Saddle Up! The Best Cowboy Games of the Wild West

Dust off your boots and get ready for a showdown! We’re riding into the sunset to explore the best cowboy games set in the legendary Wild West. From gritty tales of revenge to sprawling open-world adventures, these games capture the spirit of the frontier.

Ready to find out which Wild West games are the quickest on the draw? Let’s ride!

Hard West

Dive into a turn-based strategy game with a supernatural twist. Play as a gunslinger seeking vengeance in a harsh, unforgiving landscape. Hard West combines realistic strategy with a touch of the occult for a unique Wild West experience. Don’t forget to check out Hard West 2 as well!

Weird West

This isometric RPG throws you into a dark fantasy version of the Wild West. Make choices that shape the story in a world filled with cowboys, creatures, and compelling characters. Weird West delivers a unique and engaging experience with stunning visuals.

GUN

Released in 2005, GUN offers a thrilling revenge story starring Colton White. While not a groundbreaking title, GUN filled a void for PC gamers craving a Red Dead-style adventure. At a time when Red Dead wasn’t available on PC, GUN was a welcomed alternative.

Red Dead Redemption

No list of cowboy games would be complete without Red Dead Redemption. The first game in the series, it tells the compelling story of John Marston and his journey through the dying West. Many fans still eagerly await a PC release.

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood

Switching gears to FPS games, Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood takes players back to 1864. Follow the McCall brothers as they search for the legendary Juarez gold. This game provides a visceral and exciting Wild West experience.

Red Dead Revolver

The game that started it all! Red Dead Revolver puts you in the boots of a bounty hunter seeking revenge in the 1880s. This title laid the foundation for the Red Dead series and deserves a place on any best cowboy games list.

Fallout: New Vegas

Okay, this one’s a bit different. While not strictly a Wild West game, Fallout: New Vegas, often considered the best Fallout game, draws heavily from the genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic future, New Vegas evokes the spirit of the Old West with its themes and atmosphere.

Evil West

Combining the Wild West with a dark, monstrous threat, Evil West puts you in the role of a hero battling bloodthirsty creatures. This action-packed game offers a chaotic and exciting twist on the classic cowboy formula.

Desperados III

Need some strategy in your Wild West adventure? Desperados III delivers a real-time tactics experience with stealth elements and a compelling narrative. This game captures the essence of the Wild West with engaging gameplay.

Red Dead Redemption II

The undisputed champion! Red Dead Redemption II is a masterpiece of the cowboy genre. With its massive open world, unforgettable characters, rich story, and thrilling action, Red Dead Redemption II earns its place as one of the greatest games of all time.

Saddle Up! The Best Cowboy Games to Play in the Wild West

Wander through the dry, desolate deserts of the Wild West and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. While pirate themes are popular in video games, cowboy themes are relatively less common. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the best cowboy games.

# What are the Best Cowboy Games?

Let’s rephrase: What are the best Wild West games available? That’s what we’re here to discover. We’ll be ranking the finest cowboy games from the past to the present. Get ready to journey into the untamed territories of the Wild West, where guns speak louder than laws. Let’s ride!

Hard West

Our first pick for a game that captures the Wild West spirit is Hard West, a turn-based strategy title. You control a character sworn to hunt down those who wronged him. Expect a blend of supernatural chaos and realistic strategy. You might also want to check out the sequel, Hard West 2.

* Developer: CreativeForge Games
* Publisher: Good Shepherd Entertainment
* Release Date: November 18, 2015

Weird West

Weird West offers an isometric RPG experience with a captivating atmosphere and intriguing visuals. It’s not just cowboys and the Wild West; it incorporates dark fantasy elements, resulting in a truly unique experience. You also have the power to shape the narrative through your choices.

* Developer: WolfEye Studios
* Publisher: Devolver Digital
* Release Date: March 31, 2022

GUN

Released in 2004 after the success of Red Dead Revolver, GUN from Activision puts you in the boots of Colton White, caught in a quest for revenge. While not necessarily the best game of its time, it capitalized on the fact that the Red Dead series wasn’t available on PC. It was the closest PC owners could get to a Red Dead-like experience at the time.

* Developer: Neversoft
* Publisher: Activision
* Release Date: November 17, 2005

Red Dead Redemption

It’s no surprise that two Red Dead games are on our list of the best cowboy games. Red Dead Redemption, the first in the series, was a landmark title. Following John Marston’s journey and his transformation throughout the game was a compelling experience. Many PC players are still eagerly awaiting its arrival on the platform.

* Developer: Rockstar Games
* Publisher: Rockstar Games
* Release Date: May 18, 2010

Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood

How about shifting gears to FPS games? The Call of Juarez series excels at portraying the dangerous action of the Wild West. Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood takes players to 1864, following the McCall brothers’ search for the legendary Juarez gold. It’s one of the best FPS games for experiencing the dry, hot atmosphere of the Wild West.

* Developer: Techland
* Publisher: Techland Publishing
* Release Date: June 30, 2009

Red Dead Revolver

Mentioned earlier when discussing GUN, Red Dead Revolver is a must-have on any list of the best cowboy games. Set in the 1880s, the game puts you in the role of a bounty hunter, but the mission soon evolves into a tale of revenge. We owe a great deal to this game for launching the Red Dead series.

* Developer: Rockstar Games
* Publisher: Rockstar Games
* Release Date: May 4, 2004

Fallout: New Vegas

Let’s get a little unconventional. Often hailed as the best game in the Fallout series, Fallout: New Vegas isn’t explicitly set in the Wild West. It depicts a post-apocalyptic future, but New Vegas makes numerous references to the Wild West. In this scenario, people practically live as if it’s the 1800s. It’s a good choice for those seeking a slightly different spin.

* Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
* Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
* Release Date: October 19, 2010

Evil West

Combining the Wild West theme with a darker atmosphere, Evil West places you in a scenario where you confront bloodthirsty monsters and strive to become a hero of the West. This game offers a chaotic and exciting experience, and it could easily become a favorite on our list of the best cowboy games.

* Developer: Flying Wild Hog
* Publisher: Focus Entertainment
* Release Date: November 22, 2022

Desperados III

We felt our list needed another strategy game, so we’re introducing you to Desperados III. This game offers a real-time strategy experience, blending stealth elements with the Wild West, and delivering a story-driven narrative. You’ve likely heard of the series before, but this third installment is genuinely enjoyable and showcases the best aspects of the Wild West.

* Developer: Mimimi Games
* Publisher: THQ Nordic
* Release Date: June 16, 2020

Red Dead Redemption II

Finally, we’ve arrived at the guest of honor on our list. It’s undoubtedly a top contender for the best cowboy game. With its massive open world, superbly crafted characters, abundant content, and thrilling action, Red Dead Redemption II has captured our hearts.

* Developer: Rockstar Games
* Publisher: Rockstar Games
* Release Date: October 26, 2018