Stealth games give a refreshing take on modern-day titles. After all, juggernauts such as Hitman help players embrace their role as assassins by requiring them to immerse themselves in graphically-rich environments. Moreover, these games demand that players interact with almost any object, as they provide new ways to complete missions.
However, stealth fans might want to consider pausing from their silent takedowns with Agent 47. Those players who want a new challenge might want to try other stealth games that will not only test their patience but also their wit and quick thinking. In terms of non-Hitman stealth games, just what are some of the best options?
10 Tenchu Series
In the Tenchu series, players take on the role of shinobi and kunoichi - ninjas - who take on various missions in ancient Japan. Plots vary from game to game, but all of the stories bring players to the Warring States period in Japan. As such, players also tackle stealth from a more traditional standpoint.
Instead of relying on futuristic gadgets, players only have a grappling hook and basic tools to help them. They can use their kunai, smoke bombs, and even distractions to lure guards away from them or into a stealth kill. Players looking for a great stealth game that isn't as elaborate as Hitman will enjoy perfecting kills in Tenchu for hours.
9 Dishonored Series
Players looking for a refreshing take on the stealth genre might want to try out Arkane Studios' Dishonored series. Set in the industrialized Empire of the Isles, both Dishonored and Dishonored 2 have players take on the role of magically-empowered assassins. As assassins, users can eliminate their opponents stealthily. And thanks to gifts from the Outsider, players can use a wide array of magical abilities to get the advantage.
Moreover, as a narrative-driven game, Dishonored takes note of all actions taken in missions. As such, levels track people the players kill (and choose not to kill), and switch up certain points of the plot based on these decisions. Oh, and Dishonored players can potentially play the game without having to kill anyone.
8 Deus Ex Series
Players with a knack for sci-fi might appreciate the Deus Ex series, especially since the franchise blends both action and stealth gameplay within its core cybernetic-themed narrative. While most of the games primarily center around action, recent titles Human Revolution and Mankind Divided allow players to tackle missions using stealth-focused gameplay.
Moreover, aside from the occasional crouching, players can use the environment and their various augmentations to take advantage of stealth gameplay. For instance, the abundance of covers allows players to avoid security devices and guards in an area. Additionally, various gadgets and weapons allow players to take down enemies stealthily and violently, as well as non-lethally and lethally.
7 Alien: Isolation
Some might argue Alien: Isolation should be classified as a horror game; however, considering that being hidden is a core mechanic against the Xenomorph, Isolation might as well be a stealth game. While the player takes on the role of Amanda Ripley (Ellen Ripley's daughter), she's not exactly invulnerable. If the Xenomorph spots the player, they'll most likely die.
As such, Isolation forces players to be extra careful with their moves. While they can crouch, sneak, climb, and run, all the noise they make can attract the Xenomorph. Moreover, while other opponents can be defeated with weapons, the Xenomorph is technically immortal and, as such, should be avoided at all costs.
6 Amnesia: The Dark Descent
Yet another horror title makes it on a stealth games list. However, unlike Alien: Isolation, Amnesia: The Dark Descent takes place in 1839. Daniel, the protagonist, wakes up inside Brennenburg Castle with no idea who he was, how he got there, and why. Unfortunately for him (and the players), the castle is riddled with creatures and traps out to kill Daniel. To rub salt to the wound, Daniel's nyctophobia manifests in an actual meter that, if depleted, will call upon monsters to kill him.
All these gameplay elements - the puzzles, the auditory and visual cues, as well as the incapability to fight enemies - make Amnesia both a great horror and stealth game. After all, players have to find ways to navigate the castle without arousing suspicion.
5 Styx: Shards Of Darkness
Fantasy fans who want to play a unique stealth game might find Styx: Shards of Darkness interesting. Set in the fictional universe of Of Orcs and Men, Styx lets players take on the role of the titular goblin as he does a variety of missions in this fantasy realm.
However, what's perhaps interesting about this game is Styx's unique set of gameplay options. Aside from being able to lay traps, he's capable of turning invisible and cloning himself. Moreover, grappling hooks and ropes become available to help Styx reposition himself in higher areas, giving him more room to plan his assault.
4 Commandos Series
When players hear World War 2, they might immediately think of going commando and heading to the enemy with their armies and tanks. In the Commandos series, players need to lead a team of elite units to infiltrate enemy lines. What's interesting is that, for a series with only five games (from 1998 to 2006), they can still be extremely challenging for most players. After all, in the early games, detection immediately fails the mission.
Many of the objectives in Commandos games have to do with infiltrating an area, doing something, and making sure the Commandos can escape. However, what's interesting here is that the games aren't played in FPS or third-person. Rather, Commandos is a real-time stealth strategy game. As such, players need to fulfill their objects by using each Commando separately.
3 Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun
Players interested in Commandos' real-time stealth strategy format but want an alternate setting might want to try Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. Similar to Commandos, Shadow Tactics tasks players to do a variety of missions in areas using a special team of combatants. Aside from assassinations, the team needs to capture special targets, collect information, and even steal important documents.
As such, the game takes the Commandos formula a step further. Thanks to advanced graphics and gameplay, the game presents players with much more lethal risks. Enemies pay closer attention to noises and various sounds characters can make. However, players also have a variety of tools up their sleeve to help them in sticky situations.
2 Thief 2
Stealth games aren't only "great" if they have "realistic" graphics. In fact, some classic stealth games stay in the hearts of fans for their sheer attention to gameplay. in the case of the Thief series, it's this attention to detail that made this franchise a hallmark in stealth games.
In Thief 2, players take on the role of Garrett, a rogue in the City that regularly takes on jobs such as frame-ups and burglaries. Unlike the first game, Thief 2 focuses more on urban stealth instead of the mazes in the first game.
In the game, Garrett needs to use both lighting and sound to stay hidden from enemies. There aren't any complicated gadgets, except for his handy blackjack, sword, bow, and specialized arrows that can do tricks. The game requires players to plan ahead by reading the map and coordinating their plans from there.
1 Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Stealth game fans would likely have tried a Metal Gear game at some point in their lives. Of all games under the Metal Gear Solid moniker, it's perhaps The Phantom Pain that provides the most immersive experience. Unlike other entries in the franchise, The Phantom Pain is a completely open-world experience. Aside from that, the game takes beloved elements across all titles in the franchise, giving players a title with base-control mechanics, tactics, and companions, as well as recruitment options.
More importantly, the game actively rewards players whenever they take out enemies using non-lethal weapons. As such, there's an abundance of tranquilizers, an optimized melee combat system, and quick stuns. As the game's story can be taken at any point throughout the campaign, players can simply revel in the stealth experience.