The Best Games Set in the Wild West

From the dawn of cinema to the present day in video games, the Wild West has held a fascination for audiences. The figure of the lone gunslinger, the smoky saloon, the sunset duels, and the vast arid landscapes form an imagery that speaks directly to the spirit of adventure, freedom, and moral conflict. In the world of gaming, this setting has become fertile ground for intense stories and immersive experiences, going far beyond traditional blockbusters.

The Western genre in gaming, while not as common as other genres like fantasy or science fiction, has always offered significant experiences and gameplay. From tactical games to first-person adventures, to titles that blend action with supernatural elements, the Western has been reinterpreted in numerous ways, sometimes with historical fidelity, others with complete creative freedom.

More than just a background, the Wild West in video games often represents universal themes like justice, revenge, redemption, and survival. It allows players to embody not only the ruthless hero, but also the outlaw, the vigilante, the monster hunter, or even a samurai in foreign lands. This versatility, combined with varied gameplay mechanics, has allowed the digital Western to carve out its own unique niche.

In this article, I've gathered the best games set in the Wild West, highlighting classic and contemporary titles that have defined the genre. I won't include retro games like Gun Smoke, Sunsetriders, Mad Dog McCree, Red Dead Revolver, and Red Dead Redemption, as they’re must-plays for any gamer. You'll discover (or relive) the works that helped define the Western in gaming in all its glory, dust, and gunpowder.

The first Call of Juarez features a story alternating between two characters: the rebellious Billy and the fanatical preacher Ray. With gameplay mechanics that blend stealth, platforming, and first-person shooters, it innovates by switching between distinct game styles. While Billy's control is somewhat limited, the segments featuring Ray shine, especially with his "vigilante preacher mode" in intense duels. The Old West setting is excellent, with mine scenes, dusty towns, and canyon trails, as well as a plot that draws directly from classic Westerns. Even with dated graphics, it's still a good introduction to the genre if you play it with an open mind.

This game is a prequel that takes players back to the McCall family's past, with a narrative centered on brothers Ray and Thomas. The campaign is action-packed, with the ability to choose between two combat styles: Ray is more direct, using dynamite and shotguns, while Thomas is agile, using a bow and sniper rifles. The story is denser and more engaging than the original game, with hints of family tragedy and greed. The setting is magnificent, spanning Civil War battlefields, Mexican villages, and dark forests. The dueling system is well-refined, and the soundtrack perfectly captures the spirit of the West. One of the best Westerns ever made.

Gunslinger is the best in the series, completely changing the tone of the franchise, featuring more refined cel-shaded graphics and a first-person story told by a veteran bounty hunter. The storytelling is a highlight: Silas Greaves narrates his exploits, and the world adjusts to his failing memory, creating dynamic and surreal sequences. The gameplay is fast-paced, with a scoring system and unlockable abilities. The duels are a spectacle themselves, featuring confrontations with legends like Billy the Kid and Jesse James. It's a creative and entertaining tribute to the Western, with humor, style, and respect for Old West folklore.

This real-time strategy classic introduces us to John Cooper and his band of outlaws. With real-time tactical gameplay similar to Commandos, each character has unique abilities: Cooper is quick on the draw, Doc launches sleeping gas, and Kate can distract guards. The level design is excellent, requiring planning and perfect timing. Despite the high difficulty, the charming characters and the game's atmosphere make up for the challenge. Desperados is a landmark in tactical western games, combining strategy with a cinematic story.

The sequel to Desperados sought to expand upon the first game, adding a third-person perspective in addition to the traditional isometric view. The story revolves around Cooper's revenge for his brother's murder. While the narrative is excellent, the game suffers from inconsistent AI. The missions are varied, with shooting, stealth, and even puzzle sections, but the attempt to blend genres compromises the outcome. Still, the game is worth trying, as there are some brilliant moments, especially in the interactions between characters and the well-designed maps.

Desperados III is another prequel that returns to its tactical roots with excellence. Developed by Mimimi Games, the game is a masterclass in strategic design. With characters like the silent Hector and the manipulative Isabelle, the game offers multiple approaches to each mission. The "Showdown Mode" mechanic allows for synchronized action planning, providing fluid and deep gameplay. The visuals are highly detailed, and the soundtrack draws us into the plot with the tension of gunfights and stealth. With excellent voice acting and story, the game is considered by many to be the pinnacle of tactical Western games.

This indie game combines retro style with freedom of choice. The player assumes the role of a cowboy whose family was murdered and must discover the culprit, whose appearance changes with each playthrough. The world is open and interactive, and any NPC can be killed, including the real killer. The pixel art adds charm to the game, and the ironic humor breaks the weight of revenge. The clue system, which involves observing clothing and behavior, is quite innovative and works well in the gameplay. Although it's a short experience, the game is highly replayable precisely because it blends RPG and investigation with the aesthetics of spaghetti westerns.

While not a traditional Western, Stranger's Wrath brings the essence of the Old West to an alien world. The protagonist is a bounty hunter who uses living creatures as ammunition. The mix of first and third-person shooters works extremely well, and the story changes dramatically as secrets about the protagonist are revealed. The world is vibrant and creative, with villages, dusty trails, and saloons, all in the bizarre style of the Oddworld series. The HD version has improved graphics and controls, making this game a sci-fi Western adventure you must experience.

Developed for mobile devices, Six-Guns is an open-world game that blends the Old West with supernatural elements. Protagonist Buck Croshaw faces bandits, werewolves, and creatures from beyond. The gameplay is reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption, with horses, gunfights, hunting, and various missions. Although the game is limited by mobile controls and microtransactions, its ambition is impressive, especially considering its release date. It's an accessible Western-style game, ideal for those seeking a pocket-sized experience.

Released before Red Dead Redemption, Gun is one of the first major semi-open-world Western games. Protagonist Colton White embarks on a journey of revenge and discovery. With intense shootouts, train skirmishes, hunts, and duels, the game was ahead of its time. The story is brutal, with memorable characters and a deep Western atmosphere. Despite its short campaign (common for the time), Gun offers a remarkable experience, blending action, exploration, and cinematic storytelling.

Blending XCOM-style turn-based tactics with supernatural elements, Hard West presents a Western world filled with demons, pacts with the Devil, and cursed weapons. The campaign is divided into interconnected stories with narrative choices. The luck system replaces the traditional cover mechanic, adding more tension to combat. The game's atmosphere is dark, with a story full of family tragedies and revenge that adds a more somber feel. Even with some AI limitations, its originality makes it a great title for fans of Westerns with a touch of horror.

Evil West blends Western action with the supernatural in third-person. The player controls Jesse Rentier, a monster hunter in a world where vampires threaten 19th-century America. With a visceral combat style and the use of modern and archaic weapons, the game is reminiscent of God of War in structure. The game's setting features destroyed saloons, deserts, and gothic fortresses. It's an over-the-top yet stylish experience that injects adrenaline and creativity into the traditional Old West.

Hard West is a bold and creative take on the Wild West, fusing dark storytelling, turn-based tactics, and supernatural elements. Set in an alternate West where demons, diabolical pacts, and unexplained phenomena coexist with gunslingers and outlaws, the game has a unique style.

Characters can acquire special abilities, some of supernatural origin, allowing them to create unique combinations of powers. The game's atmosphere and visuals match the sinister tone of the storyline. For fans of strategy and the Wild West, Hard West will delight with its fusion of classic Western and occult horror, avoiding the genre's clichés.

In this sequel, the game expands its tactical elements with a "Bravado" mechanic, which rewards players for eliminating enemies sequentially. With charismatic characters and a story that blends ghost trains, necromancy, and gangs, the game maintains its supernatural feel. The graphics have been improved, and battles are more dynamic. The combination of tactical RPG and dark narrative creates a wonderful player experience. An excellent evolution of the first game, with a focus on combat and team building.

This unusual PS2 game blends samurai with the Wild West. We experience the story of Gojiro Kiryu, a Japanese samurai who travels to the United States in search of his brother. With fast-paced, hack-and-slash combat, the player faces gunfights using only their sword, dodging bullets in real time. It's a different, bold proposition that blends well with the pulp aesthetic. Despite the simplicity of the plot, the fast-paced gameplay and visual style guarantee a unique experience in this alternative Western.

The Wild West is fertile ground for video game creativity. From the tactical duels of Desperados III to the action of Evil West, the satire of Westerado and the reflections of Hard West, Wild West games prove to be much more than just gunfights and dusty roads. They explore morality, revenge, justice, and even supernatural elements with depth and innovation. Whether you're a fan of action, strategy, or narrative, there's always a Western game ready to challenge you around the next bend in the road.