Summary
Stealth games can be exhilarating, sneaking up on an enemy and silently taking them down before escaping undetected. Even being caught and trying to get oneself out of hot water can be thrilling, escaping a situation and disappearing into the shadows, leaving enemies confused.
This genre is not for everyone, though, as many players tend to panic when under that kind of pressure. Some stealth games may still appeal to those people, as they are not too punishing if things go wrong, and players can easily get themselves out of a sticky situation. What’s more, these games are worth playing for reasons other than their more stealth-oriented aspects. For players who aren’t into stealth games, or are just starting to explore the genre, these are great titles to play.
The fourth installmentin theArkhamseries,Batman: Arkham Knightis very forgiving when it comes to stealth. Naturally, players are encouraged and even rewarded for more sneaky tactics, and some situations require the famous Dark Knight to remain in the shadows, but it’s not usually necessary.
The open world generally allows for an easy escape if a situation is too dicey, and Batman has his many gadgets to put the odds back in his favor. Driving the iconic Batmobile is also worth the price of admission alone, zooming through Gotham City in style.
While itsharrowing nature and difficult themesmay not appeal to everyone,This War Of Mineis a must-play title for many. Focusing on war and its effect on civilian populations, players must survive until a ceasefire is agreed, usually after 25–45 days, depending on the characters the player is controlling.
While scavenging at night, stealth is certainly encouraged, though it is not really necessary. It can be incredibly stressful, but greater risk yields greater reward. While it may be difficult to achieve, it is possible to take only essential supplies and escape, relying on self-sufficiency in the hideout and trading with non-hostile NPCs.
For those with a preference for platformers,Sly Cooper: Thieves in Timeis worth checking out. Taking control of the eponymous and larcenous raccoon, his ancestors, and several others, players must platform and sneak their way through levels and pull off grand heists, all while uncovering a plot.
Each playable character has their own unique abilities, which are usually helpful for reaching secret areas, and there are plenty of costumes to use as disguises. As a game aimed at players of all ages, and as a platformer, the levels are relatively forgiving if mistakes are made, so the more stealthy aspects of gameplay should not cause too much stress.
When it comes to variety,Hitman 3and the widerWorld of Assassinationtrilogy is full of it. All three games are accessible throughHitman 3, and the many maps are diverse, from bustling city settings like Chongqing to the quieter countryside manor in Dartmoor. Each one offers unique costumes and useful items that can be used for various purposes.
Stealth is encouraged, of course, with the game giving a higher score and rewards in some cases when earning the ‘Silent Assassin’ rating. There are times when things don’t go as planned, and Agent 47 must make a hasty getaway, but players canfind a new disguiseor battle their way out of a tight situation.
6Headhunter
Classic Action With Stealth Elements
For a more retro feel with this Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 classic,Headhunteris generally thought of as a masterpiece. Taking place in a bleak city setting in the near future, players control Jack Wade, an amnesiac former bounty-hunter aiming to get his license to kill back.
In terms of gameplay,this cyberpunk gameis a third-person shooter with some enjoyable stealth mechanics. The motorcycle sections are fun and break up the action. Some contemporary critics even compared the gameplay ofHeadhunterwithMetal Gear Solid, which is high praise indeed.
Another classic game with cyberpunk themes and a dystopian city setting,Deus Exis the first of many stellar games in the series. An FPS that can be played in multiple ways, stealth is perhaps the most popular, especially in the early game when it’s more difficult to go into situations with all guns blazing.
The game even adapts based on player actions. Entire sections of the game can be missed depending on how it is played, and NPCs react to the actions of the player. The varied and enjoyable gameplay is present throughout theDeus Exseries, and even players who don’t enjoy stealth can find something they like in every entry.
While the game encourages a non-lethal approach and stealth, inMetal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Painplayers can play pretty much however they like without any real punishment. The vast array of gadgets, weaponry and assistants allows Snake to escape almost any situation unscathed.
Adaptive enemy AI also means that players have to change their tactics from time to time, which keeps the gameplay fresh throughout. The game also gets easier if players are struggling, but they will be mocked withthe dreaded “chicken hat"if things are too tough.
As with many games on this list,Dishonoredhas a high level of freedom in terms of how players interact with the game. Whilestealth is the optimal approach, players can also utilize a more direct attack, though it is perhaps more difficult and less fun that way.
Side missions open new non-lethal avenues for taking down targets, and Corvo’s many abilities offer the best approach to most conflicts. From summoning a hoard of rats, to slowing down time, there are multiple ways to take on any situation. Players are able to combine these abilities and even improve them to use them most effectively.
There is so much on offer inAssassin’s Creed 2, not only focusing on the swift and sneaky killings of targets. There is plenty to keep players busy, such as exploring the many beautifully recreated Renaissance period Italian cities and the rebuilding efforts in Monteriggioni.
In terms of combat, players are of course encouraged to deal with their enemies quietly, but often Ezio must tackle enemies head on, especially when many guards are present during a murder. Escape is always an easy option too, with a plethora of hiding places dotted around the various settings.
Arguably one of the greatest games ever made,The Last of Us: Part 2is easily the best stealth game for players not into the genre, largely due to itsmyriad accessibility options. Stealth itself even has four options:
Other accessibility options include general difficulty, visual aids, and audio cues, among many others. Apart from accessibility and the engaging gameplay, the game is worth playing for the story alone, especially for anyone who has played the first game. Be warned, though, that it is a rather harrowing experience.
