8 Best Stealth Video Game Franchises, Ranked – GameRant

One of the best gaming genres that players love to enjoy is the stealth genre. The idea of sneaking through the shadows and either slipping past enemies or taking them out in silence is something that players can’t get enough of, and they love how tense yet rewarding each takedown feels.

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Some of the best stealth franchises pride themselves on letting players approach a scenario however they see fit. These games boast excellent gameplay, detailed worlds, and compelling narratives as players strive to remain unseen as they take out enemies and complete their goals in style.

8

Dishonored

Full Of Excellent Immersive Sim Gameplay Where Stealth Is Prioritized

• Notable Entries: Dishonored, Dishonored 2

The reason why so many gamers are aware of Arkane Studios is because of their stellar work on the Dishonored series. Players love the smooth and satisfying gameplay of these titles as they sneak around and try to keep the casualties to a minimum while they make progress in each compelling level.

Players can approach a situation from multiple avenues and figure out the best way to infiltrate restricted areas and eliminate their targets. A non-lethal playthrough is challenging, but players shouldn’t shy away from using a bevy of unique powers to take out anyone standing in their way.

7

Assassin’s Creed

One Of Ubisoft’s Longest-Running Series Is The Current Standard For Open-World Stealth

• Notable Entries: Assassin’s Creed 2, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

There’s no denying that the Assassin’s Creed franchise has lost a ton of the allure that once compelled players to check out every annual entry in the series. However, Ubisoft’s long-running series should still be lauded for its stellar world-building and compelling gameplay.

Players love the tantalizing stealth gameplay that is challenging enough without being frustrating, with combat becoming more fun to engage with as players get access to more potent tools and abilities. Despite the issues plaguing Ubisoft as a company right now, players can still have a great time enjoying some of the best games in the Assassin’s Creed series.

6

Splinter Cell

Sam Fisher’s Stealth Missions Remain Challenging And Compelling

• Notable Entries: Splinter Cell, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Splinter Cell is one of the most iconic stealth franchises of all time, and it needs a new entry sooner rather than later. Back when Ubisoft was at the top of their game, Sam Fisher’s stealthy adventures were a blast to play courtesy of some incredible level design and tantalizing stealth gameplay.

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It’s easy to lose the plot with a single mistake and have to repeat the mission, but each Splinter Cell game was satisfying enough for players to bear these issues and eventually complete a challenging level. Fans can only hope that this series gets the treatment it deserves with a new entry that will reinvigorate mainstream interest in Sam Fisher’s high-stakes missions, because the stealth genre just isn’t the same without it.

5

Hitman

Full Of Diverse Missions With Numerous Paths To Kill A Target Efficiently

• Notable Entries: Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Absolution, Hitman: World of Assassination Trilogy

Hitman is one of the most iconic stealth franchises of all time. Agent 47 has etched his name in the annals of gaming history, letting players enjoy a bevy of creative missions where they can complete a goal in whatever manner they see fit.

This approach is dialed up to a hundred in the World of Assassination trilogy, where players are encouraged to replay each level and figure out the most creative and engaging way to take out their target. This approach was lauded by fans and critics alike, making it clear that this trilogy was a great way to make Agent 47’s adventures relevant again, as more people have flocked to the Hitman franchise than ever before.

Kojima’s Beloved Series Is Full Of Fun Stealth Gameplay And Intense Storytelling

• Notable Entries: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Hideo Kojima’s weird brain created a thrilling espionage series where each game helped the stealth genre evolve in new and creative ways. From the very first Metal Gear Solid game to the brilliance of Snake Eater on the PS2, it’s easy to see why fans can’t get enough of this series despite Kojima’s eventual departure from Konami.

Fans can only hope that the Snake Eater remake does justice to the original game, especially since players are starved for new Metal Gear Solid games. The Phantom Pain could’ve established itself as the greatest game in the series had Kojima been allowed to achieve his vision, but relations with the company soured just before he could see things to completion.

3

The Last Of Us

An Emotional Series Full Of Unnerving Stealth Gameplay And Tense Firefights

• Notable Entries: The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part 2

One of the most emotional video game series players can get invested in, The Last of Us and its sequel are two of the most hard-hitting video games ever made. The emotional storytelling, incredible visuals, and tense gameplay make each game a blast to play through.

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While the second game has divided fan opinion, most players agree that the first game was in a class of its own and is easily one of Naughty Dog’s greatest games. Players who want to give this series a shot should have some tissues ready for the waterworks that are bound to ensue during some of its hardest-hitting emotional scenes.

2

Thief

One Of The Most Important Immersive Sim Franchises Of All Time

• Notable Entries: Thief, Thief 2: The Metal Age, Thief: Deadly Shadows

Thief is one of the most important video games ever made, with the Dark Engine letting players explore immersive environments where they must be wary about everything from the surfaces they’re walking on to how illuminated an area is. Players who master Thief‘s systems will feel like a shadow, as Garret knocks out enemies and steals a ton of valuables effortlessly.

Exploration is rewarding every single time in any Thief level, with Garret receiving useful tools and valuable loot that can fund his future endeavors. It’s a shame that 2014’s Thief reboot missed the mark on what made the original games special, and fans can only hope that this beloved stealth franchise makes a comeback sooner rather than later.

1

Deus Ex

A Sci-Fi Noir Masterpiece Full Of Exemplary Immersive Sim Gameplay

• Notable Entries: Deus Ex, Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Deus Ex is one of the greatest games ever developed, with JC Denton’s adventures becoming legendary as players were embroiled in numerous conspiracies from the moment they completed the very first mission. It’s easy to see why this stellar immersive sim kickstarted a franchise that is full of quality titles.

Invisible War had its issues, but fans loved how Human Revolution served as a return to form for Deus Ex. If publishers hadn’t interfered so many times during the development of Mankind Divided, this game could’ve been just as engaging, if not more. However, as it stands now, the series is in limbo.

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7 Stealth Games With Great Replay Value

These Stealth games aren’t just great games due to their stealth mechanics, but also due to how much replay value they offer players.