First-person shooters (FPS) have undergone significant evolution since the genre’s early days. Doom (1993) laid the foundation with fast-paced, run-and-gun gameplay, simple AI, and a focus on action. Movement was limited to strafing and jumping, while shooting was straightforward, with hitscan weapons and no realistic recoil or bullet physics.

As technology progressed, so did FPS mechanics. Half-Life (1998) introduced environmental storytelling and more advanced AI. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) revolutionized combat by adding regenerating health, weapon limitations, and vehicular gameplay. Later, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) emphasized realistic gunplay, tactical movement, and perks that allowed players to customize their playstyle.

Modern FPS titles like Valorant and Escape from Tarkov bring new levels of complexity. Valorant integrates hero-based abilities, creating a hybrid between FPS and MOBA mechanics. Escape from Tarkov, on the other hand, focuses on hyper-realistic gun physics, armor penetration, and survival elements, blurring the line between FPS and simulation.

Additionally, movement mechanics have become more dynamic. Parkour-inspired traversal, as seen in Titanfall 2 and Dying Light, adds verticality and freedom to gameplay. Advanced AI now adapts to player behavior, making single-player experiences more engaging.

With VR technology and AI advancements, the future of FPS games will likely emphasize immersion, procedural environments, and even more sophisticated enemy AI. The genre has transformed from simple shootouts to complex, skill-based experiences with deep tactical elements.