Platformers, MOBAs, and story-driven epics may get all the attention these days, but they wouldn't exist without good ol' shooters. These are the games that started it all, and they continue to be some of the most popular games on the market. If you're a fan of fast-paced action and intense competition or just want to test your CPU's limit, you'll want to check out our list of the top 10 CPU intensive PvP shooting games of 2022.
These games are more CPU demanding than your average shooting games, so make sure your machine is up for the challenge! If you're ready, let's go on to our list.
1. Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege is a 5v5 tactical shooting game developed and published by Ubisoft in late 2015. The game has seen a soar in popularity in recent years due to its intense and strategic gameplay. Its gameplay focuses on environmental destruction and player cooperation. The game's design emphasizes close-quarters combat, allowing players to destroy walls, floors, and ceilings to create new lines of sight and access routes. Many critics praised this game for its mechanics, gameplay, and graphics.
- Recommended Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-8120 and above
- Minimum Processor: Intel Core i3 560 or AMD Phenom II X4 945 or equivalent
2. Call of Duty: Warzone and Cold War
The Call of Duty franchise has since been one of the most popular first-person shooter (FPS) games on the market. In 2020, two of the most popular and CPU intensive PvP shooting games, Call of Duty: Warzone and Cold War, emerged. Thanks to their cutting-edge graphics and expansive maps, these games offer players a level of immersion that is unparalleled by any other FPS game on the market. In addition, both games feature a robust selection of weapons and equipment, allowing players to customize their load-outs to suit their playstyle.
- Recommended Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD Ryzen R5 1600X and above
- Minimum Processor: Intel Core i3-4340 or AMD FX-6300 and above
3. Paladins
Paladins is a popular first-person shooter video game that blends elements of team-based multiplayer online battle arena and hero shooter genres. It was released in 2016 by Hi-Rez Studios and has seen success both in its native home of North America and internationally.
It is a team-based shooter that pits teams of five players against each other in intense PvP battles. One thing that makes Paladins so unique is its focus on heroes. Each player chooses from a roster of different heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. This gives the game a great deal of replay value, as players are always looking to try out new champions.
- Recommended Processor: Intel Core i5-750 or AMD Phenom II X4 965 and above
- Minimum Processor: Core 2 Duo or Athlon X2 or equivalent
4. Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 is an action-adventure first-person shooting video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft on March 27, 2018. It offers gamers an intense and competitive gaming experience. It uses Ubisoft's Dunia Engine, which is designed to deliver a realistic, systemic, and dynamic, open world.
The game features an open-world environment that permits players to explore and complete missions at their own pace. In addition, Far Cry 5 includes a cooperative multiplayer mode called "Gun for Hire" mode that matches two teams of four players against each other. This mode can be played on any of the game's maps.
- Recommended Processor: Intel Core i7-4770 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 and above
- Minimum Processor: Intel Core i5-2400 or AMD FX-6300 or equivalent
5. Tom Clancy's The Division 2
Tom Clancy's The Division 2 is an online action shooter video game developed by Massive Entertainment and published by Ubisoft. The game was a sequel to Tom Clancy's The Division (2016) and was released on March 15, 2019.
The game's PVP gameplay pits two teams of players against each other in objective-based modes. The game also highlights a cooperative mode where players can team up to complete missions together.
- Recommended Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or Intel Core i7-4790 and above. There is no wrong pick in the AMD vs Intel processor war. Both companies make high-end processors.
- Minimum Processor: AMD FX 6350 or Intel i5-2500K or equivalent
6. Arma 3
Arma 3 is a first-person shooter video game developed and published by Bohemia Interactive in late 2013. It features large open-world maps, various weapons and vehicles, and a realistic simulation of military warfare. Arma 3 requires a very powerful processor to run at high settings, and even then, it may struggle to maintain a consistent framerate. However, the trade-off is that Arma 3 looks absolutely stunning. The lighting, textures, and particle effects are all top-notch.
If you are opting to upgrade your CPU to play this game, it is recommended to check this best CPU list for Arma 3 first.
- Recommended Processor: Intel Core i5-4460 or AMD FX 4300 and above
- Minimum Processor: Intel Dual-Core or AMD Dual-Core Athlon or equivalent
7. Battlefield 2042
Battlefield 2042 is a first-person shooter developed and published by Electronic Arts in late 2021. It is the seventeenth game in the Battlefield series.
Battlefield 2042 features intense online multiplayer gameplay. The game features realistic graphics and sound effects, making it feel like you're really on the battlefield. The game's maps are based on real-world locations and are designed for large-scale battles between up to 128 players. 2042 also features a cooperative mode where players can team up to complete missions together.
- Recommended Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7 4790 and above
- Minimum Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Core i5 6600K or equivalent
8. Titanfall 2
Despite being released in 2016, Titanfall 2 remains one of the most CPU intensive PvP shooting games produced by Respawn Entertainment. The game is a sequel to the original Titanfall, which was released in 2014.
Titanfall 2 features a fast-paced and intense multiplayer action. The game's large maps and expansive environment designed for large-scale battles between up to 24 players make full use of a player's processor. Its gameplay, on the other hand, requires quick reflexes and precise aim in order to achieve victory.
- Recommended Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 or equivalent and above
- Minimum Processor: Intel Core i3-6300t or equivalent
9. Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite is a first-person shooting video game with an emphasis on multiplayer PvP gaming. It was created by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios in late 2021.
Halo Infinite offers players a variety of multiplayer modes, including the classic Slayer mode and the new Breakout mode. In addition, the game features a robust map-making tool that allows players to create their own custom multiplayer maps.
- Recommended Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or Intel i7-9700k and above
- Recommended Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1600 or Intel i5-4440 or equivalent
10. Gears of War 5
The Gears of War franchise from The Coalition Studio has always been known for its intense third-person shooting action, and it is evident in its fifth instalment.
Gears of War 5 features a variety of PvP modes, including King of the Hill and Escalation. In addition, players are able to make their own custom games with a variety of different rules and settings.
Its gameplay is extremely active, and you need to be constantly on the move to survive. There are lots of familiar aspects, such as the chainsaw bayonet, but there are also new things, such as the buzzkill.
- Recommended Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i5 Skylake and above
- Minimum Processor: AMD FX-6000 series or Intel i3 Skylake or equivalent
Gamer to Gamer
As we look forward to what 2022 has in store for gamers, one thing is certain: there will be no shortage of amazing fresh games to play. These ten games are just a taste of what's to come, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for more exciting titles in the months and years ahead. These are the latest and greatest titles that are sure to provide hours of intense multiplayer action. From fast-paced arena shooters to gritty military simulators, there's something for everyone on this list.