The first-person shooter genre continues to evolve, with several notable developments shaping the gaming landscape. From innovative game releases to the resurgence of classic titles, the FPS genre is experiencing a dynamic period.

One of the most anticipated titles is "Gears of War: E-Day," a prequel to the original 2006 game. Announced during the 2024 Xbox Showcase, this installment is set for release in 2026 on PC and Xbox Series X/S. Developed on Unreal Engine 5, the game revisits the origins of the Locust War, focusing on young Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago during Emergence Day. Early indications suggest a return to classic third-person cover shooting with enhanced technology and storytelling.

Another significant development is "Lost Rift," a tropical survival shooter from People Can Fly, the creators of "Painkiller" and "Bulletstorm." Set on a mysterious archipelago called Pioneer's Landing, players collaborate to build bases, craft gear, and uncover a PvE narrative involving scientists and interdimensional anomalies. The game is scheduled for early access on September 25, 2025, for $25, blending traditional survival crafting mechanics with dynamic first-person shooter elements.

In the realm of cooperative shooters, "John Carpenter's Toxic Commando" emerges as a promising contender. Developed by Saber Interactive in collaboration with the legendary director John Carpenter, the game was presented at Gamescom 2025, with a planned release in early 2026 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. The narrative combines intense action with 1980s B-movie humor, placing four mercenaries against a creature released after a failed experiment to extract energy from the Earth's core. The beta showcased solid gameplay, solo or cooperative play options, and a rich environment.

Additionally, "Heretic+Hexen" has been added to Xbox Game Pass and PC, offering remastered versions of the classic 1990s first-person shooters. These editions come with enhanced gameplay and graphics, including new campaign episodes developed by id Software and Nightdive Studios. The Steam version also offers the original DOS versions of the games, including "Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel."

These developments highlight the FPS genre's ongoing innovation and its ability to blend nostalgia with modern gaming experiences. As these titles approach their release dates, they are poised to offer diverse and engaging experiences for both new and veteran players.