December 2025 marks one of the strongest years ever for shooter games in the United States. From large-scale warfare simulators to tactical competitive experiences and fast-paced arcade shooters, the FPS genre continues to dominate. This blog takes a deep dive into the top 5 shooting games that are ruling the U.S. market in December 2025, based on sales performance, player activity, community reception, and gameplay evolution.
This isn’t just a simple “list.”
You’re getting a fully detailed breakdown of why each game ranks highly, the type of players it suits, and what strengths or weaknesses it has. Whether you prefer competitive esports, co-op sessions with friends, or solo adrenaline-fueled campaigns, this guide will help you choose the perfect FPS for the holiday season.
1. Battlefield 6
Why It Dominates the U.S. Market in 2025
Battlefield 6 stands as the best-selling shooter of 2025 in America and globally. It reached nearly three-quarters of a million concurrent players at launch across PC platforms alone — a milestone unmatched by any other shooter this year.
The game gains momentum due to its immersive warfare experience, combining infantry combat, armored vehicles, jets, helicopters, and destructible environments. Its scale and realism bring a depth that few shooters match.
Why Players Love It
- Huge maps with dynamic weather and destruction
- Multiple playstyles: stealth, sniping, piloting, assault, support
- Strong post-launch patches and content updates
Who It’s Best For
Players who enjoy large, open warfare and squad-based teamwork.
Potential Downsides
- Maps may feel overwhelming for beginners
- High skill curve for vehicle combat, especially air vehicles
2. Valorant
Why It’s Still Top-Tier in 2025
Valorant’s tactical approach keeps it one of the most played competitive shooters in the U.S. The combination of tight gunplay and character abilities gives it unique depth. Every match rewards strategy, communication, and precision.
Its esports ecosystem remains among the strongest globally, keeping players engaged across regular updates, new agents, and map rotations.
Why Players Love It
- High skill ceiling with rewarding gun mechanics
- Deep team strategy and clutch potential
- Constant balancing and content support
Who It’s Best For
Players who enjoy strategic, high-pressure 5v5 team shooters.
Potential Downsides
- Unfriendly to casual players due to skill gap
- Requires strong communication and map knowledge
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Why It Continues to Thrive in 2025
Black Ops 6 launched in late 2024 but remains one of the most active shooters in 2025. Its signature fast-paced combat appeals to both casual and hardcore players.
Movement is fluid, gunplay is punchy, and the multiplayer modes are easy to jump into. It is one of the best shooters for quick, action-heavy sessions without the tactical intensity of games like Valorant.
Why Players Love It
- Fast, accessible gameplay
- Wide variety of maps and modes
- Strong weapon progression and unlock systems
Who It’s Best For
Players who want fast action, short match times, and aggressive gameplay.
Potential Downsides
- Not as strategic or deep as tactical shooters
- Can become repetitive after long sessions
4. ARC Raiders
Why It’s Gaining Big Popularity in Late 2025
ARC Raiders surprises the shooter market with its unique blend of co-op PvE and PvPvE gameplay, bringing both cooperative tension and competitive encounters. Its futuristic setting, mechanical enemies, and high-stakes extraction loops set it apart from traditional shooters.
After launch, it hit millions of copies sold and climbed into top-played charts across platforms.
Why Players Love It
- Exciting mix of co-op and competitive encounters
- Beautiful visuals powered by modern technology
- Flexible pacing: slow tactical missions or intense fights
Who It’s Best For
Players who enjoy team-based shooters, extraction modes, and co-op strategy.
Potential Downsides
- Less appealing to players who only enjoy pure PvP
- Long-term success depends on frequent content updates
5. Doom Eternal
Why It’s Still a Top Shooter in 2025
Doom Eternal remains one of the most critically praised FPS games due to its fast-paced, high-precision combat loop. Even years after release, it continues to rank among the best shooters because of its fluid movement, balanced weapon systems, and satisfying difficulty.
It’s a favorite for players who want a solo experience rather than online matches.
Why Players Love It
- Extremely fluid, adrenaline-fueled combat
- Deep resource management loop (health, ammo, armor)
- Great replay value for solo players
Who It’s Best For
Players who enjoy classic FPS action without needing teamwork.
Potential Downsides
- No strong multiplayer community
- Can feel exhausting for long sessions due to fast pace
Which Shooter Is Right for You?
Player TypeBest GameWhyTactical team playerValorantDeep strategy, high skill, esports-level gameplayCasual action fanBlack Ops 6Fast matches, simple mechanics, low commitmentVehicle & large-scale warfare loverBattlefield 6Massive dynamic battlesCo-op squad playerARC RaidersPvPvE + teamworkSolo FPS enjoyerDoom EternalNo reliance on online community
Why 2025 Is a Strong Year for Shooters
- The shooter genre continues to dominate U.S. player charts.
- A mix of new innovations (ARC Raiders) and established franchises (Battlefield, CoD) keeps the category healthy.
- More variety exists now than in any other period: tactical shooters, extraction shooters, hero shooters, PvE shooters, and fast arcade styles.
Conclusion
The U.S. shooter scene in December 2025 is rich, competitive, and diverse. Whether you want large-scale warfare, tactical precision, fast-paced chaos, or immersive solo campaigns, these five shooters stand above the rest. Each brings something unique to the genre, making them worthy contenders for the title of the best shooters of the year.
