When it comes to first-person shooter (FPS) games, three franchises tower above the rest: Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Destiny. Each series offers its unique take on the genre, from gritty military realism to sprawling sci-fi worlds. But which one reigns supreme? Know about the Key features, strengths and weaknesses of each contender to help you choose the right FPS for your play style.
Call of Duty: Fast-Paced, Cinematic Action
Call of Duty (CoD) is the best-selling FPS franchise of all time, and for good reason. Known for its tight gunplay, breakneck pace and blockbuster set-pieces, CoD consistently delivers a polished, adrenaline-pumping experience.
Campaign Mode
CoD made its name with gripping, tightly scripted single-player campaigns full of jaw-dropping moments. Whether you’re storming Normandy beach, blasting through a crumbling Chornobyl or going undercover to stop a terrorist plot, CoD’s cinematic flair makes you feel like an action movie star. Recent entries have experimented with more open-ended level design and branching storylines, but the core formula remains: big guns, big explosions, and non-stop thrills.
Multiplayer Mode
CoD’s multiplayer is all about fast reflexes and twitch shooting skills. Most CoD maps are small to medium-sized, funnelling players into constant close-quarters skirmishes with little room to hide. The loadout and perk systems let you fine-tune your playstyle, while the tight feedback loop of unlocks and prestige ranks keep you coming back for “just one more match.” From the genre-defining Modern Warfare to the ’80s bombast of Black Ops Cold War, CoD multiplayer delivers reliable, instantly accessible run-and-gun action.
Zombies/Co-Op Mode
CoD’s famous Zombies mode offers a more strategic spin on the signature shooting. You and up to 3 friends must barricade doors, manage resources and fend off increasingly vicious undead hordes. Teamwork and careful planning are essential to survive the later rounds. Recent entries have added more narrative elements and quest variety to the classic survival gameplay.
Tips for CoD Players
- Master the “snap aim” and “drop shot.” CoD rewards quick reactions and precision, so practice snapping your sights to head level and dropping to prone while firing.
- Learn the maps inside out. Map knowledge is power in CoD’s claustrophobic arenas. Memorize the high-traffic zones, sightlines and flanking routes.
- Experiment with different loadouts. CoD’s wealth of weapons, attachments, perks and killstreaks allows for diverse playstyles. Try out different combos to find what suits you best.
Battlefield: Epic, Immersive Warfare
Where CoD is all about intimate, fast-paced combat, Battlefield blows the scale wide open. Massive maps, vehicular warfare and destructible environments set Battlefield apart as the premiere military sandbox.
Campaign Mode
Battlefield campaigns tend to be more open and tactical than CoD’s tightly scripted romps. Wide environments with multiple routes and objectives encourage creative gameplay, whether you’re stealthily sniping, commanding a tank squadron or going in guns blazing. Recent entries like Battlefield 1 and V have focused on emotional war stories from multiple perspectives, adding depth and humanity to the bombastic action.
Multiplayer Mode
Battlefield’s multiplayer is a grand-scale delight. Enormous maps accommodate up to 128 players, with a dynamic mix of infantry, land vehicles, aircraft and even naval units. The sheer variety of playstyles and “Battlefield moments” this enables is staggering. Snipe a pilot out of a helicopter cockpit, blow open a new route with C4, crush an enemy squad with your tank – if you can dream it, you can probably do it. No two matches feel the same, leading to endless emergent stories and water-cooler moments.
Tips for Battlefield Players
- Play the objective. In Battlefield’s sprawling maps, focusing solely on kills is a recipe for loss. Stick with your squad, play your class role and prioritize the mission.
- Spot enemies for your team. A simple button press marks spotted foes on your squad’s HUD, removing the element of surprise. Communication wins games!
- Use vehicles wisely. Vehicles can be game-changers, but only in skilled hands. Practice manoeuvring and aiming, and always keep an engineer on hand for repairs.
Destiny: Loot-Driven, Sci-Fi Splendor
Destiny brings FPS action to a persistent shared world full of loot, quests and space magic. While the core gunplay is excellent, it’s the RPG elements and online coop that set Destiny apart.
Campaign Mode
Destiny’s campaigns weave an epic sci-fi saga of space travel, ancient aliens and humanity’s struggle for survival. While the storytelling can be confusingly non-linear at times, the world-building is undeniably rich. Quests have you jetting between planets, moons and space stations, each with its stunning vistas and hidden secrets. AI companions add liveliness and character to your journey across the stars.
Multiplayer Mode (PvP)
Destiny’s PvP mode called the Crucible, features arena shooting with a twist. In addition to standard guns, your Guardian’s otherworldly abilities add a layer of space magic to the combat. Summon a flaming sword, hurl a black hole, or electrify the battlefield with your cosmic powers. The smaller scale and emphasis on mobility create lightning-fast engagements with lots of “hero moments.” However, the inclusion of MMO-like abilities can sometimes make the sandbox feel unbalanced compared to a purer shooter like CoD.
Co-Op Mode (PvE)
Destiny’s true strength lies in its cooperative play. Destiny features a wealth of PvE content, from simple patrols to complex 6-player raids. The game shines brightest when you’re exploring the world with friends, mowing down aliens and hunting for better loot to upgrade your Guardian. The tougher challenges require careful coordination and cater to a more tactical playstyle than a twitchy one. Figuring out the right combination of weapons, abilities and tactics to defeat a tricky boss or solve an inscrutable puzzle is where Destiny becomes more than just another shooter.
Tips for Destiny Players
- Experiment with different builds. Destiny’s RPG systems allow for tons of customization. Try out different subclasses, weapons and gear to find a playstyle that works for you.
- Play with friends. While you can play Destiny solo, it’s best experienced with a fire team. Tackling quests, events and raids as a group is far more fun and effective.
- Aim for the head! Destiny’s enemies (especially in PvP) can be bullet sponges, but precision hits deal extra damage. Hone your aim and you’ll cut through foes much faster.
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Franchise
| Game | Multiplayer | Co-Op | Key Gameplay Features | Combat Style | Unique Elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty (COD) | Bombastic, linear, cinematic | Fast-paced, twitchy, intimate combat | High-intensity action, scripted moments | Quick reflexes, close-quarters combat | Tense, strategic Zombies survival |
| Battlefield | Open, tactical, emotional | Epic scale, vehicular, destructible maps | Large, open environments with destructible elements | More strategic, long-range engagements | Team-based, large-scale warfare |
| Destiny | Lore-rich, explorative, non-linear | Hero moments, space magic abilities | Raids, quests, shared world loot chasing | Hybrid FPS/MMO with RPG mechanics | Deep sci-fi lore, cooperative PvE, loot-driven progression |
As you can see, each series has its strengths and weaknesses:
- COD is unbeatable for pure, polished, arcade FPS action, but the cramped maps and constant respawns can feel monotonous.
- Battlefield provides unmatched scale and spectacle, but the vast, vehicle-heavy matches have a steep learning curve.
- Destiny offers deep RPG systems and an engaging loot chase, but the PvP balance and storytelling can be inconsistent.
So which series is the right fit for you? Here are some tips to help you decide:
Choose Call of Duty if:
- You prefer fast, adrenaline-pumping action and instant gratification
- You enjoy climbing the ranks and unlocking new gear in multiplayer
- Do you like a polished, cinematic single-player campaign experience
Choose Battlefield if:
- Do you like more tactical, open-ended, sandbox-style gameplay
- You enjoy epic large-scale warfare with diverse playstyles and vehicles
- You prefer more realistic graphics and a grittier military tone
Choose Destiny if:
- You enjoy MMO-style looting, levelling and ability customization
- You like completing quests and exploring a rich sci-fi universe with friends
- You prefer PvE content and more strategic, ability-driven PvP
Of course, these distinctions aren’t always clear-cut. Recent CoD entries have incorporated larger maps and modes. Battlefield V leaned into hero shooter elements. Destiny regularly adds new quickfire PvP playlists. The lines between these landmark franchises keep blurring, and that’s a good thing! A little creative cross-pollination keeps the genre fresh and exciting.
So, Which is the Ultimate FPS?
There’s no easy answer. According to a 2020 report by GamesIndustry.biz, Call of Duty remains the genre leader in raw sales numbers. But Battlefield carved an early niche in vehicle-based multiplayer and still arguably does it best. And Destiny pioneered the “shared world shooter” and has maintained a dedicated (if smaller) fanbase for years now.
Ultimately, the “best” FPS is the one that speaks to you personally. Maybe that’s the lightning-quick kills of CoD, the grand-scale immersion of Battlefield, or the deep RPG hooks of Destiny. Or maybe it’s all three! There’s never been a better time to be an FPS fan, and these three trailblazing franchises all have plenty to offer.
At the end of the day, Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Destiny are all amazing FPS experiences that have shaped the genre and delighted millions. Whether you’re looking for a quick adrenaline fix, a sprawling tactical sandbox, or a loot-filled space epic, one of these landmark series is sure to scratch that FPS itch. So grab your gun, join your squad and get out there! Those virtual battlefields won’t conquer themselves.