Unlock the guns and prepare for a journey through the explosive worlds of shmups!
It’s pretty hard to specify what shoot ’em up games really are. Some people describe them as titles featuring spacecraft and a specific type of movement. Others allow broader definitions, including a variety of different perspectives, playable characters, and types of weapons. Rail shooters, run’n’guns, classic bullet hells, and many more – there are many subgenres to choose from. Although gamers can’t reach a consensus about the proper definition of shmup, one thing is sure. They usually offer incredibly challenging, dynamic gameplay and hours of fun!
This article was updated on September 12, 2024. We’ve updated the list with two new games for you to enjoy.
What are the best shmup games on PC?
There’s a variety of old and new titles that we consider the best shmup games. We’ve decided to prepare this list so everyone can find a title that suits their tastes. Maybe you can pick up something to enjoy and test your reflexes, even if you’re not a fan of the genre. Without further ado, let’s begin!
Returnal
The first title on our list is a former Sony exclusive. In Returnal, you take control of Selene, an astronaut who crashed her spaceship on a mysterious planet. She soon discovers that death doesn’t end her life permanently. The only way to break out of the respawn loop is to uncover the secrets surrounding the accident and the planet itself.
Developers at Housemarque are great at making captivating, challenging arcade games, and this one is no exception. This unique blend of third-person shooter and rogue-like might not appeal to everyone. Yet, the gameplay mechanics are so addicting that, after a few hours of playing, we can’t help but say “one more loop”, even when the clock shows 3:00 a.m. 😉
METAL SLUG series
We seriously doubt that there’s a gamer who hasn’t at least heard about the Metal Slug series. Those run-and-gun old-school games offer everything that one might require for a great gaming session. Fast-paced action, vibrant graphics, and tons of gags? All boxes are checked.
Simply pick one of the playable characters, and off you go, killing machines and destroying humans (or the other way around). The experience is over the top in the best way possible and incredibly goofy, as you start by fighting basic-looking soldiers and finish by defeating UFOs. It’s a nostalgic trip that makes you appreciate the charm of retro games..
Ikaruga
Players have to dodge a rainstorm of bullets and destroy enemy ships themselves. The unique twist of Ikaruga lies in the duality system, where you can switch between black and white to absorb different kinds of attacks. It sounds almost like playing chess but faster, with explosions and without a board. The visuals are holding up even nowadays, and the soundtrack will pump adrenaline right through your veins. A worthy addition to the list of the best shoot ’em up games.
Nex Machina
The next Hausmarque game on our list is a twin-stick shooter, not a TPS. Both are excellent arcade games, each for different reasons. Nex Machina focuses purely on gameplay, with a simple story in the background just to give you some purpose in slaying hordes after hordes of enemies. simply focus on annihilating everything in your path. Prepare to die once or twice (or a thousand times) – it’s definitely too difficult for casuals! So grab a gun, and don’t let the machines take over the world!
Sky Force Reloaded
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled joyride with Sky Force Reloaded! This game is a throwback to some classic old-school games with flashy explosions, beautiful scenery, and massive boss battles. You can customize your ship, buy various upgrades, and show off your high scores to other players. The dangerous (but rewarding) civilians rescue missions from the previous entries are available here as well. There’s also a local cooperative mode and online tournaments. Get ready to unleash mayhem in the skies!
Blazing Chrome
Blazing Chrome is a love letter to the golden age of run-and-gun retro games. Machines rule the world, and humans are on the verge of total extermination. Now you have to free your kind from the oppression of the mechanic overlords and kick some metallic butts along the way.
Five apocalyptic environments are available, and hundreds of robot enemies blow to pieces. Blasting your path through them won’t be an easy task, but an epic one nonetheless. Blazing Chrome will keep you on the edge of your seat, whether you’re mowing down enemies with a hailstorm of bullets or dodging a rain of lasers. So lock and load because it’s time to show those tin cans who’s boss!
Contra Anniversary Collection
Our selection of the best shoot ’em up games would be incomplete without at least mentioning Contra. There’s no other game like this one to play with friends or siblings. “I’ll take the upper path, and you take the lower path”. This sentence brings back some sweet childhood memories.
Contra Anniversary Collection offers some additions, like save states, concept art, and the official chronology. Besides that, it sticks to the tradition with the same graphics, music, and gameplay. Even the famous Konami Code works!
HUNTDOWN
The criminal underworld in this hard-boiled action comedy 2D shooter is irresistible. You’re a bounty hunter who delivers justice with style and takes down gangs with an arsenal of crazy weapons. You can pick between three playable characters, each one with their own strengths and weaknesses.
The hand-drawn pixel graphics and epic synthesized soundtrack make the atmosphere of the dystopian future even more appealing. The gunplay is intense, the boss battles extreme, and the action is never-ending. Hundown can make you feel like the protagonist from the 80s and 90s movies.
Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved
Brace yourself for a mind-bending, eye-popping extravaganza with Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions Evolved. This shmup is a psychedelic trip through a neon-infused, shape-shifting universe. You’ll be mesmerized by this game’s vibrant visual effects, dazzling explosions, and innovative level design.
The solo campaign offers almost 100 total levels (including 40 all-new, added in the Evolved versions), a new hardcore mode for veterans of the series, and both cooperative and competitive multiplayer. Strap in, turn up the volume, and prepare for a wild ride that will leave you craving for “just one more game.”
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is one of the standout roguelikes on the market. It’s a remake of the cult classic The Binding of Isaac, which introduced us to this bizarre version of the biblical story in the first place.
Despite numerous improvements, the game has retained its core features, which have made the original beloved among players. That includes addictive gameplay, huge replayability, toilet humor, and a dark atmosphere. Considering randomly generated dungeons and countless item combinations, you probably need to sink at least a hundred hours to experience everything the game has to offer.
The Knight Witch
The Knight Witch is undeniably among the most stunning shoot ’em up games on PC. It also has metroidvania and card battler elements, creating an exciting mix. The title casts you as Rayne, who embarks on the mission to save Dungeonidas from enemies.
During the gameplay, you have melee, firearms, and magic at your disposal, and you can freely switch between them, experimenting and looking for the right combat style for yourself. Interestingly, the spells are depicted in the form of cards. That mechanic allows you to build a deck that suits your personal preferences.
Risk of Rain 2
In Risk of Rain 2, you can go through a shoot them up experience either with your friends or alone. You’re transported to a secluded island crawling with dangerous enemies who await your demise.
The game features over a hundred items, which you can combine in various ways, making you an even stronger warrior. However, the scaling system ensures that fights are always challenging. Hence, both you and your opponents grow in power during the playthrough.
Nuclear Throne
We realize that Nuclear Throne may not boast the most impressive visuals. Nevertheless, this slight disadvantage doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment it brings.
The game takes you to a post-apocalyptic world where mutants struggle for power over the wastelands. During the playthrough, you eliminate hundreds of enemies as one of the 12 unique characters with special abilities. However, not all of them are immediately available, as 10 are unlocked through play, encouraging you to play repeatedly.
Cuphead
Without a doubt, you can’t ignore Cuphead if you’re looking for great local co-op games that will take you through bullet hell and beyond. Don’t be fooled by the hand-drawn, old cartoon-inspired art style, as the gameplay is insanely demanding. Sometimes even the help of Player 2 won’t be enough; trust us on that.
The game’s primary focus is on boss fights. They naturally include every element distinct to shoot ’em up games. Therefore, you’ll attempt to dodge obstacles and a sea of projectiles. The key to victory lies in remembering the boss’s moves and utilizing your quick reflexes.
Devil Daggers & HYPER DEMON
Image: Hyper Demon
Devil Daggers and Hyper Demon will be right up your alley if you like fast-paced FPSs. Although they’re two distinct titles, we decided to put them together as they were developed and published by one studio, Sorath.
These shoot’em-up games allow players to go crazy fighting legions of demons with various weapons. The gameplay is so intense and addictive that you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from the screen. After all, what could possibly be better than landing at the top of the global leaderboard?
Atomicrops
Atomicrops is unquestionably one of the most intriguing shoot ’em ups on our list. It combines elements of a farm sim and a roguelite, which is certainly not the genre hybrid you often see.
The title transports you to a post-apocalyptic world where you must rebuild your life following the atomic explosion. To survive, you must grow your own plants; however, it won’t be too easy, as your farm is plagued by aggressive insects. Naturally, that means you have to protect it at all costs. And when your life gets too hectic, you can at least marry an NPC that can relieve you of your duties.
And if you’re seeking more conventional farming experience, we recommend reading our article on the best agricultural games.
MOTHERGUNSHIP
In Mothergunship, players strive to take Earth back from cybernetic aliens. To do that, they must strike at the center of the enemy armada, Mothergunship. However, this task isn’t that simple, as the aircraft is protected by the defensive ships, each more fierce than the other.
Each crawls with hordes of opponents, traps, and bosses to overcome. Fortunately, the game offers a unique modular-gun-crafting system that allows you to create the weapon of your dreams. With that, reclaiming the planet will be a piece of cake.
Panzer Dragoon: Remake
Our next entry is the remake of a Sega Saturn classic. It’s a rail shooter, so we can’t control our character directly. Instead, we’re focusing on dodging and attacking instead. Panzer Dragoon Remake offers revamped graphics and controls, mostly staying true to the original representatives of the genre.
You’ll be soaring the skies on the back of your dragon, piloting it through seven realistic levels, from blue ocean cities to subterranean ruins. Unfortunately, the developers decided not to add anything new to the formula, like mechanics or locations. It’s still an exciting experience that will bring you lots of fun from start to finish.
Rez Infinite
Our final entry, Rez Infinite (an expanded release of the original Rez), ranks among the best shmups ever created, offering a mesmerizing fusion of music, visuals, and gameplay. This rhythmic rail shooter transports players into a pulsating digital realm where every action synchronizes with the hypnotic electronic soundtrack.
The simple yet engaging mechanics allow players to lock onto and destroy targets, creating a symphony of sounds with each successful hit. The original five levels, enhanced for modern systems, showcase a masterful progression of intensity and complexity. And the addition of Area X, a new level exclusive to Rez Infinite, introduces free-flight mechanics, expanding gameplay horizons with stunning particle effects and unrestrained movement.
HELLDIVERS 2
Helldivers 2 is a standout title in the genre of shoot ’em up games, offering a thrilling blend of cooperative gameplay and strategic depth. Players join forces to tackle relentless alien hordes, emphasizing teamwork and communication.
The game features a satirical narrative that humorously critiques militarism and propaganda, adding a unique twist to the action. With its engaging mechanics, diverse weaponry, and challenging missions, Helldivers 2 keeps players on their toes while delivering an entertaining experience that encourages collaboration and strategic planning in a chaotic universe.
And that wraps! What do you think about our picks for the best shoot ’em up games? Are titles belonging to the shmup genre appealing to you or not really? Let us know in the comments section below!
