10 Upcoming FPS Games That Look Absolutely Insane
10 Upcoming FPS Games That Look Absolutely Insane
Introduction
The first‑person shooter (FPS) genre is evolving faster than ever. While the release cadence of traditional AAA blockbusters has slowed, a wave of ambitious projects—both from established studios and indie innovators—is pushing visual fidelity, narrative depth, and gameplay experimentation to new heights. Below is a curated look at ten upcoming FPS titles that have already turned heads with their stunning trailers, unique concepts, and promising development pedigrees. These first impressions suggest a future where shooters are not just about gunplay, but also about atmosphere, storytelling, and novel mechanics.
10. Project Spectrum
Overview Project Spectrum is an asymmetric PvPvE tactical shooter that blends cinematic horror with free‑to‑play multiplayer.
Key Features
- Elite operatives equipped with realistic weapons and ghost‑hunting tech explore eerie woods and a mansion‑like complex.
- One player assumes the role of a mimic‑like monster, hunting the other team.
- Deep character customization and kit building for both hunters and the monster.
Development & Release Developed by Team Jade—known for Delta Force and Call of Duty Mobile—the game promises high‑quality visuals and atmospheric tension. No release date has been announced yet, but the studio’s multiplayer experience raises expectations.
9. Defect
Overview Defect is a cyber‑punk shooter that mixes immersive single‑player narrative with co‑op and PvP modes.
Key Features
- Squad‑based tactical combat set in a world ruled by AI.
- Dynamic hacking mechanics and mission objectives that evolve in real time.
- Soundtrack by Mick Gordon, the composer behind DOOM (2016).
Development & Release While the developer remains relatively under‑the‑radar, a recent five‑minute gameplay reveal showcases a striking visual style that distinguishes it from the crowded cyber‑punk market. A release window has not been confirmed.
8. The Lift
Overview The Lift places players in the shoes of a solitary handyman tasked with repairing an abandoned research facility, combining survival crafting with exploratory puzzle solving.
Key Features
- Soviet‑inspired sci‑fi aesthetic with retro technology and quirky robots.
- Hybrid gameplay that merges Deep Rock Galactic‑style exploration, crafting, and a “Powerwash Simulator”‑type cleaning mechanic.
- Emphasis on environmental storytelling as you uncover the facility’s mysteries.
Development & Release Published by Tiny Build, a studio known for off‑beat titles, The Lift targets a 2026 launch. Its unique premise promises a fresh take on the survival‑craft genre.
7. Covenant
Overview Covenant is a first‑person dark‑fantasy action game that blends Souls‑like difficulty with fast‑paced combat reminiscent of Doom Eternal.
Key Features
- Massive swords, deadly magic, and intricate melee combat.
- Interconnected world design with challenging boss encounters.
- Developed by Legion Studio, whose team includes veterans from Doom, Call of Duty, Halo, Battlefield, Apex Legends, and Destiny.
Development & Release While still early in development with no firm release date, the pedigree of its creators suggests a high production value and a potentially standout entry in the emerging niche of first‑person Souls‑likes.
6. Tides of Tomorrow
Overview Tides of Tomorrow is a narrative‑driven multiplayer adventure set on a vibrant, post‑apocalyptic water world.
Key Features
- Bright, cartoony art style with a strong sense of color and humor.
- Cooperative heist missions, stealth segments, and boat‑based exploration.
- Player choices that impact other participants’ experiences, emphasizing shared storytelling.
Development & Release Developed by an experienced indie team, the game is slated for release on February 24, 2026. Its ambitious blend of narrative and multiplayer mechanics could redefine how stories are told in shared‑world shooters.
5. Mouse Pi for Hire
Overview Mouse Pi for Hire delivers a 1930s‑style noir FPS adventure starring a mouse detective, rendered in hand‑drawn black‑and‑white animation.
Key Features
- Stylized, hand‑drawn visuals reminiscent of classic cartoons, yet distinct from Cuphead’s palette.
- Over‑the‑top weapons and Metroid‑vania‑style level design encouraging exploration.
- Authentic period jazz soundtrack performed by a dedicated big‑band ensemble.
Development & Release Backed by a publisher and set for March 19, 2026, the title aims to fuse classic animation techniques with modern FPS gameplay.
4. Valor Mortis
Overview Valor Mortis transports players to a Napoleonic‑era battlefield infused with horror elements, delivering a first‑person melee‑heavy Souls‑like experience.
Key Features
- Period‑accurate weapons and uniforms combined with supernatural enemies.
- Challenging boss fights and atmospheric level design.
- Early playtests have generated positive feedback regarding combat feel and visual fidelity.
Development & Release Although a specific launch date remains unannounced, the game is expected sometime in 2026. Its unique historical‑horror blend could carve out a new sub‑genre within FPS titles.
3. Ill
Overview Ill is a horror‑centric FPS that emphasizes visceral gore, dismemberment, and a deeply unsettling atmosphere.
Key Features
- Realistic lighting and shadow work that heightens tension.
- Grotesque enemy designs that push the boundaries of horror aesthetics.
- Advanced dismemberment system offering brutal, satisfying combat feedback.
Development & Release Now under the umbrella of Munfish—the studio behind Atomic Heart—Ill benefits from solid production support. A release window has not been disclosed, but the latest trailer suggests a polished, terrifying experience.
2. Quite a Ride
Overview Quite a Ride reimagines survival gameplay on a bicycle, set against the mist‑shrouded backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.
Key Features
- Constant motion required for survival; pedaling powers a crucial phone device that detects anomalies.
- Dynamic, ever‑changing world with abandoned structures, secret labs, and Cthulhu‑inspired horrors.
- Collective global progression where player actions unlock new locations and quests, echoing the community‑driven aspects of Death Stranding.
Development & Release Developed by a team with a proven track record, the game promises a fresh take on survival mechanics. No official launch date has been announced yet.
1. Animal Use Protocol
Overview Animal Use Protocol is a quirky, sci‑fi FPS starring a sentient monkey armed with a gun and accompanied by a talking mouse companion.
Key Features
- Dark, atmospheric environments that blend Half‑Life‑style exploration with surreal, odd‑world aesthetics.
- Unique character dynamics between the monkey protagonist and the mouse sidekick.
- Developed by The Brotherhood, known for Status and Status: Bone Totem, indicating a foundation of solid indie craftsmanship.
Development & Release Anticipated for a 2026 release, the title aims to stand out through its unconventional premise and striking visual style.
Conclusion
The upcoming roster of FPS games highlighted here demonstrates that the genre is far from stagnant. From asymmetric horror shooters and cyber‑punk tactical ops to hand‑drawn noir adventures and bicycle‑based survival experiences, developers are exploring bold new directions. While release dates remain uncertain for many of these titles, the early visuals and concepts suggest a promising future for first‑person shooters that dare to be different. Keep an eye on these projects as they progress—they may well redefine what we expect from the FPS genre in the years to come.