Summary
Part of what makes many FPS multiplayer games so appealing and popular is how they manage to provide afast-paced and thrilling gameplay experiencethat other genres struggle to replicate. Jumping into a match, scoring a few kills, and reaping the rewards once the chaos is over is an easy way to pump our brains full of serotonin, but not every FPS game allows for this, since there are many that will keep their matches going on for quite a while, forcing players to fight until the bitter end.
On the other hand though, there are also plenty of online FPS titles entirely centered around getting players in and out of the action as quickly as possible, while also giving them enough time to enjoy the core gameplay experience. Anyone who prefers firing up a shooter that can be played in small but satisfying bursts ought to consider checking out these titles listed below.
Admittedly, the time it takes to play an average match inHalo Infinitewill depend on the mode you choose, but it’s certainly possible to hop into a game for no more than 10 minutes when opting for one of the smaller-sized options. For example, Arena Slayer and Capture the Flag only rarely pass the 10 minute mark, providing enough time for players to have a competitive all-out brawl before the final scoreboard shows up.
Additionally,Halo Infinitealso has a rotation system where new cosmetic items are added every few weeks, including in the battle passes, meaning even a short match can contribute to earning these kinds of unique goodies. It may have receiveda lot of flak upon release, butHalo Infinitehas come a very long way since then and is now a perfect game to play for those looking for quick and snappy online matches.
Players have two options to choose from when booting upOverwatch 2; ranked or unranked. While the former will drop them into longer tug-of-war style matches, the former is a much more casual alternative where the matches are much quicker, due to there being fewer rounds, and very often, more chaotic gunfights where people aren’t as worried about dying.
Luckily,Overwatch’splentiful selection of heroes, who can all be switched between mid-game, make each and every match feel different from the last, while Blizzard’s frequent patches ensure the game never becomes too unbalanced or frustrating to play. These small tweaks and amendments to the characters can also encourage players to jump in every now and again, even if it’s just for a few minutes, in order to get a feel for what’s changed since their last play session.
Titanfall 2is often considered to be an underrated gem of the FPS genre by those who have played it, but in recent years,it’s made a massive comeback. In 2023, it was announced that, after much demand,Titanfall 2’sservers would be restored, allowing players to once again dive into this parkor-mech hybrid FPS title once again.
Though the online matches inTitanfall 2tend to be pretty short, what makes the game such a blast to play is how much explosive action is crammed into each and every game. As players sprint around the map, picking off enemies as they go using hyper-futuristic weapons, they’ll eventually have the chance to pilot a mech where they can partake in robotic-kaiju battles with the enemy, resulting in an epic climax to a hard fought battle.
Splitgateis a free-to-play online FPS shooter which is largely characterized by two things; it’s vibrant art style, and it’s adrenaline-pumping gameplay. This is a game where players need to be on their A game at all times to stand a chance of taking down the enemy, but they will also need to make good use of the ‘Portals’ to navigate the maps and flank around the opposing team.
All of this means players are able to come face to face with one another in no time at all, resulting in short but sweet matches that never feel like they outstay their welcome. While it may be easy to play,the Portal mechanicmakesSplitgatea tricky game to fully master, incentivizing players to jump in again and again to try and find new ways to fool their opponents.
DespiteThe Finalsbeing an objective-based multiplayer game, it’s not quite as slow or strategic as other similar games likeBattlefield, for example. Instead, this is a game all about seeking out the enemy as quickly as possible to ensure they don’t collect enough money to win the game, and there are many ways to go about achieving this.
While ziplines are one common method of traversal, whereThe Finalsreally shines is in its environment, and more specifically,how easily they can be torn down. By the end of a 5-10 minute match, it’s not unusual to see most of the map flattened to debris after the amount of carnage that ensues in the chaos, making it a quick and easy way to satisfy that FPS craving.
Counter Strike 2, the free upgrade to the immensely popularCounter Strike: Global Offensive, features several modes which are tailor-made for players who are only able to jump in for a short period of time. One of these is Wingman, a 2v2 mode where only one bomb site is placed on the map, resulting in an intense scramble to see which team can either plant or defuse, or simply pick off their opponents to score the win.
There’s also Deathmatch, a much more traditional mode longtime FPS fans will be very familiar with. The aim is simple; acquire as many kills as possible to win the game, making it ideal for testing out new weapons and gear. Some ofCounter Strike 2’scompetitive matches can also be on the shorter side if they end up being largely one-sided, but this isn’t always guaranteed.
It may have taken a little while, but it feels as thoughCall of Duty’sdevelopers have finally managed to perfect thearcade-styletwitch-trigger gameplay that they’ve been building upon for so many years withBlack Ops 6. The introduction of omni-movement, paired with the quick time-to-kill makes each and every match fast, fun, and exciting to be a part of.
In classicCall of Dutyfashion, each game will net the player EXP to level up and unlock new guns and equipment, no matter how short or long they are. What’s more is, in an effort to keep players hooked on the game,Treyarchis always dropping double XP promotions, meaning even a 5-minute match can go a long way as part of the grind.
