Best Alien Shooting Games On PC: Blast Some Extraterrestrials!

Are you ready to defend Earth from hordes of extraterrestrial invaders? Dive into the thrilling world of alien shooting games on PC, where you can test your reflexes, strategize your defenses, and unleash devastating firepower on otherworldly foes. Whether you prefer fast-paced action, tactical gameplay, or immersive storytelling, there's an alien shooter out there for you. Let's explore some of the best alien shooting games that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. XCOM 2: Command and Conquer Against Aliens

XCOM 2 stands as a towering achievement in the strategy genre, seamlessly blending turn-based tactical combat with a compelling narrative of resistance against alien occupation. In this game, players take on the role of the Commander, leading a global resistance movement against the alien ADVENT coalition that has taken control of Earth. The game excels in providing a deep and engaging strategic layer where you manage resources, research alien technologies, and expand your resistance network, all while preparing your soldiers for the next perilous mission.

The tactical combat in XCOM 2 is where the game truly shines. Each mission presents a unique set of challenges, requiring players to carefully position their soldiers, utilize cover effectively, and exploit enemy weaknesses. The permadeath feature adds a significant layer of tension and consequence to every decision, as the loss of a high-ranking soldier can have lasting impacts on your campaign. The diverse array of soldier classes, each with their own unique abilities and skill trees, allows for a high degree of customization and strategic experimentation. You can tailor your squad to suit your playstyle, whether you prefer a heavily armored frontline or a stealthy, infiltration-focused team.

XCOM 2's narrative is rich and engaging, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit. The alien ADVENT coalition is depicted as a cunning and ruthless enemy, employing propaganda and advanced technology to maintain their control over the population. As you progress through the game, you'll uncover the aliens' sinister plans and work to expose their lies to the world. The characters you encounter are memorable and well-developed, each with their own motivations and backstories that add depth to the overall narrative. The constant struggle against overwhelming odds creates a sense of urgency and desperation, making every victory feel hard-earned and meaningful. The game's expansion, War of the Chosen, further enhances the experience by introducing new enemy factions, soldier classes, and a dynamic campaign system that keeps the gameplay fresh and unpredictable. XCOM 2 is not just a game; it's an immersive and challenging experience that will test your strategic thinking and leadership skills.

2. Half-Life Series: A Classic Alien Invasion

The Half-Life series is an undisputed cornerstone of the first-person shooter genre, renowned for its groundbreaking storytelling, immersive world-building, and innovative gameplay. Beginning with the original Half-Life in 1998, players are thrust into the role of Gordon Freeman, a research scientist at the Black Mesa Research Facility, when a scientific experiment goes horribly wrong, opening a portal to an alien world known as Xen. What sets Half-Life apart is its seamless integration of narrative into the gameplay. Instead of relying on cutscenes, the story unfolds organically as you progress through the game, experiencing events firsthand through Gordon's eyes. This immersive approach creates a sense of immediacy and involvement, making you feel like an active participant in the unfolding drama.

Half-Life 2, released in 2004, took the series to even greater heights. Set years after the events of the first game, Half-Life 2 sees Gordon Freeman emerging from stasis to find Earth under the oppressive rule of the Combine, a powerful alien empire. The game's environments are stunningly realized, from the decaying Eastern European city of City 17 to the desolate wastelands beyond. The physics-based gameplay, powered by the Source engine, allows for unprecedented levels of interactivity with the environment, enabling players to solve puzzles and combat enemies in creative and unexpected ways. The gravity gun, in particular, became an instant classic, allowing players to manipulate objects and hurl them at enemies with devastating effect.

The Half-Life series is also notable for its memorable characters, such as Alyx Vance, a skilled hacker and resistance fighter who becomes Gordon's trusted ally. The relationship between Gordon and Alyx is one of the highlights of Half-Life 2, adding emotional depth and resonance to the narrative. The series' impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, influencing countless other games with its innovative gameplay mechanics, immersive storytelling, and groundbreaking technology. Even after all these years, the Half-Life series remains a must-play for any fan of first-person shooters, offering an unparalleled blend of action, adventure, and science fiction.

3. DOOM Eternal: Rip and Tear Through Demonic Hordes

DOOM Eternal is a visceral and unrelenting first-person shooter that throws players into the boots of the DOOM Slayer, an unstoppable force of nature tasked with eradicating demonic hordes from the face of the Earth. Building upon the foundation of the 2016 DOOM reboot, DOOM Eternal takes the action to even greater heights, with faster gameplay, more brutal combat, and a heavy metal soundtrack that will get your adrenaline pumping. The game's combat is a masterclass in aggression, encouraging players to constantly move forward, engage enemies head-on, and utilize a variety of weapons and abilities to maintain a relentless assault. The glory kill system, which allows players to execute weakened enemies with gruesome melee attacks, adds a satisfyingly violent touch to the gameplay.

DOOM Eternal also introduces a number of new gameplay mechanics that add depth and complexity to the combat. The chainsaw, for example, can be used to instantly kill enemies and replenish ammo, while the flame belch ability sets enemies on fire, causing them to drop armor shards. These mechanics encourage players to think strategically about how they approach each encounter, forcing them to constantly adapt their tactics to the situation at hand. The game's level design is intricate and challenging, with a mix of open arenas and tight corridors that demand both precision and agility. Secret areas and collectibles are hidden throughout the levels, rewarding exploration and encouraging players to revisit areas they've already cleared.

The story of DOOM Eternal delves deeper into the lore of the DOOM universe, exploring the origins of the DOOM Slayer and the history of the demonic invasion. While the narrative is secondary to the gameplay, it provides a compelling backdrop to the action, adding context and motivation to the Slayer's relentless crusade against the forces of Hell. The game's visuals are stunning, with detailed environments, grotesque enemy designs, and over-the-top special effects that make every explosion and blood splatter feel impactful. DOOM Eternal is a celebration of everything that makes first-person shooters great, offering a non-stop barrage of adrenaline-fueled action that will leave you breathless.

4. Gears 5: Fight the Swarm

Gears 5 emerges as a standout title in the Gears of War franchise, celebrated for its gripping storyline, visually stunning environments, and refined gameplay mechanics. Players are once again thrust into the intense conflict against the Swarm, a formidable alien threat that threatens the very existence of humanity. This installment sees Kait Diaz taking center stage, delving into her personal connection to the Swarm while grappling with the looming war. Gears 5 captivates players with its cinematic narrative and immersive world-building, delivering an unforgettable gaming experience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Gears 5 is its breathtaking visuals, which push the boundaries of graphical fidelity. From the war-torn landscapes of Sera to the icy terrains of the frozen north, every environment is meticulously crafted, brimming with detail and atmosphere. The game's use of dynamic lighting and weather effects further enhances the sense of immersion, drawing players deeper into the heart of the action. In addition to its stunning visuals, Gears 5 introduces innovative gameplay mechanics that add depth and variety to the combat. The addition of Jack, Kait's personal support drone, allows for new tactical options, such as stunning enemies, deploying shields, and healing teammates. These abilities add a layer of strategy to the firefights, encouraging players to coordinate their attacks and utilize Jack's abilities to gain an edge over the Swarm.

Gears 5 also shines in its multiplayer offerings, providing a range of competitive and cooperative modes to keep players engaged. The classic Horde mode returns, challenging players to team up and defend against waves of increasingly difficult enemies. The Versus mode offers a variety of competitive game types, allowing players to test their skills against others in intense, adrenaline-fueled matches. With its compelling story, stunning visuals, and refined gameplay, Gears 5 sets a new standard for the Gears of War franchise, solidifying its place as one of the premier third-person shooters on the market.

5. Deep Rock Galactic: Space Dwarves vs. Alien Bugs

Deep Rock Galactic offers a unique and immensely enjoyable cooperative experience, seamlessly blending first-person shooting with mining and exploration elements. Players assume the roles of space dwarves, tasked with venturing into the procedurally generated caves of Hoxxes IV, a hostile planet teeming with alien bugs and valuable resources. What sets Deep Rock Galactic apart is its emphasis on teamwork and communication. Each player selects from one of four distinct classes, each with their own unique abilities and roles to play in the team.

The Gunner provides heavy firepower and support with his minigun and zipline launcher, while the Driller can carve tunnels through the terrain with his powerful drills. The Engineer can deploy turrets and platforms to create defensive positions and bridge gaps, while the Scout can illuminate the caves with his flare gun and quickly traverse the environment with his grappling hook. Working together is essential to success in Deep Rock Galactic. Players must coordinate their efforts to mine resources, defend against swarms of alien bugs, and navigate the complex cave systems.

The procedurally generated caves of Hoxxes IV ensure that each mission feels fresh and unpredictable. The caves are filled with hidden dangers, valuable resources, and challenging puzzles that require teamwork and ingenuity to overcome. The alien bugs that inhabit the caves are diverse and deadly, each with their own unique behaviors and attack patterns. From the small and nimble swarmers to the massive and heavily armored dreadnoughts, players must adapt their tactics to survive the onslaught. Deep Rock Galactic is a game that rewards teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. Whether you're mining resources, fighting off hordes of alien bugs, or exploring the depths of Hoxxes IV, you're sure to have a blast with your friends in this unique and addictive cooperative shooter.

Conclusion

The realm of alien shooting games on PC offers a vast and diverse selection of experiences, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the tactical depth of XCOM 2, the classic storytelling of the Half-Life series, the adrenaline-fueled action of DOOM Eternal, the cooperative fun of Deep Rock Galactic, or the engaging narrative of Gears 5, there's an alien shooter out there that will capture your imagination and keep you entertained for hours on end. So, gear up, lock and load, and prepare to defend humanity against the extraterrestrial threat!