It's been suggested that Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake was the first game to introduce modern stealth mechanics. Regardless of who did it first, it's undeniable that the stealth genre has improved drastically since its inception. Developers are continually testing players' ability to complete levels without raising alarms.
Stealth games require manual dexterity. They are veiled in secrecy to those new to the genre. Subduing enemies can be more challenging than going in guns blazing, yet experienced stealth players might say otherwise. Stealth gameplay goes hand in hand with realism, and there is an abundance of stealth games that aren't Assassin's Creed.
10 Among Us
As a game that pushes you to collaborate and betray other players, Among Us invites players to thinks outside the box. It's one of the most-streamed video games on Twitch for good reasons. We have even had the delight to see New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and rapper Logic play the game.
In Among Us, players must deceive other players if they are the Imposter or discover who is putting on the guise. Among Us is all the hype these days, and it has a significant stealth component.
9 Alien: Isolation
Creative Assembly's Alien: Isolation places players in the most vulnerable situations where they must hide from the alien. It's a game that didn't receive the best reviews from critics, but it maintains a cult following in the gaming community. Alien: Isolation is scary throughout the game. Expect many jump scares throughout the game. It has a light combat system, but the stealth mechanics make it a must-play.
8 HITMAN (2016)
The Hitman series is still going strong with the release of games like HITMAN (2016). The game takes place approximately six years after Hitman: Absolution. The structure of the game has shifted into an episodic story. Fans of the franchise can put their woes aside since HITMAN (2016) is still enjoyable in a new format. This game has a heavy stealth component, like other games in the series.
7 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain might be the most divisive game in the series, tending to cause angst among fans. The game has an open-world format, which differs from previous entries. Nevertheless, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain has stealth gameplay that pays homage to early Metal Gear Solid games. There are various ways to kill enemies stealthily. You can use tranquilizer ammunition or quietly subdue enemies from behind.
6 Splinter Cell (2003)
When the first Splinter Cell launched on the original Xbox, it was recognized for an intuitive stealth system. Players had to balance the darkness and light to avoid being detected by enemies. Players can beat levels without firing a single shot, and the use of gadgetry was way ahead of its time. The protagonist Sam Fisher is now an icon in stealth games. Hopefully, a new Splinter Cell releases for next-gen consoles soon.
5 Hitman: Blood Money
The Hitman series is recognized for its impactful stealth mechanics. You play as a man named Agent 47, who has a plain look and advanced combat training. This elusive protagonist wears a peculiar barcode, which is used to access rooms in his training facility.
Hitman: Blood Money is considered the best game in the series for its remarkable story and consistency. Many sequels have been released, yet Hitman: Blood Money was a huge upgrade that cannot be forgotten.
4 The Last Of Us
This iconic PlayStation title is still relevant as a stealth game. Some zombies are quickly subdued, but players have to also deal with bandits and other adversaries on their adventure. Using stealth raises fewer alarms, making the game easier for the patient.
The story of The Last Of Us was a masterpiece since day one. It introduced characters like Ellie, Joel, and Tommy. The game hasn't received a re-release for the PlayStation 5, but it's not out of the question. A next-gen upgrade could bring native 4k or 120 frames per second.
3 The Last of Us Part II
Had The Last of Us Part II contained a more robust stealth system, it would be considered the greatest on its list. Based solely on the stealth mechanics, Naughty Dog could have improved the game. Overall, The Last of Us Part II is possibly the greatest game to grace the PlayStation 4. However, it falls short of other games that have a heavier focus on stealth gameplay.
2 Ghost Of Tsushima
In Ghost of Tsushima, players play the role of a samurai and a ghost. While the samurai's part is heavily ingrained in Ghost of Tsushima's protagonist, he understands that he must adopt a new fighting style to beat his foes.
Ghost of Tsushima is a phenomenal stealth game that enables players to strike unsuspecting enemies from behind or above. However, the option to attack enemies head-on rather than through stealth is also a core mechanic.
1 Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Sometimes a game hits the mark, leaving a lasting impression on players around the world. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory isn't the first or most recent Splinter Cell game, yet it's considered the best Splinter Cell of all time. The combat system works, the story is gripping, and the level design is masterful. Especially for players who are new to the series, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a must-play.