There is a time and a place for loud, explosive, and fast-paced games. But, likewise, there is also a time for games that require a more… patient mentality. For those times, stealth games are often the go-to solution.
There have been plenty of games in this genre throughout generations, and even when you narrow it down to just PC games, it can still be a hard choice. Thankfully, some of these stealth games stand out from the rest. These PC games, either stand-alone or part of a larger franchise, show how exciting the stealth genre can be.
10Splinter Cell Conviction
TheSplinter Cellseries has been a go-to for stealth gamers for some time now. Conviction may not be the first game that brought Tom Clancy’s series to the limelight, but it did reenvision the series with a more streamlined story and brutal combat.
Sam Fisher is back, and he needs to combine classic gadgets with a new mentality to reveal why Third Echelon has betrayed him. It’s a conspiracy that spans the globe and will earn Sam all-new enemies as he stealths his way past guards, cameras, and worse things still.
TheMetal Gear Solidfranchise always has something new up its sleeve. With Phantom Pain, you take control of Venom Snake for an all-new expansive storyline that builds on what you already know about some key franchise characters.
If there was ever a place to hop into the series, it’s here. There are plenty of ways to approach the game, but it definitely rewards you for leaning on the stealthy side of things. Tasers, camo, and, of course, cardboard boxes are all there to help you.
As good as Phantom Pain is, it only barely keeps withinthe top five Metal Gear Solid games of all time. That’s more of a commendation for how good the entire franchise is than a criticism of Phantom Pain, though.
One of the most household names in stealth games,Assassin’s Creed Valhallatakes the series to the shores of Norway and Britain as a Viking explorer in the late 800s CE. The gameplay itself is quite similar to Odyssey and Origins but with more RPG elements.
While some longtime fans haven’t appreciated the focus onthese new elementsthat the newest trilogy has brought, there is still plenty of stealth gameplay to nestle it into the genre. In fact, it can be a refreshing new challenge for those who love the genre or are RPG fans at heart.
The sequel and continuation of the first Plague Tale game,Requiembrings Hugo and his older sister Amicia back into the fray. Stealth is the name of the game as you dodge soldiers, religious fanatics, and the ever-present swarm of rats.
It’s a game that focuses more on problem-solving and stealth than direct combat, which is a fun switch compared to most mainstream games and many stealth games as well. Combine that with a heartbreaking story, and you have quite the game.
Even more strangely, this isthe same studio that developed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
6Sniper Elite 5
A more historical look at the stealth genre.Sniper Elite 5is somewhat unique in the genre for the fact that you’re far from defenseless. As one of the Allies' elite snipers, you must go on various missions across France to throw a wrench into the nazi war machine.
It’s a fun game that balances stealth mechanics with that of third and first-person shooter gameplay. There’s something so satisfying about watching your bullet fly across the map to take out an enemy officer while the rest of the enemy is none the wiser.
Own a VR headset? There’s a VR adaptation of Sniper Elite on most headsets, from Steam VR tothe Meta Quest.
5Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
A game where stealth can be a big part depending on how you play.Deus Ex: Mankind Dividedputs you in the shoes of operative Adam Jensen and asks you to explore the dynamic and often hostile cyberpunk world of Deus Ex.
One of the best ways to approach the game is with stealth, as you have many upgradeable cybernetics that can help you stay out of reach from your enemies. It isn’t as in-depth as some other stealth games, but it makes it easier for those who aren’t as stealth-inclined since you have other options for completing missions.
4Thief 2: The Metal Age
A blast from the past, but one that longtime stealth fans will instantly recognize. Thief 2: The Metal Age did a lot to solidify the stealth genre at the turn of the 21st century, so it makes sense to earn a place on this list.
It’s easy to see how this game created the basis for modern stealth games like Dishonored. With open-ended levels, a world unlike any other, and plenty of gadgets to test your skills, Thief 2 still has much to keep you entertained.
A big name in the stealth game genre. It only makes sense that the Hitman franchise has been around for so long now, as its gameplay and complex storylines have brought players in time after time.Hitman 3is the pinnacle of the series.
Still following the life and assassinations of Agent 47, you’re once again tasked with exploring different maps to take out varied targets across the globe. This time, you get a bit more knowledge about who 47 and his mysterious employers are, though, and not all of it is fun to learn. The weapons, AI, and maps all wrap into a neat and often seamless game.
A mix of horror and stealth,Alien: Isolationis the perfect pick if you want a little bit more of a heart-pumping challenge with your classic stealth game. If you’re a fan of the Alien movie series, you’ll have an idea of what to expect in this game.
Horriblexenomorphs wander the hallsof the Sevastopol, and they don’t take kindly to you avoiding them. You’ll have to use all of your wits, tools, and your environment to keep out of their claws, because fighting them isn’t really an option.
Amazing stealth mechanics aside, Alien: Isolation has one of themost core-chillingly scary villains of all time. This game won’t be for the faint of heart.
1Dishonored
A game that came out of nowhere and quickly became a classic.Dishonoredmixes stealth genre classics with a unique world you can’t find anywhere else. But what else would you expect from Arkane?
As Corvo Attano, the Queen’s bodyguard and assassin, you have to unravel a plot that spans the island capital of Dunwall and has led to you being branded a criminal of the highest order. Fantasy elements mix with a sort of steampunk feel as you either stealth or murder your way through the world, changing it forever.
