The Best Games That Blend First-Person And Third-Person Gameplay

Key Takeaways

• Some games blend first and third-person perspectives, like GTA 5, Deus Ex, and Fallout: New Vegas.
• The perspective choice affects gameplay, with each offering unique experiences and advantages.
• Games like DayZ, Destiny, and Red Dead Redemption 2 provide players with options for both perspectives.

With the multitude of video games out there, there are numerous ways to design them. Out of the important decisions that go into building a game, the perspective from which it is played is one of the most crucial. It can dictate how an audience will experience the game and can present unique gameplay opportunities.

However, not every game holds itself to just one camera perspective. Some allow the experience of playing in first and third person, blending both perspectives for the player to enjoy. At times, the game can differ depending on what perspective the player chooses to engage with, whereas other games might not change as much.

Games that blend two different perspectives, as well as games that let players choose between two different perspectives, will both be considered for this list.

9 DayZ

Surviving A Zombie Outbreak In First Or Third Person

Of the games that usually include a blend of first and third-person, open-world games usually allow differences in perspectives. DayZ falls under this category, being a multiplayer open-world survival game during a zombie outbreak.

With accessibility in both first and third person, DayZ allows players to explore the world while attempting to survive while playing in the perspective they prefer. Third person can give advantages, considering it allows players to view around corners that they otherwise couldn’t in first person, whereas first person can give that authentic immersive feel of a survival experience. However, some servers limit the perspectives players can use, with some only allowing first or third-person.

8 Destiny & Destiny 2

Mainly First Person With A Blend Of Third Person In Certain Situations

Before the Destiny franchise, Bungie made a name for itself with first-person gameplay in the Halo series. Destiny and Destiny 2 followed this, mainly being a first-person shooter game, but with a blend of third-person gameplay via certain actions.

Operating vehicles, such as the Sparrow, will put players in third person, as usual in games. Some classes can allow for some third-person gameplay for different amounts of time. The Striker subclass for Titan allows third-person gameplay for a brief moment when using its super, whereas the Bladedancer subclass for Hunter has a much longer time in which players play from a third-person perspective. Additionally, third-person gameplay can be experienced if using a sword.

7 Grand Theft Auto 5

With Accessibility To Play The Iconic Game In Either Perspective

GTA 5 didn’t begin its life with first-person accessibility; it only played in third-person. However, with the release of the next-gen versions, the ability to play in first person became real.

The game plays slightly differently compared to third person given GTA is mainly a third-person perspective series. However, the first-person perspective isn’t a negative and allows players to experience Los Santos in a way that feels quite different from third person. However, speeding around in a multitude of cars will always feel more authentic in first person.

6 Deus Ex: Human Revolution

A Constant Blend Of Perspectives

Deus Ex might not be as much in the limelight compared to prior years, but it is a storied series. In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the gameplay mainly takes place via first person as a shooter, but has some elements where third person is used instead.

Notably, when players go into cover, the perspective will switch to a third-person view instead of a first-person one, in order to see any enemies. Third person is also used in takedowns, switching to it to see the player defeating an enemy in melee, and then flipping back to first person.

5 Minecraft

An Obvious Title For Gameplay Including Both Perspectives

As an eternally popular game, Minecraft is normally played from the first-person perspective and usually focuses on such gameplay. Despite this, third person is present, and this is another way for players to experience the game.

While doing certain activities might be more convenient in a first-person perspective, such as mining, third-person mode has its own validity and doesn’t detract from the game in a significant way, be it exploring, fighting monsters, or building. Some community game modes are also better experienced in third-person than in first-person, proving its importance for those who play the game in such ways.

4 The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time

Switching To First Person When Aiming Some Ranged Weapons

As one of the most legendary game franchises of all time, The Legend of Zelda has played with different camera perspectives in some games. Of all the entries in the series, Ocarina of Time is perhaps the most well-known, which mainly has players controlling Link in third person.

However, when using some ranged weapons, the game switches to a first-person view to aim more easily. Using a bow or a grappling hook will switch the game to first-person, either for defeating enemies or to figure out puzzles. First person isn’t necessarily forced, as the grappling hook can be used in third person, it allows for more precise aiming, which is especially important for puzzles.

3 Red Dead Redemption 2

Exploring The Wild West In Either Perspective

Seemingly an inclusion now with Rockstar’s games since GTA 5, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a blend of camera angles. Players are able to play the story of Arthur Morgan in either first or third person, depending on their preference.

Many would consider third person to be the best way to experience the game, given Rockstar’s penchant for designing games for said perspective. However, first-person allows players to experience other facets of Red Dead 2, be that some of the immense details placed on the guns, the beauty of Wild West-era America, or just a difference in gameplay.

2 Fallout: New Vegas

A Legendary Title That Includes First And Third Person

Bethesda’s titles usually include both first and third-person gameplay, an inclusion they have implemented with their acquisition of the Fallout series. Obsidian adhered to this in Fallout: New Vegas, blending the gameplay with first and third-person accessibility.

While first person is the usual way to play the game, third person is a worthwhile experience to try. Simply exploring the Mojave either for the first or tenth time isn’t impeded when playing in third person. It can shake things up a bit for anyone who has only played New Vegas in first person.

A Usual Inclusion For Bethesda Games

Skyrim is most likely the first game that comes to people’s heads when thinking of a game that allows both first-person and third-person. Released in 2011, and still continually played today, Skyrim grants players access to explore the renowned open world in either first person or third person.

Some games that allow first and third-person camera perspectives might have different gameplay for each. However, Skyrim doesn’t really do this, with players only really having to adjust for combat, as there is a slight difference in how it plays given the camera perspectives. Other than that, aside from the perspectives, Skyrim will mostly play the same in the first or third person.