Summary

When you think of shooters, your mind likely goes to first-person and third-person ones. After all, those are the shooting sub-genres that dominate the market, particularly when it comes to triple-A titles. However, they aren’t the only type of shooter to exist in the gaming world.

There are also isometric ones that provide a different sort of experience but one that can be equally fun. They aren’t too common, asthe isometric camera angle is typically saved for RPGsor Roguelites instead. However, there have been some good isometric shooters over the years, and the following ones are the best.

Lara Coft And The Guardian Of Light screenshot of Lara and companion attacking enemies.

Lara Croft is known for her third-person adventures as part of the Tomb Raider series. Yet, the spin-off game, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light, is very different from the main titles. It stars Lara, but it’s an isometric action game with cooperative elements.

While you could argue that it’s more of an action-adventure game than a shooter, it’s still a title that includes plenty of gunplay. This is because both Lara and her companion, Totec, face many enemies as they attempt to stop an evil spirit. Along with dealing with foes, they also have to solve some puzzles and explore several interesting places.

Nex Machina screenshot of blue explosion in a blocky world.

7Nex Machina

If you like to go fast, then Nex Machina is the isometric shooter for you, as the entire game plays at a frantic pace. You zoom around different rooms filled with a bunch of similarly quick enemies.

However, the term ‘bunch’ doesn’t quite cover it, as these are very large hordes of creatures you’re facing. As there isn’t a lot of room to maneuver, you basically have to be firing the entire time as you run around, picking up power-ups and blasting everything in sight. It’s fast-paced fun.

Alien Swarm screenshot of group of humans fending off an alien swarm with mounted guns.

When you play a game named Alien Swarm, you have certain expectations, primarily that you are going to be fighting lots of extra-terrestrials. That is exactly what happens in this title, as while you and your crew are wandering down hallways and into rooms, you’re often ambushed by a horde of alien creatures. These don’t seem to be the “come in peace” type, so you must blast them all away.

There are different classes to play as and many distinct weapons to use. While it isn’t quite as good as some ofValve’s best games, it’s still enjoyable to play.

Dead Nation screenshot of a player shooting at zombies.

The nation featured in Dead Nation isn’t dead because of financial issues or political mishaps. Instead, the place is filled with zombies. In fact, it isn’t just one nation, as much of the world is dealing with a zombie apocalypse. This includes you, who has to make your way through the zombied-filled streets.

Don’t worry, though, as you have an assault rifle, and you can acquire more weapons as you play. Plus, there are places to upgrade those weapons and your armor to give you the best chance of survival. Regardless of what weapon you have, though, the undead horde still provides plenty of problems, and getting through them is a chaotic and intense experience.

Helldivers 1 cover art showing troopers fighting back bugs.

While its sequel is a third-person shooter, the original Helldivers is an isometric shooter. In it, you play a troop fighting on behalf of your world, Super Earth. Your people are currently embroiled in a violent war against alien forces. This means you need to drop onto some alien worlds and start taking the fight to them.

This results in some wild and chaotic battles against lots of enemies at once as you attempt to complete your objectives. To help you, there are plenty of different weapons and pieces of equipment you can utilize in the game. Plus, you can team up with some friends and create a crew of alien killers.

Ruiner screenshot of people walking down walkway.

Ruiner is one ofthe greatest cyberpunk gamesin recent memory. It’s a shoot ‘em up where you get to play as a character that wears a futuristic mask as they attempt to rescue their kidnapped brother. The story isn’t the main focus of this title, though.

This is a chaotic and action-packed shooter where you have to battle waves of enemies using cool weapons and some special unlockable abilities. It can be punishingly difficult at first, but the stylish combat and stunning art style make you want to persevere.

Synthetik Legion Rising screenshot of a person shooting a tank.

Not only is Synthetik: Legion Rising a shooter, but it’s also a roguelike with procedurally generated levels. At the start of a run, all you have is a sidearm and a few skills. You then have to build up your arsenal as you go through the game.

The intention is to survive and kill all the robotic enemies in your path to reach the final boss. Yet, that is easier said than done since this is a tough game. At least it’s also a well-made game with the sound effects, in particular, being very impressive.

The Ascent screenshot of crew hiding within forcefield.

The Ascent is set in a stylish cyberpunk world where a corporation is creating issues for the populace. So, it’s the classic cyberpunk tale. The game is also a classic isometric, twin-stick shooter that provides smooth and satisfying gunplay.

You’re at your most deadly while moving around quickly and trying to take out your adversaries before they can get you first. This is all enhanced due to the deep weapon and character customization systems.