Do first person shooters for console typically come with aiming help?

This is a rumour I heard somewhere on the internet I have little trouble in buying: aiming with console controllers does not sound too easy, especially when you need to go for "twitch shots".

Is it, however, actually true?

Solution 1:

Typically, yes. Using analog sticks to aim is not as precise as using a mouse. So in several games, if you get your aim close enough to a target, the game will help by giving it a nudge in the right direction. Or if you do get on target and the target moves, it may adjust for you. (Depending on the game of course).

Some games of course have a lot of aim assist, others have only a little, and some will allow you to disable it completely.

Solution 2:

Different games offer different amounts of aim-assist, usually activated by holding down the "aim down the sights" button. It ranges from full lock-on-and-track to just a gentle "nudge" towards center mass to none at all (or configurable).

In my experience, single-player games tend to have more aim-assist than multiplayer games, but not always. The aim-assist greatly contributes to the unique feel of aiming in different games.