Xbox X|S and not include its signature series, now, can we? Case-in-point, Gears 5 is perhaps the best Gears Of War game in the series. The cover-based tactical shooting is on-point, and the gameplay elements do not disappoint. Heck, the story feels like a refreshing change of perspective.
With themes of self-discovery of, Kait Diaz in the lead role, it was just the right amount of hook. We were blown away by the payoff in Gears 5. The satisfaction of slaughtering hostile hive forces using the series’ signature weapons in Gears 5 is a magnificent feeling. In Gears 5, exploration and environmental effects are highlight features.
The PVP is where Gears 5 shines the brightest, though, and you’ll have a rollicking good time with friends. Or, if you’re feeling collaborative rather than competitive, Gears 5‘s campaign is playable in a 3-player co-op. You can engage in banter and laughter while slaying fools in Gears 5’s story.
1. Remnant 2
We’re capping off our list of top-tier Xbox X|S third-person shooters with Remnant 2. This game is a bundle of surprises and offers a highly enjoyable run with unique events in every playthrough. The procedural level generation ensures that the gameplay is never the same each time. Also, the powers and abilities which augment the shooting gameplay feel spectacular.
Gunfire Games really outdid themselves with this sequel title to the first game, as Remnant 2 feels much more engaging. Players can brave the game solo, though, it’s intended as a co-op/multiplayer title, just like the best co-op party games. The unholy abominations players face in Remnant 2, are not only diverse in their movement and attack patterns but have horrifically grotesque designs.
The shooting requires placement and timing because several minions of the bosses will spawn. They’ll attack players to prevent them from focusing their aim. There’s a steep learning curve in Remnant 2, making it one of the more challenging Xbox X|S third-person shooters.
Final Thoughts On the Best Third-Person Shooters On Xbox X|S in 2023
Well, that’s all she wrote for this list, folks; we sincerely hope you all had fun along the way. Share your critique, fire away with your opinions, and express your outrage in the comments section below. We look forward to reading all of it with a bag of popcorn. Oh, and if you’ve got a favorite that we’re missing in today’s selection, please, enlighten us as well.
If you’re still itching to get more of that Xbox X|S shooting games fix, regardless of whether first or third-person, we got you. Check out our friend’s piece about the 10 best boomer shooters you need to play in 2023. It’s got loads of classic shooters that you can check out, and it’s nostalgia galore. Alright, this is where we sign off for the weekend, take care, everybody, and happy gaming!
