Best games
Best Shooter games of 2005
The 31 best Shooter games released in 2005, ranked from 11,512 critic and player ratings.
The best Shooter game of 2005 is Battlefield 2, with a critic score of 93/100 — updated September 2026.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 2005.
- 31 games are listed on this page, carrying 11,512 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 31
01
Battlefield 2
In Battlefield 2, players will choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, the Chinese, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game’s 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with over 64 players in some of the largest online battles on the PC. Additionally, persistent character growth allows players to rise through the ranks and attain the ultimate rank of General.
93
/100
02
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
Based on a true story. Set during the famous airdrop before the invasion at Normandy, where Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad of 101st Airborne Paratroopers were scattered over the French countryside. As the story unfolds, you must choose between the success of your mission and the lives of your men - your brothers in arms. Brothers In Arms: Road to Hill 30 will immerse players in the historic, eight-day invasion of Normandy - with unparalleled imagery, authenticity, sound, and gameplay. One of a kind: Brothers In Arms Road to Hill 30 is the only first-person tactical shooter set in WWII. Real military tactics: Intuitive and easy-to-use squad controls appeal to both the hardcore and mainstream gaming audience. Real soldiers: Featuring a cast of more than 20 characters, each with a unique personality, appearance, and style. Revolutionary AI system: Allies and enemies use the standard operating procedures of fire and maneuver to flank and kill their foes. Unprecedented authenticity: Historically accurate and detailed battlefields, events, and equipment re-created from Army Signal Corps photos, aerial reconnaissance imagery, and eyewitness accounts. Innovative multiplayer: Players command three-man AI teams in a battle of wits and skill to accomplish exciting objectives. Award-winning team: Gearbox Software, creators of Half-Life Opposing Force and developers of James Bond: Nightfire, Counter-Strike, and Halo (PC).
92
/100
03
A
F.E.A.R.
The Xbox 360 port of F.E.A.R. contains an Instant Action mode for single-player. In this mode, players are dropped into a modified level and must get to a designated point as quickly as possible whilst simultaneously killing as many enemies as possible and being as accurate as possible. Graphically, this versions is equivalent to the PC version on maximum settings with an high dynamic range lighting, an advanced particle system and HD textures. It also features an exclusive bonus level not found in the PC original, which depicts Holiday's attempt to extract Bishop from ATC headquarters. These versions also features a new weapon, dual wielded automatic handguns. The PlayStation 3 port of F.E.A.R. features the same Instant Action mode from the Xbox 360 version. It also has its own exclusive additional weapon (a street sweeper shotgun) and bonus mission, which depicts the Delta Force recon team's journey through ATC headquarters prior to encountering Alma. Like the Xbox version, the game's native resolution was 720p, but the other enhancements were removed for this version.
88
/100
Battlefield 2
In Battlefield 2, players will choose to fight for one of three military superpowers: the United States, the Chinese, or the newly formed Middle East Coalition. Armed with the latest modern weaponry, players can take control of any of the game’s 30+ vehicles to engage in major conflicts with over 64 players in some of the largest online battles on the PC. Additionally, persistent character growth allows players to rise through the ranks and attain the ultimate rank of General.
93
/100
02
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
Based on a true story. Set during the famous airdrop before the invasion at Normandy, where Sgt. Matt Baker and his squad of 101st Airborne Paratroopers were scattered over the French countryside. As the story unfolds, you must choose between the success of your mission and the lives of your men - your brothers in arms. Brothers In Arms: Road to Hill 30 will immerse players in the historic, eight-day invasion of Normandy - with unparalleled imagery, authenticity, sound, and gameplay. One of a kind: Brothers In Arms Road to Hill 30 is the only first-person tactical shooter set in WWII. Real military tactics: Intuitive and easy-to-use squad controls appeal to both the hardcore and mainstream gaming audience. Real soldiers: Featuring a cast of more than 20 characters, each with a unique personality, appearance, and style. Revolutionary AI system: Allies and enemies use the standard operating procedures of fire and maneuver to flank and kill their foes. Unprecedented authenticity: Historically accurate and detailed battlefields, events, and equipment re-created from Army Signal Corps photos, aerial reconnaissance imagery, and eyewitness accounts. Innovative multiplayer: Players command three-man AI teams in a battle of wits and skill to accomplish exciting objectives. Award-winning team: Gearbox Software, creators of Half-Life Opposing Force and developers of James Bond: Nightfire, Counter-Strike, and Halo (PC).
92
/100
03
A
F.E.A.R.
The Xbox 360 port of F.E.A.R. contains an Instant Action mode for single-player. In this mode, players are dropped into a modified level and must get to a designated point as quickly as possible whilst simultaneously killing as many enemies as possible and being as accurate as possible. Graphically, this versions is equivalent to the PC version on maximum settings with an high dynamic range lighting, an advanced particle system and HD textures. It also features an exclusive bonus level not found in the PC original, which depicts Holiday's attempt to extract Bishop from ATC headquarters. These versions also features a new weapon, dual wielded automatic handguns. The PlayStation 3 port of F.E.A.R. features the same Instant Action mode from the Xbox 360 version. It also has its own exclusive additional weapon (a street sweeper shotgun) and bonus mission, which depicts the Delta Force recon team's journey through ATC headquarters prior to encountering Alma. Like the Xbox version, the game's native resolution was 720p, but the other enhancements were removed for this version.
88
/100
04
SWAT 4
To simulate realistic police procedures, SWAT 4' encourages the use of non-lethal force to subdue and arrest subjects rather than incapacitating or killing them. In addition, players must follow strict protocol to ensure proper use of force. Players may not fire on suspects with lethal weapons unless the suspect points their firearm at a fellow officer or a civilian. Penalties are given for unauthorized use of force, injuries to hostages, officer incapacitation, and personal injury. On the higher difficulty levels, more points are required to pass the mission, with 100 being perfect. On the most difficult level, Elite, players need a 95/100 to pass, and will fail for killing even a single suspect, losing more than two team members without committing an infraction, or committing any infraction in addition to being injured.
85
/100
05
Call of Duty 2
"Call of Duty 2" is a first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, serving as the highly acclaimed sequel to the original "Call of Duty." Released in 2005, the game immerses players in the gripping and chaotic battles of World War II across various theaters of war. The game features three distinct campaigns, allowing players to experience the war through the eyes of American, British, and Soviet soldiers. Each campaign offers a variety of missions set in iconic locations, from the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of North Africa to the streets of Stalingrad. "Call of Duty 2" is renowned for its enhanced graphics, realistic sound design, and innovative gameplay mechanics, such as regenerating health and more dynamic AI. These improvements create a more immersive and intense combat experience. The game also features robust multiplayer modes, expanding the battlefield for players worldwide. "Call of Duty 2" set new standards for the genre and solidified the franchise's reputation for delivering high-quality wartime action.
84
/100
06
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood
Brothers in Arms Earned in Blood adds new features and game modes and builds upon the elements that made Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30 a runaway success. Featuring a new single player narrative, new multiplayer missions, an all-new cooperative style game mode, and new weapons and vehicles.
84
/100
07
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
83
/100
08
Quake IV
81
/100
09
F.E.A.R.
"F.E.A.R." (First Encounter Assault Recon) is a critically acclaimed first-person shooter game released in 2005, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sierra Entertainment. Blending psychological horror with intense combat, "F.E.A.R." puts players in the role of a point man in a special forces team tasked with containing a mysterious and powerful paranormal threat. The game's advanced AI, atmospheric storytelling, and impressive graphics create a deeply immersive experience. Players must navigate through dark, foreboding environments, battling both human enemies and supernatural entities while uncovering the dark secrets behind the paranormal phenomena. Renowned for its tense atmosphere, dynamic firefights, and haunting narrative, "F.E.A.R." stands out as a landmark title in the horror shooter genre.
81
/100
10
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Chaos has erupted throughout the galaxy. As a leader of an elite squad of Republic Commandos, your mission is to infiltrate, dominate, and ultimately, annihalate the enemy. Your squad will follow your orders and your lead, working together as a team-instinctively, intelligently, instantly. You are their leader. They are your weapon. Star Wars: Republic Commando is a tactical first-person shooter video game, set in the Star Wars universe. It was developed by LucasArts using the Unreal Engine, and published for the Xbox and Microsoft Windows in 2005. The game features both single-player and multiplayer game modes. In the story, set in the Star Wars Legends expanded universe, players assume the role of RC-1138 ("Boss"), an elite clone trooper, known as "clone commando", and the leader of the special ops unit Delta Squad, consisting of three fellow clone commandos with distinctive personalities and character traits: RC-1262 ("Scorch"), RC-1140 ("Fixer"), and RC-1207 ("Sev"). The story follows Delta Squad as they complete increasingly difficult missions throughout the Clone Wars and learn to bond as a team. Republic Commando received generally favorable reviews at release. Many critics praised the story and combat, but criticized the short length and average multiplayer. In the years since its release, it has come to be considered one of the best Star Wars games ever made, and has gained a cult following. An enhanced port of the game by Aspyr is set to release for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on April 6, 2021. As reported by Jordan Ramée of GameSpot, "Handled by Aspyr Media, Star Wars: Republic Commando Remastered brings the original 2005 Xbox and PC game to PS4 and Switch with enhanced HD graphics and modernized controls, though the multiplayer is absent. Otherwise, it's the same game. And though the flaws in its gameplay are only more noticeable now 16 years later, this remaster manages to still deliver a compelling story of four specialized commandos engaging in a variety of combat missions across the Clone Wars.".
81
/100
11
Sniper Elite
80
/100
12
S
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
80
/100
13
Day of Defeat: Source
80
/100
14
Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
80
/100
15
Serious Sam II
78
/100
16
Star Wars: Republic Commando
78
/100
17
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil
78
/100
18
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
78
/100
19
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
76
/100
20
Star Wars: Battlefront II
76
/100
21
Quake 4
74
/100
22
Shadowgrounds
74
/100
23
The Suffering: Ties That Bind
74
/100
24
Condemned: Criminal Origins
74
/100
25
Total Overdose
72
/100
26
Ultratron
70
/100
27
The Punisher
68
/100
28
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast
67
/100
29
Cold Fear
66
/100
30
The Matrix: Path of Neo
64
/100
31
True Crime: New York City
60
/100
SWAT 4
To simulate realistic police procedures, SWAT 4' encourages the use of non-lethal force to subdue and arrest subjects rather than incapacitating or killing them. In addition, players must follow strict protocol to ensure proper use of force. Players may not fire on suspects with lethal weapons unless the suspect points their firearm at a fellow officer or a civilian. Penalties are given for unauthorized use of force, injuries to hostages, officer incapacitation, and personal injury. On the higher difficulty levels, more points are required to pass the mission, with 100 being perfect. On the most difficult level, Elite, players need a 95/100 to pass, and will fail for killing even a single suspect, losing more than two team members without committing an infraction, or committing any infraction in addition to being injured.
85
/100
05
Call of Duty 2
"Call of Duty 2" is a first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, serving as the highly acclaimed sequel to the original "Call of Duty." Released in 2005, the game immerses players in the gripping and chaotic battles of World War II across various theaters of war. The game features three distinct campaigns, allowing players to experience the war through the eyes of American, British, and Soviet soldiers. Each campaign offers a variety of missions set in iconic locations, from the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of North Africa to the streets of Stalingrad. "Call of Duty 2" is renowned for its enhanced graphics, realistic sound design, and innovative gameplay mechanics, such as regenerating health and more dynamic AI. These improvements create a more immersive and intense combat experience. The game also features robust multiplayer modes, expanding the battlefield for players worldwide. "Call of Duty 2" set new standards for the genre and solidified the franchise's reputation for delivering high-quality wartime action.
84
/100
06
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood
Brothers in Arms Earned in Blood adds new features and game modes and builds upon the elements that made Brothers in Arms Road to Hill 30 a runaway success. Featuring a new single player narrative, new multiplayer missions, an all-new cooperative style game mode, and new weapons and vehicles.
84
/100
07
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
83
/100
08
Quake IV
81
/100
09
F.E.A.R.
"F.E.A.R." (First Encounter Assault Recon) is a critically acclaimed first-person shooter game released in 2005, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Sierra Entertainment. Blending psychological horror with intense combat, "F.E.A.R." puts players in the role of a point man in a special forces team tasked with containing a mysterious and powerful paranormal threat. The game's advanced AI, atmospheric storytelling, and impressive graphics create a deeply immersive experience. Players must navigate through dark, foreboding environments, battling both human enemies and supernatural entities while uncovering the dark secrets behind the paranormal phenomena. Renowned for its tense atmosphere, dynamic firefights, and haunting narrative, "F.E.A.R." stands out as a landmark title in the horror shooter genre.
81
/100
10
Star Wars: Republic Commando
Chaos has erupted throughout the galaxy. As a leader of an elite squad of Republic Commandos, your mission is to infiltrate, dominate, and ultimately, annihalate the enemy. Your squad will follow your orders and your lead, working together as a team-instinctively, intelligently, instantly. You are their leader. They are your weapon. Star Wars: Republic Commando is a tactical first-person shooter video game, set in the Star Wars universe. It was developed by LucasArts using the Unreal Engine, and published for the Xbox and Microsoft Windows in 2005. The game features both single-player and multiplayer game modes. In the story, set in the Star Wars Legends expanded universe, players assume the role of RC-1138 ("Boss"), an elite clone trooper, known as "clone commando", and the leader of the special ops unit Delta Squad, consisting of three fellow clone commandos with distinctive personalities and character traits: RC-1262 ("Scorch"), RC-1140 ("Fixer"), and RC-1207 ("Sev"). The story follows Delta Squad as they complete increasingly difficult missions throughout the Clone Wars and learn to bond as a team. Republic Commando received generally favorable reviews at release. Many critics praised the story and combat, but criticized the short length and average multiplayer. In the years since its release, it has come to be considered one of the best Star Wars games ever made, and has gained a cult following. An enhanced port of the game by Aspyr is set to release for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on April 6, 2021. As reported by Jordan Ramée of GameSpot, "Handled by Aspyr Media, Star Wars: Republic Commando Remastered brings the original 2005 Xbox and PC game to PS4 and Switch with enhanced HD graphics and modernized controls, though the multiplayer is absent. Otherwise, it's the same game. And though the flaws in its gameplay are only more noticeable now 16 years later, this remaster manages to still deliver a compelling story of four specialized commandos engaging in a variety of combat missions across the Clone Wars.".
81
/100
11
Sniper Elite
80
/100
12
S
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
80
/100
13
Day of Defeat: Source
80
/100
14
Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie
80
/100
15
Serious Sam II
78
/100
16
Star Wars: Republic Commando
78
/100
17
Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil
78
/100
18
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
78
/100
19
Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth
76
/100
20
Star Wars: Battlefront II
76
/100
21
Quake 4
74
/100
22
Shadowgrounds
74
/100
23
The Suffering: Ties That Bind
74
/100
24
Condemned: Criminal Origins
74
/100
25
Total Overdose
72
/100
26
Ultratron
70
/100
27
The Punisher
68
/100
28
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast
67
/100
29
Cold Fear
66
/100
30
The Matrix: Path of Neo
64
/100
31
True Crime: New York City
60
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Shooter game of 2005?
Battlefield 2 currently tops the ranking with a score of 93/100 across 352 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.