The western is one of the oldest genres in cinema, spanning all the way back to Kidnapping By Indians in 1899 . It has endured for over a century, being the quintessential depiction of the American spirit and way of life. The cowboy, the vast canyons and desert sands, the little slivers of society upon the frontier, the saloon, the gunslinger, and the Colt 45 have established themselves in history and pop culture as American icons equivalent to England’s own Arthur and Merlin.
The legends of the wild west mythology are uniquely American, a depiction of rugged individualism at their core. .
If you’re anything like me and lack the time machine available to see the western frontier in person, then you likely watch westerns to capture those historical moments. And, if you are anything like me, you likely wished for good video games that would immerse you in a way western movies can’t.
Well, lucky for you, there are some. Let’s get into the top 15 wild west video games you can play right now and give you that wild west experience you’ve been longing for.
15. This Land is My Land (PC)
"This Land Is My Land" Trailer
This open world action stealth game developed by Ukrainian developers, Game-Labs, follows the chief of a Plains Indians band as you attempt to survive the wilderness and the elements and push back against the westward expansion. This game is very survival heavy, relying on your ability to craft weapons and mend wounds you sustain in combat, encouraging less confrontational engagements. The most interesting mechanic, however, is the in depth reputation system that affects how other bands and the white colonizers see and deal with you, including the US Army being more prone to killing innocent natives because of the blood you spilled.
Personally, despite some of the interesting mechanics, I don’t like this game very much. I won’t judge too harshly on the lack of optimization from the Ukrainian developers given what’s going on in the country at the moment. But, I am sort of against the concept of a revenge fantasy, no matter who it’s targeted at. However, to the game’s credit, it does encourage peaceful gameplay, rather than killing the settlers.
I also don’t like the portrayal of the ill defined native bands, portraying them as a homogenous nation across a vast span of land. The natives of the western frontier, contrary to certain ignorant beliefs of certain political masses, were not a group of people that always got along, only ever fighting the evil white man. Different bands had different views, old beefs, personal vendettas and many of the names of iconic bands were literally given to them by their enemies, such as the Comanche, Apache, Sioux. Well, at least the names we came to know them by. Not only that, but many of the plains Indians didn’t have “land”. The Comanche, for instance, were mostly nomadic, going where the buffalo went.
However, that can just be a product of ignorance from foreign developers, which I can forgive. It’s clearly a game that the developers care about and as I said, the mechanics are very interesting and at least worth a look.
The Chief
14. 12 is Better Than 6 (PC, Mac, Switch)
"12 is Better Than 6" Release Trailer
This game is a top down shooter with some stealth in the mix developed by Ink Stains Games and follows a Mexican outlaw as he travels to the United States in 1873. The game feels like a wild west version of Hotline Miami, from the camera view, gameplay style, and the brutal violence.
The gunplay looks and feels satisfying and I love the way the character pushes back with every discharge. It makes the weapons feel weighty and powerful, adding a level of consequence to with firing to keep the player on his toes. I also appreciate how the game’s narrative doesn’t try to make the main character a hero for his actions and is honest in his depiction. You’re the outlaw in this game and you take the lives of many men, but if that sounds good to you, then check it out.
12 is Better Than 6’s Unique and Bloody Artstyle
13. West Hunt (PC)
"West Hunt" Trailer
What if Garry’s Mod’s Guess Who and Among Us had a wild west baby? Well, it would probably look something like this game. Developed by NewGen and published by Wandering Wizard, West Hunt is a multiplayer game in which two-three players control town sheriffs and hunt for outlaws, piloted by two-three other players. The outlaws commit crimes around the town as discreetly as possible before the timer is up or before they are found by the law. Upon finding the outlaws, who can literally be anyone, the sheriff executes them to win. However, executing the wrong man carries penalties and can cost the lawmen the game.
Ever since I watched Vanosgaming play this, I was intrigued. The game is hilarious and clearly a good time. The tension you feel when you have to decide to shoot a random person or not can really make for some comedic gold when playing with friends. It’s goofy, simple, silly, and a good time.
The sheriff better be sure he’s got the right man before he shoots
12. Hard West (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)
"Hard West" Launch Trailer
Hard West is wild west turn based tactical game developed by CreativeForge Games and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Made in the same vein as XCOM, Hard West is filled with turn-based combat missions that encourage smart tactical play combined with a supernatural wild west twist. The game is brutal, bizarre, and currently available on Steam, along with its sequel Hard West 2.
A Taste of Hard West’s Unique Artstyle
11. West of Loathing (PC, iOS, Switch, Linux, Google Stadia, Mac)
Developed and published by Asymmetric, West of Loathing may have one of the briefest Steam descriptions I’ve ever seen. It’s described as “West of Loathing- a slapstick comedy stick-figure wild west adventure role-playing game.” And that’s almost all the description it needs.
The game is a goofy romp that not only parodies the western genre, but video games in general, such as using basic game mechanics to turn the game on its head to a humorous degree. Just beware of the book, Learning to Walk Stupid. Its effects are to be feared.
What Caption Do They Want Me To Even Put Here?
10. Fistful of Frags (PC)
"Fistful of Frags" Trailer
Originally a mod for Half Life 2, Fistful of Frags is a PVP Multiplayer FPS that was developed by the Fistful of Frags Team. It is filled with unique mechanics, such as the benefits of which hand you choose to shoot with or if you decide to shoot with both. Guns have drawbacks of being used, including having to take shots carefully and waiting to pull the hammer back before firing again.
That means you can’t just Call of Duty bum rush it and expect to get a six or so kill streak. You got that? The game requires smart and deliberate play and the best part? It’s free on Steam.
“I Got Two Guns. One For Each of Ya.”
9. Red Dead Online (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
"Red Dead Online" Official Trailer
Rockstar Games originally packaged Red Dead Online with Red Dead Redemption 2. However, it is now a stand alone game that is available on Steam. Red Dead Online shares the same engine and game mechanics as its single player counterpart, save for the in depth customization and the amount of options available for play. Play as a bounty hunter, outlaw, lawman, heck, I think a few years ago there was a lobby that split the map up into Confederate and Union territories and had their own little civil war. The game has a ton of customizability and is a good time with your friends.
Red Dead Drip
8. Evil West (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC)
"Evil West" Launch Trailer
Described as being a “Wild West Superhero” power fantasy by its developers, Evil West is an action beat ‘em up game where you play as a powerful vampire/monster slayer as he dispatches the dark forces of the west to save the United States. It feels like a classic PS3/Xbox 360 era title, just wanting to be a solidly made game with straightforward mechanics, rather than being a game with a billion custom items or open worlds packed with random crap to do. This game pulls no punches and just tries to be good old fashioned fun. And for that, it most certainly stands out.
The flames of this world will send your enemies to the flames of the next.
7. Colt Canyon (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)
"Colt Canyon" Official Trailer
Developed by Retrific and published by Headup Games, Colt Canyon is a roguelike action game with retro pixel style graphics. This game relies on quick thinking and even quicker shooting as you plunge into canyons filled with all sorts of foes and treasures. The game has over a hundred different hard hitting weapons and different classes specializing in various abilities that can give you an edge in combat.
The plot follows one character that is searching for their missing partner. If you survive long enough to find them, you must escort them back through this hellish canyon and hope you can return home alive. The game is filled with content and different ways to play, including a new optional Permadeath mode. So, be sure to check it out on Steam.
Boom Bonanza
6. Kill the Crows (PC)
Similar to the previous entry, Kill the Crows developed by 5minlab Corp is a pixel art retro style roguelike action game, where you play as a single vengeful gunslinger against increasingly difficult hordes of enemies. However, unlike Colt Canyon, Kill the Crows is more focused on wave based survival and constantly trying to beat your high score before you are inevitably overwhelmed by the hordes of enemies set to destroy you. This game is pure action heavy gameplay and that requires focus and quick thinking if you want to reach the high score. So, strap on your pistol, partner. It’s about to get violent.
Murdering Murders of Crows
5. The Oregon Trail (PC, Switch)
"The Oregon Trial" Official Trailer
This remake of the classic original was developed by Gameloft. The Oregon Trail depicts a group of pioneers taking a daring journey across the western frontier and facing the deadly trials dwelling there. The remake keeps the pixelated artstyle of the original, while also broadening the color palette, making the game look genuinely beautiful. The same mechanics apply as the original, most iconically, the permadeath that overtakes the characters if you fail to meet their needs on the brutal journey. The game is randomly generated, so playthroughs will be different each time, so don’t get comfortable. The west is no place for the comfortable.
Tell Me This Doesn’t Look Gorgeous
4. Hunt: Showdown (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC)
"Hunt: Showdown" Trailer
This monster hunter FPS developed by Crytek is filled with hard hitting action, a beautiful gritty art style, and tons of cool outlaw country music to set the tone. You play as a gunslinger plunging into the black heart of a swamp filled with all sorts of demonic fiends you hunt for bounties. These creatures can be hunted alone or with the assistance of friends. Just be warned, other players and parties are interested in your hunts too and will do anything to ensure you don’t interfere with their intentions.
Oh Sinners, Are You Washed in the Blood?
3. Call of Jaurez: Gunslinger (PS3, Xbox 360, Switch, PC)
"Call of Jaurez: Gunslinger" Nintendo Switch Launch Trailer
This blazing fast FPS was developed and published by Techland over a decade ago and believe me, the game still hits hard . It serves as an homage to wild west history, following a vengeful Silas Greaves as he details his story of violence and woe across the frontier, riding with and gunning down the most notorious outlaws of the land. The cast includes Jesse James, The Cowboys, and Billy the Kid. The game has a unique narrative and solid FPS action, including quickdraw modes and arcade modes to rack up scores in case you’ve completed the campaign.
What I like about this game is that it’s just straightforward fun. The action hits hard and pulling off high combos with a pair of Colt Revolvers is satisfying to this day. The story is interesting and the levels change depending on how unreliable Silas Greaves’s narration is. The game is still worth it and even arrived on the Nintendo Switch a few years back. Go check it out. It’s a lot of fun.
Ennio Morricone Music Intensifies.
2. Desperados III (PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC, Mac)
"Desperados III" Official Trailer
One of the best games on this list, Desperados III, developed by Mimimi Games and published by THQ Nordic, is a real time strategy stealth action game that isn’t just an incredible western game, but an awesome game in its own right. You play as five different characters, all with unique talents and abilities. You must carefully study the huge maps and the abilities of your crew if you want to pull off the missions well.
This game encourages careful consideration and tactical thinking, as well as using all of your abilities to the max. The gameplay is slick and provides a ton of variety in the environments and in the individual ways levels can play out. It’s a solid video game by any rights and certainly deserves a chance from any gamer.
Meet the Crew.
1. Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Google Stadia)
"Red Dead Redemption II" Official Trailer
Developed by Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 may easily be the most significant piece of wild west media to have come out in the last decade. The game has a massive open world with plenty of content and a story that makes it easy to sink hours into.
It has earned its reputation as the absolute powerhouse of a video game that it is. The game, along with Taylor Sheridian’s Yellowstone universe are responsible for reviving the western genre, and for that I and every other fan of the genre is grateful. The game is fantastic and worth every penny spent.
However, I must chastise Rockstar for failing to put the Housebuilding Song on the official vinyl soundtrack. What were they thinking?
My I Stand Unshaken
Thank you, Gamers Decide for giving me yet another opportunity to nerd out about the wild west. If you liked this article check out these from gamersdecide:
