good free to play shooters with story

Another good one is 'Paladins'. It's a team - based shooter with a fantasy setting. There is a story mode which gives context to the different champions and their abilities. You can choose from various characters, each with their own backstories, and engage in battles. The graphics are nice, and the gameplay is engaging for both casual and more hardcore players.

Overwatch is a great choice. It has a diverse cast of heroes, each with their own origin stories. The game's world is full of lore and there are events that expand on the story. The shooter gameplay is fast - paced and skill - based. You can form teams and compete in different modes while also learning more about the heroes and the world they inhabit, and it's free to play.

Apex Legends is a great one. The story is told through the characters' backstories and the in - game events. Each legend has a unique past that adds depth to the game. Another is Warframe, which has a complex and evolving story about the Tenno and their fight against different enemies in a vast universe. Paladins also has a story that is intertwined with its hero - based shooter gameplay.

I highly recommend 'Warface'. It has a solid story campaign that takes you through different military - themed scenarios. The gameplay is intense, and the story helps to tie all the missions together. 'Blacklight: Retribution' is another free - to - play shooter with a story. It's set in a dystopian future and you fight in various urban and industrial environments as you follow the game's narrative. 'Planetside 2' also has a large - scale story set in a persistent world where battles rage on between different factions, and your actions can impact the overall story arc.

A beginner could start with 'Far Cry 3'. The story is about Jason Brody, who is stranded on an island full of pirates and has to fight to survive and rescue his friends. It has a simple yet engaging story with lots of action. 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution' is also a great option. You play as Adam Jensen, who is augmented with cybernetic enhancements. The story involves corporate intrigue, conspiracy theories, and a search for the truth about the augmentation technology. It has multiple ways to play, which is great for a beginner to explore different story paths.

One of the best shooters with a story is 'BioShock'. The story takes place in the underwater city of Rapture, filled with moral and philosophical themes. Another is 'Half - Life' series. Gordon Freeman's journey through the alien - infested Black Mesa is both exciting and full of mystery. Also, 'The Last of Us' (although more of a third - person shooter) has an incredibly immersive post - apocalyptic story about Joel and Ellie's journey across a ruined America.

I'd recommend 'The Outer Worlds'. It's a first - person shooter with an interesting story set in a corporate - dominated space colony. You get to make choices that affect the story and the characters around you. Then there's 'Prey'. The story takes place on a space station overrun by alien - like creatures. You have to figure out what happened and how to survive while uncovering a lot of secrets. Also, 'Doom' (2016) and its sequel have a simple yet effective story. You are the Doom Slayer fighting demons from Hell, and the backstory adds a lot of depth to the fast - paced action.

Character development is a key feature. In 'Half - Life' series, you follow the journey of Gordon Freeman. His character grows and evolves throughout the story, and as a player, you get to be a part of that. The realistic shooting aspects, such as using the physics - based weapons against the alien enemies, blend well with the story, making it an unforgettable experience.

'Cave Story' is very popular. It has been around for a long time and is beloved for its deep story. The pixel art graphics and the action - packed shooting gameplay combined with a well - crafted story make it a classic. It has inspired many other indie games as well.

The 'Metro' series is also a good choice. Set in a post - apocalyptic Moscow metro system, the games have a rich narrative. You experience the struggles of the survivors, face off against mutants, and uncover secrets about the world above. It has a great atmosphere that complements the story well.