S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat is one of the most beloved first-person shooter video games, and for good reason. With its incredible atmospheric open world, dark, immersive storyline, and compelling character interactions and side-quests, it’s an incredible gaming experience. While the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has hundreds of imitators, some of the very best games that capture the same style and atmosphere of the original are quite rare. For fans of the series looking for some other great first-person shooter games, here are ten games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat that will also have you hooked!
1. Metro 2033
An atmospheric first-person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic world, Metro 2033 is a very close cousin of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. You play as a character named Artyom, who must traverse the dark tunnels of the Moscow Metro in order to save mankind from a terrifying threat. The atmospherics are top-notch, and the gameplay is a mix of stealth and gunplay, like in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. This game takes the survival horror elements of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. and ramps it up, with more horror elements, more enemies, and a more serious tone.
2. Crysis
Crysis is an incredibly atmospheric shooter, taking place on an island off the coast of China, with an almost-open world structure and a mix of stealth and futuristic combat. You play as a soldier equipped with a nanosuit that gives you amazing superpowers and abilities, like the ability to turn invisible or to be bulletproof. This game has the same kind of immersive atmosphere and unique enemies as in S.T.A.L.K.E.R., but instead of a post-apocalyptic setting, you’re in a ruined paradise filled with lush vegetation.
3. Far Cry
The Far Cry series of games are some of the most beautiful, atmospheric first-person shooters on the market. Like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Far Cry takes place in an open-world environment, full of exploration and secrets. The player is thrown into a tropical island paradise, overrun by a ruthless dictator and his powerful private army. The game has a mix of realistic and futuristic weapons, and some truly memorable boss battles. Far Cry has a similar mix of open-world exploration, mystery, and combat as the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.
4. Half-Life 2
No list of games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. would be complete without Half-Life 2. This classic first-person shooter revolutionized the genre, with incredible physics, amazing AI, and a truly gripping story. In Half-Life 2, the player is cast as the hero, Gordon Freeman, in a fight against an alien menace called the Combine. The player fights his way through the war-torn city of City 17, using a mix of weapons and clever strategies. Half-Life 2 has a similar mix of puzzle-solving, intense combat, and narrative depth as the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series.
5. Serious Sam
Serious Sam is a classic first-person shooter series that draws many comparisons to S.T.A.L.K.E.R., and for good reason. It’s a non-stop action-fest, with absurdly huge waves of enemies and an over-the-top sense of humor. You play as Sam “Serious” Stone, a badass warrior who must battle through hordes of monsters and aliens to save the world. The game has a unique retro feel, with larger-than-life enemies, huge weapons, and a humorous tone. While it lacks the same narrative depth as S.T.A.L.K.E.R., it’s perfect for a more lighthearted shooter experience.
6. F.E.A.R.
F.E.A.R. (First Encounter Assault Recon) is an incredibly atmospheric shooter, with a darker, more horror-centric narrative than the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. You play as a member of an elite special ops team sent to investigate a mysterious, paranormal threat. The game combines intense firefights with tense supernatural horror elements, as you battle against an insane, telepathic villain and her terrifying psychic powers. If you want a more horror-focused story but still crave the first-person shooter gameplay of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., F.E.A.R. is a great option.
7. Deus Ex
Deus Ex is a classic first-person shooter, but it’s also a brilliant role-playing game. You play as Jonathan “J.C.” Denton, a cybernetic special agent on a mission to save the world from a dangerous global conspiracy. The game combines intense action with stealth and puzzle-solving as you explore a sinister and fascinating world. Like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Deus Ex is an immersive, atmospheric game, but this time, the setting is a cyberpunk dystopia.
8. Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is the prequel to Half-Life 2, and it’s a must-play for fans of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. You play as Alyx Vance, a brave resistance fighter who must confront a powerful alien race called the Combine. This game is an incredibly immersive virtual reality experience, taking full advantage of the medium to create a truly unique, atmospheric world. Like S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Half-Life: Alyx is an intense and gripping narrative experience, with intense combat and puzzles.
9. Borderlands
Borderlands is a unique first-person shooter, combining an intense mix of futuristic guns, RPG elements, and even some horror elements. You play as one of four Vault Hunters, on a mission to explore the mysterious planet Pandora, in search of a legendary vault. The game has a unique, cel-shaded art style, and the same kind of post-apocalyptic setting as S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The game is a mix of intense gunfights, exploration, and even some platforming elements.
10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The Call of Duty series is known for its intense first-person shooter action, and Modern Warfare 2 is one of the best in the series. You play as a special forces operative in a fight against a terrorist group, and the game has intense firefights and some truly memorable set pieces. It lacks the same intense atmosphere and RPG elements as S.T.A.L.K.E.R., but if you want a more action-focused shooter experience, Modern Warfare 2 is a great choice.
Conclusion
The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series has been captivating gamers for years, with its unique blend of atmosphere, intense combat, and a gripping narrative. While there’s nothing quite like the original, these ten games like S.T.A.L.K.E.R. are some of the very best shooters out there. Whether you’re looking for a horror-focused experience, intense action, or deeper RPG elements, these games will keep you hooked for hours.