15 Best Shoot ‘Em Up Games to Try in 2026

This genre has tons of options, but choosing the right ones can be overwhelming which is where I’ll help you out. My list contains the best 15 shmup games, covering everything from guns blazing retro titles to modern titles, offering a little bit of everything for every type of player.

Our Top Picks for the Best Shoot ‘Em Up Games

Before I dive into the full list, let me mention my favorite 3 titles that I feel are above the rest. Don’t take this the wrong way, I’m not saying the other 12 are terrible, but these 3 have a special place in my heart, and I have to mention them.

Ikaruga

(2001) – This is a masterpiece, offering something unique called polarity switching, allowing you to absorb projectiles that are the same color and deal damage to nearby enemies. It’s not about fast reflexes; it’s about preparation and tactics to ensure you’re running the show and, most importantly, winning.

DoDonPachi Resurrection

(2008) – For those looking for true intensity, there’s no better option than this one. I believe this to be the peak of the series, which is partially thanks to the Hyper mode that lets you deal massive damage to opponents.

R-Type Final 2

(2021) – This is one of the most iconic franchises in the niche, and naturally, it’s one of the best there is. Blending classic side-scrolling action with modern visuals, this is a title that would be attractive to the younger generation interested in these kinds of titles.

Just by looking at these 3, you can already get an idea of how diverse today’s list is going to be. I have a little bit of everything, and I have 15 to go through, so let me introduce my picks that every fan should experience.

15 Best Shoot ‘Em Up Games Ranked

With my highlighted top 3 shmup titles, it’s time to go through the entire list. My picks are the heart of the genre, and I’ve chosen each one for its mechanics, visuals, legacy, impact, or a combination. From legends from the older era to modern releases, these picks show why the niche is so popular today.

Ikaruga [Best for Puzzle Lovers]

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• Type
• Vertical Shoot ’Em Up
• Arcade (Sega NAOMI), Dreamcast (JP), GameCube, Xbox 360 (XBLA), Windows (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
• Creator/s

Developer: Treasure / Publisher: Sega, Treasure (later ports)

Average playtime/Unique features

6–8 hours for a full run; unique polarity mechanic (black/white switching) for absorbing projectiles, supported by a smaller hitbox Best for Players looking for puzzle-like challenges mixed with fast-paced action What I liked The polarity system that turns every encounter into a tactical puzzle In the world of shmups, I consider

Ikaruga

to be one of the most innovative titles, which is why it’s the first entry on this list.

When you first look at it, it will seem like most vertical shooters, but it’s so much more than that.

The main characteristic is the polarity mechanics, which completely changes how you’ll approach it.

You can change between black and white polarities, allowing you to absorb projectiles of the same color.

At the same time, you’ll be dealing extra damage to rivals that have the opposite polarity. It combines reflexes with tactics, which is what makes it so much fun and engaging.

Why we chose it The unique polarity mechanics of

Ikaruga

that turn every conflict into a tactical puzzle are one of the several reasons it’s on this list.

Visually, it won’t satisfy the needs of those who are looking for AAA title graphics, but that’s not the target group.

The minimalistic style, combined with the bursts of color from the enemy fire, keeps you engaged, not the visual aspect of it. In addition to that, each stage is designed to immerse you in gameplay while trying not to die.

My Verdict:

Ikaruga

is an ideal choice for those looking for more than testing their reflexes. It rewards strategy and patience, which is what makes it so addictive. It has tons of reviews, and none of them are negative.

Gradius V [Best for Players Looking for a Modern Recreation on a Classic Franchise]

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• Type
• Side-Scrolling Shoot ’Em Up
• PlayStation 2
• Creator/s
• Developer: Treasure / Publisher: Konami
• Average playtime/Unique features
• 10–12 hours; innovative power-up system, cooperative play, cinematic boss duels
• Best for
• Players looking for a modern and well-polished take on a classic franchise
• What I liked
• It captures the spirit of the original Gradius

If you were ever a fan of shmups, this name will definitely ring a bell.

Gradius V

was released over two decades ago, and it still remains a popular title with people who are fans of this niche. The star of the show is Vic VIper, a character well known to true fans of games like Gradius Origins who navigates through levels filled with enemies, bosses, and hazards.

The most unique thing about it is the power-ups, which allow you to select and chain upgrades, meaning that you’ll need to be strategic about it. This kind of tactical mechanics adds a layer of complexity where you’ll need to tailor the ship’s loadout depending on your gaming style.

Why we chose it

Gradius V

is a modernized take on a classic series, very similar to Raiden Fighters or G‑Darius, and very deserving of mention.

Gradius V also doesn’t disappoint in terms of visuals. The fluid animations, detailed backgrounds, and effects enhance the experience and push the little old PS2 console to its limits. It’s a shame it’s not available on the Nintendo Switch Online’s SNES library for an enhanced and modern experience.

The entire package combines graphics with gameplay that can be challenging but also forgiving, so even beginners can master it relatively quickly.

My Verdict:

Gradius V

is a perfect choice for those looking for a classic shmup design that brings back nostalgia with a modern twist, offering a challenge.

Mushihimesama

Best for Hardcore Shmup Fans

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type Vertical Bullet Hell Shoot ’Em Up Arcade (2004), PlayStation 2 (JP, 2005), iOS (as Bug Princess, 2011), Xbox 360 (JP, 2012), Windows/Steam (2015), Nintendo Switch (2021, later delisted 2024)

Creator/s

Developer: Cave / Publishers: AMI (Arcade), Taito (PS2), Cave (iOS, 360), Degica (Steam), Live Wire (Switch)

Average playtime/Unique features

6–8 hours; “don’t touch the bullet” hitbox system, lush insect-themed world, multiple difficulty levels Best for Hardcore fans of this subtype are looking for a visually stunning piece with multiple difficulty levels What I liked Gorgeous visuals combined with precision and the need for focus

Mushihimesama

, which translates to Bug Princess, literally, is another bullet hell developed by everyone’s favorite CAVE. While it seems like just another shmup entry on this list, in reality, it offers something different. While most titles in this niche are with spaceships and aliens, this one is different, which makes it a bit more unique.

The hero of the story is a princess riding a beetle through a field of insects around various landscapes. Stepping away from the traditional sci-fi approach makes this a bit more unique than some of the others I’ve mentioned today.

As for the playability, if you know the company, you know what to expect.

Fast-paced shmup where precision is important and your skills are put to the absolute test, and it’s one of the many titles here that you should definitely try with a fight stick.

Why we chose it

Mushihimesama

is an insect-themed title, bringing something a bit different, plus it requires precision in dodging, so it had to be mentioned.

One of my favorite aspects is the visuals.

The stunning sceneries, combined with vibrant colors and pretty decent graphics, enhance the emotion and will have you staring until tears come down your cheeks.

My Verdict: If you’re looking for a combination of feast for the eyes and a test of skills, there’s hardly any better choice than my favorite buggy title called

Mushihimesama

.

Serei Senshi Spriggan [Best for Anime Fans]

Our Score ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ Type Vertical Shoot ’Em Up PC Engine CD-ROM² (1991), Wii Virtual Console (2008), PC Engine Mini / TurboGrafx-16 Mini (2020)

• Creator/s
• Developer: Compile / Publisher: Naxat Soft
• Average playtime/Unique features
• 5–7 hours; elemental orb system with 29 weapon combinations, anime-style cutscenes, fantasy-mecha setting
• Best for
• Fans of retro titles who are looking for a classic design with an anime story
• What I liked
• The versatile orb system and overall representation for a title from the 90s
• If you’re a fan of vertical shoot ‘em up titles, then

Serei Senshi Spriggan

• is the one you should look at. It’s quite old, well over 30 years old, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on this list. This opinion
• a

, all of which comes wrapped with anime-style visuals.

Here, you’re tasked with piloting a mech, and you’re battling through waves of foes while uncovering a story filled with fantasy and science fiction. The most prominent feature is the dynamic weapons system.

You’ll need to collect elemental orbs that you can combine in multiple ways and create unique strikes. Not only does this system add depth, but it also encourages tactical thinking rather than just hitting that bomb button over and over again.

Why we chose it

Anime-style theme and versatile elemental orb system that transforms the craft into other planes of charge are just two of the main features of

Serei Senshi Spriggan

.

Considering how old this title is, you shouldn’t expect any modern graphics to wow you. With that said, for the era, they weren’t all that bad.

The striking and detailed environments add to the experience, immersing you in the story.

My Verdict:

Serei Senshi Spriggan

is an ideal option for fans who want to enjoy the story, but also want to experience the action, which this title combines flawlessly.