While there are many people who enjoy the typical shooter games which feature fast-paced action that includes running while shooting, a growing number of players have turned to tactical first-person shooter (FPS) games in the past few decades. After all, nothing gives off realistic combat vibes like these games, which are also referred to as competitive FPS games.
But while these games may be garnering a lot of interest left, right, and center, it is quite clear that many aspiring players lack the know-how to level up to pro levels. At the same time, there are many other players who shy away from these games because they think they are too complex for them to master.
That is why we, at Tactical FPS Gaming Journal, have put this site together. Not only do we aim to break down the myths about FPS games, but we also want to offer practical tips to players who want to dip their toes into these exciting waters. That said, let us get into why tactical FPS games could be the best addition to your current game collection.
Why the Tactical FPS Player Population Is On the Rise
With the FPS game market raking in billions of dollars a year, more game developers have been investing their time and money into making FPS titles. But why are their efforts paying off so much, more so when it comes to tactical games?
To start with, tactical FPS games are highly competitive, which is something that players love. After all, in order to rank up, you have to not only cover yourself and your mates, but you must also make sure that each shot counts. There is a lot of satisfaction in knowing that your success owes to your ability to navigate complex maps and use your resources wisely. And as you would expect, excelling in these games comes with a lot of street cred, if we can call it that.
Players also love the teamwork aspect in these FPS games. Unlike other genres where players can make it as lone wolves, the FPS game setup requires players to work together. You get to be part of a team where you coordinate strategies, implement different approaches, call out enemies, and pretty much literally have each other’s backs. For many people, this community is part of the thrill, as we all need positive relationships in our lives. And what better than to cultivate them when taking out the enemy?
Tactical FPS games are also known to be fair because players start on equal footing at the start of the match. As such, the only way to win is to be strategic rather than relying on your past wins or abilities. And that, as you can imagine, turns up the adrenaline, especially during round-based eliminations where the tension is often at an all-time high.
Understanding the Tactical FPS Game Categories
All tactical FPS games feature the typical highs and lows of combat. But while that may be so, they are not the same, and understanding the various categories can help you make the right choice based on your skillset and preferences, as follows:
Economy Shooters
If you have played games like VALORANT and Counter-Strike 2, then you already know a thing or two about the games in this category. The setup often comprises two teams, such that one attacks while the other defends itself. Since each player gets only one life per round, players have to be very careful with their actions, as dying not only kicks them off that round but also leaves their team exposed, as they will be a player down. But the risk is well worth it because winning rounds results in cash earnings, which you can spend on better weapons for the next round.
Hero or Ability Shooters
In this case, each player gets to select a character who serves a given role in the team. Examples include healers and shields. Given that each person carries a specific set of skills, teams must learn how to work together so as to capitalize on each character’s strengths while covering each other’s weaknesses. Some of the most revered titles in this regard are VALORANT and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege.
Extraction Shooters
If you love games that encompass a high degree of risk, lots of tension, and the chance to manage a huge inventory, you will like this category. For the most part, players find themselves navigating settings where they are tasked with things such as escaping war zones through specific exits, raiding buildings for valuables, and so on. And not only do they face real players but also computer-controlled enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy them. When we say that these games have high stakes, we mean it. After all, if you die before making it to the extraction point, you lose everything you brought into the match and found along the way. Some examples here would be Escape from Tarkov and Delta Force (Operations mode).
How Can You Succeed?
Anyone who wants to win in tactical FPS games has to understand that regardless of the selected sub-genre, some features are mainstays. For one, these games have very low time-to-kill such that instant kills are quite easy if you get the shot right. Moreover, the fights tend to be fast and explosive such that within five seconds, you could be dead.
Secondly, precision matters. While there are many games in which you can run and shoot at the same time, you find that the mechanics in tactical FPS games are more realistic. Thus, for accuracy, you do need to stay still when shooting. Third, these games provide players with numerous opportunities to load up on weapons, utilities, and ammunition based on their performance in previous rounds. But these things cost money, which means that if you have used all your resources, then these opportunities will not offer much to you.
So, what does all of this mean for the interested player? Well, you have to hone the following skills:
Mechanical Skills
Whenever you have the chance to take out an enemy, you want to make the most out of it. And you can do so by keeping your reticle at head height so that you can reduce the distance you need to adjust when opening fire on them. It also helps to memorize the recoil patterns of various weapons so you can ensure that subsequent shots are accurate.
And like we said, you are better off standing still when shooting in order to maximize your accuracy. These things take time to master, but they are the basics on which you can rely when fighting enemies who are coming at you from every direction.
Cognitive Skills
Knowing how to shoot accurately is just one part of the picture in tactical games. You also need to be good at staying calm under pressure, having a sense of the map, listening to sound cues, predicting what your enemies will do next, and making the right decision under pressure. Players also benefit from learning how to use their resources wisely instead of buying weapons or making upgrades just because they have the money available.
And, of course, knowing how to work with a team is important, as you need to remain composed during tense moments, give or take directions from other members, and make purchases that actually help the team. Just like with mechanics, these are skills that you will need to develop by practicing a lot.