What are some good free to play shooters that have a story?

Apex Legends is a great one. The story is told through the characters' backstories and the in - game events. Each legend has a unique past that adds depth to the game. Another is Warframe, which has a complex and evolving story about the Tenno and their fight against different enemies in a vast universe. Paladins also has a story that is intertwined with its hero - based shooter gameplay.

Another good one is 'Paladins'. It's a team - based shooter with a fantasy setting. There is a story mode which gives context to the different champions and their abilities. You can choose from various characters, each with their own backstories, and engage in battles. The graphics are nice, and the gameplay is engaging for both casual and more hardcore players.

I highly recommend 'Warface'. It has a solid story campaign that takes you through different military - themed scenarios. The gameplay is intense, and the story helps to tie all the missions together. 'Blacklight: Retribution' is another free - to - play shooter with a story. It's set in a dystopian future and you fight in various urban and industrial environments as you follow the game's narrative. 'Planetside 2' also has a large - scale story set in a persistent world where battles rage on between different factions, and your actions can impact the overall story arc.

The 'Metro' series is also a good choice. Set in a post - apocalyptic Moscow metro system, the games have a rich narrative. You experience the struggles of the survivors, face off against mutants, and uncover secrets about the world above. It has a great atmosphere that complements the story well.

A beginner could start with 'Far Cry 3'. The story is about Jason Brody, who is stranded on an island full of pirates and has to fight to survive and rescue his friends. It has a simple yet engaging story with lots of action. 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution' is also a great option. You play as Adam Jensen, who is augmented with cybernetic enhancements. The story involves corporate intrigue, conspiracy theories, and a search for the truth about the augmentation technology. It has multiple ways to play, which is great for a beginner to explore different story paths.

I'd recommend 'The Outer Worlds'. It's a first - person shooter with an interesting story set in a corporate - dominated space colony. You get to make choices that affect the story and the characters around you. Then there's 'Prey'. The story takes place on a space station overrun by alien - like creatures. You have to figure out what happened and how to survive while uncovering a lot of secrets. Also, 'Doom' (2016) and its sequel have a simple yet effective story. You are the Doom Slayer fighting demons from Hell, and the backstory adds a lot of depth to the fast - paced action.

One great shooter with a good story is 'BioShock'. It takes place in the underwater city of Rapture, filled with political and ethical dilemmas. The story unfolds as you explore the city, uncovering its secrets and the reasons behind its downfall. Another is 'Half - Life' series. Gordon Freeman's journey through the alien - invaded Black Mesa facility is full of mystery and action, with a great narrative that keeps you engaged throughout. Also, 'The Last of Us' has an amazing story in a post - apocalyptic world where you follow Joel and Ellie's journey across a dangerous land.

Battlefield 1 also has a good story mode. It takes you back to World War I, showing different perspectives of the war. The stories are well - crafted and the shooter elements, like the weapon handling and large - scale battles, are very realistic. It gives you a sense of what it was like to be in that brutal war.

One great 2D shooter with a good story is 'Cave Story'. The story follows a silent protagonist who wakes up in a strange cave filled with various creatures and mysteries. As you progress, you uncover the secrets behind the cave and the reason for all the chaos there. It has engaging characters and a plot that keeps you hooked.

Character development is a key feature. In 'Half - Life' series, you follow the journey of Gordon Freeman. His character grows and evolves throughout the story, and as a player, you get to be a part of that. The realistic shooting aspects, such as using the physics - based weapons against the alien enemies, blend well with the story, making it an unforgettable experience.