With stealth games, players have to rely on more than just their agility and shooting accuracy to get through levels undetected. It takes careful planning and resourcefulness to figure out the optimal route that will avoid enemy patrols, security cameras, and other traps.
If you want to test your mettle and see if you have what it takes to be a true stealth ninja, try out any of these top-rated titles:
15. Tomb Raider
The first stealth game on our list is 1996's Tomb Raider. In this game, players take on the role of Lara Croft, an archaeologist who must use her wits and stealth to navigate through dangerous tombs and ruins. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive graphics, and it is often considered one of the best games of all time.
14. Aragami
In Aragami, the player controls an undead assassin with the power to control shadows. The objective of the game is to infiltrate various strongholds and eliminate specific targets. It features an open-world environment and allows the player to approach situations in multiple ways. The stealth mechanics are heavily influenced by the Ninja Gaiden and Metal Gear Solid series.
13. Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay
Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is set in the year 2547 and follows the character Richard B. Riddick as he attempts to escape from a maximum-security prison known as Butcher Bay. The game features a number of stealth gameplay elements, such as the ability to see in the dark and use air vents to move around undetected. It also features a number of action-oriented gameplay elements, such as hand-to-hand combat and gunplay.
12. Invisible, Inc.
In this game, the player controls a team of spies who must complete missions while avoiding detection by enemy forces. It features multiple difficulty levels, branching storylines, and a variety of unlockable characters. Invisible, Inc. received positive reviews from critics, praising its gameplay and stealth mechanics. However, its downside is the high level of difficulty, which can be frustrating for some players.
11. The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II features some of the most intense and thrilling stealth gameplay we've ever seen, with players having to carefully plan and execute their every move in order to make it through each encounter alive. It does lack replayability, but the game is still an absolute must-play for any fan of the stealth genre.
10. Alien: Isolation
Based on the Alien science fiction horror film series, the game follows Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, as she explores a space station in an attempt to find her mother. The player must use stealth to avoid enemies, using techniques such as hiding under beds or inside lockers and avoiding the line of sight with security cameras and motion trackers.
One of the game's best features is the excellent sound design that allows you to hear the aliens as they move through the station, giving you a real sense of dread and danger. On the other hand, its visual design isn't quite as impressive, but it still looks good enough that it doesn't take away from the game.
9. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a tactical stealth game set in Japan during the Edo period. The player controls a group of five ninjas with different skills and must use them to complete missions while avoiding detection. Its best feature is its intricate level design, which allows for a huge variety of approaches and solutions. On the other hand, it lacks a cohesive story.
8. Assassin's Creed
Assassin's Creed is a series of stealth games that follow the life and times of Altair Ibn-La'Ahad, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Connor Kenway, and Desmond Miles. It's known for its historical settings, open-world exploration, and parkour gameplay. The player takes on the role of an assassin who must complete missions given to them by various historical figures. The games are set in the 12th, 15th, and 18th centuries respectively. They each offer a different take on stealth gameplay that is unique to their time period.
One downside to the series is that it has become increasingly more action-oriented as it has progressed. This has led to some fans feeling that the games have lost their way. Despite this, the Assassin's Creed games are still some of the best stealth games you can play.
7. Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja follows the story of a ninja named Kiryu who, after being betrayed and left for dead, must exact his revenge on those who did him wrong. It comes in seventh place since its mechanics are heavily focused on stealth, with players being able to use the environment to their advantage. For example, they can use shadows to remain hidden and can use sound to lure enemies into traps. This can make for some very tense moments, as one wrong move can mean being discovered and killed.
6. Thief: The Dark Project
Released in 1998, Thief: The Dark Project is a stealth game set in a steampunk world where the player takes on the role of Garrett, a master thief. The game was developed by Looking Glass Studios and published by Eidos Interactive.
Thief: The Dark Project is considered one of the best stealth games ever made and has been credited with popularizing the stealth genre. The game's mechanics and level design encourage players to avoid combat and instead focus on sneaking around undetected. The game's soundtrack also contributes to the suspenseful atmosphere, making it one of the most immersive stealth experiences.
Related: Best Indie Games of All Time
5. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Set in a cyberpunk world where technology has advanced to the point of creating powerful cyborgs called “augs,” Deus Ex: Mankind Divided casts you as Adam Jensen, an aug who works for an international task force called Interpol. The game’s central plot revolves around the conflict between augs and non-augs, and how Jensen gets caught up in the middle of it.
Mankind Divided has excellent level design and stealth mechanics. The game gives you a ton of options for completing missions, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to approach each one. You can go in guns blazing, or you can take a stealthier approach and try to avoid combat altogether. There are also several different types of augmentations that you can use to help you complete missions in different ways.
4. Hitman 3
The third and final installment in the World of Assassination trilogy, Hitman 3 is the culmination of everything IO Interactive has learned about what makes a great stealth game over the years. While its predecessors gave you a wealth of options for taking down your targets, Hitman 3 goes one step further by giving you an entire sandbox to play in. Every level is packed with opportunities for creative kills, whether it's poisoning a drink, sabotaging a power line, or simply shooting your target with a sniper rifle from afar.
And if you're looking for a challenge, the new Escalation mode will put your stealth skills to the test by asking you to take down targets in increasingly difficult scenarios. Hitman 3 is the perfect stealth game for those who want to plan their kills down to the last detail.
3. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
The story of the game follows Sam Fisher as he tries to stop a group of terrorists from starting a world war. The gameplay of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is based on stealth and Sam Fisher has a variety of abilities that help him stay hidden from enemies. These abilities include being able to see in the dark, use laser tripwires, and employ noise-making devices.
Players have to be cautious when they are playing against enemies can easily spot Sam Fisher if he is careless. The game also has a variety of different enemy types, each with its own unique abilities that players must learn to counter.
2. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Set nine years after the events of MGSV: Ground Zeroes and the fall of Mother Base, Snake a.k.a. Big Boss, awakens from a nine-year coma in a hospital in Cyprus. He sets out to rebuild his private army, Diamond Dogs, and take revenge on the people who destroyed it.
In Metal Gear Solid V, you can use your environment to your advantage, using cover and hiding to stay undetected. There are also a variety of ways to take out enemies, from silent takedowns to all-out gunfights.
1. Dishonored 2
Dishonored 2 takes the top spot on our list of the best stealth games of all time. In the sequel, you once again take control of either Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin, both powerful assassins with their own unique set of skills and abilities. The game is set in the fictional city of Karnaca, and your goal is to overthrow the tyrannical ruler, Duke Luca Abele.
To do this, you'll have to utilize all of your stealth skills, as well as your creative thinking, to complete a variety of missions that will ultimately lead to your goal. The game is incredibly rewarding and allows for a huge amount of player choice and freedom. Whether you want to take a stealthy approach or go in all guns blazing, Dishonored 2 has you covered.
If you're interested in more stealth games, check out What is Stray? Release date, cat stealth, and more! and How to instantly kill enemies in Sifu here at Pro Game Guides.
Marijim Dy Timkang relies on her passion for video games and her content writing experience to provide readers with helpful insight and valuable tips as a contributing writer. Her articles are always packed with useful information that can help gamers take their gaming experience to the next level. When she's not writing, she enjoys playing video games, such as Valorant, Roblox, and more recently, Fortnite.