5 games like The First Descendant you should try

The First Descendant has caught the looter-shooter world by storm thanks to a sci-fi world with tons of new weapons and gear to grind for and its free-to-play nature. Yet newcomers to the genre may be intrigued about what more looter goodness is in store. The genre is ripe with iconic games that are a staple among looter shooter fans.

So let's look at five of the best in the looter-shooter realm that The First Descendant fans are bound to enjoy. These games stand the test of time as the cream of the crop available on the market right now and should be picked up by anyone with an even remotely passing interest in loot-driven RPGs.

NOTE: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinion.

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Five best looter shooters to try if you like The First Descendant

1) Borderlands 2

Looter shooters don't get any better than this. (Image via 2K)

Released in 2012, the second mainline entry in 2K's iconic sci-fi FPS/RPG series is still considered the best. Follow the adventures of a group of Vault Hunters as they traverse across the lands of the planet Pandora to thwart the antagonistic Handsome Jack from opening a Vault and harnessing the power within.

Borderlands 2 makes up for the lacking story of The First Descendant as it is peak when it concerns writing, from the unique personalities of its protagonists and side characters to the humor dolled out by Handsome Jack, a beloved villain. On top of the iconic cel-shaded aesthetic, the game boasts tons of unique weapons to grind for across exciting set-pieces whether solo or in four-player co-op.

Borderlands 2 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S as part of the Borderlands: The Handsome Collection as well as the complete Borderlands Collection: Pandora's Box.

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2) Remnant 2

Each world has unique encounters in store. (Image via Arc Games)

Remnant 2 is the bigger, bolder version of the 2019 original, talking about everything that made the challenging third-person shooter beloved and amping things up to 11. Step back into a post-apocalyptic Earth invaded by interdimensional entities called the Root and attempt to save the day - and those who felt The First Descendant was too easy, this one is right up your alley.

Created by Darksiders 3 developer Gunfire Games, this sequel continues the "Dark Souls with guns" mantra of the first title and builds upon it, with punchier weapons, refined progression elements, and procedural world design. No two players will have the same playthrough as there are different dimensions with unique themes for each character with distinct enemies, loot, bosses, and more.

Remnant 2 is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms.

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3) Warframe

Warframe is the most accessible game on the list to dive into. (Image via Digital Extremes)

First released in 2013, Digital Extreme's Warframe has come a long way since and has become the go-to game for free-to-play looters. Players step into the futuristic boots of the Tenno, a warrior race awoken from cryosleep on Earth who must face evil alien factions using powerful exo-suits called Warframes.

Among all the games on this list, Warframe will feel the closest to The First Descendant and may even be a new substitute.

This is not just thanks to its similarly free barrier of entry but also fluid combat and freeform movement, cathartic combat, and mission-based gameplay. There's also material farming, weapon and gear crafting, and even a robust community alongside a massive market for trading.

Warframe is available for free on PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.

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4) Tom Clancy's The Division 2

Unlike The First Descendant, PvP Dark Zone areas are also a highlight here. (Image via Ubisoft)

With Division 2, Ubisoft has crafted a superior experience to their controversial 2016 original. Following the deadly pandemic of the first game, the Division organization must band together to rebuild what's left of humanity while contending with lawless groups that have cropped up around them. This sci-fi cover-based third-person shooter is much in line with the original, but improves it on nearly all fronts.

The Dark Zone PvP remains as exciting as ever as players face off against other agents, some of whom may go rogue. A massive roster of weapons and armor-enhanced gunplay and skills, and continued content support from the developers are a few reasons to still pick it up in 2024 - especially if players want something more tactical and grounded than The First Descendant while also being futuristic.

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5) Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is perhaps the most campaign-rich free-to-play entry on this list. (Image via Bungie)

Bungie's Destiny 2 has seen countless updates since its 2017 launch, resulting in a massive time-sink for fans up to the challenge. This is a first-person shooter where players don the role of a Guardian who must serve to protect Earth from an impending alien threat.

It pairs the charm of Borderlands with the fluidity of Warframe and the story focus of The First Descendant to result in something unique that can also be picked up by anyone due to being free-to-play.

With several DLC expansions to purchase for the base game boasting all-new levels, missions, bosses, and weapons on top of PvP content, Destiny 2 is one of the better picks on the market for newcomers to get into.

Destiny 2 is on PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.