There’s something deeply satisfying about sneaking through a place full of enemies and picking them off one by one. Unlike action games, stealth games offer a unique play style where hiding and planning your next move can lead to a different kind of thrill. Over the years, this genre has seen some of the most creative and smart games in the industry, so stay tuned and read all about the best stealth games ever.
Stealth games are great at keeping you on your toes because one mistake can mean disaster. They’ve evolved quite a lot over the years but a couple have such unique mechanics that you can’t put them down. So here are our 8 best stealth games for gaming in 2025!
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The critically acclaimed masterpiece from Arkane Studios, Dishonored, is a prime example of how intricate game design can do wonders. Each level is thoughtfully created to offer multiple paths and play styles, whether you like barging all in or carefully planning every move to reach the end of the level. The focus is on stealth, though, and once you successfully execute your strategy, the game can feel incredibly satisfying to play.
Dishonored was released in 2012, but the game features a gorgeous art style, which is a part of why the graphics hold up to this day. From stunning visuals to detailed mechanics and combat systems, there is no doubt that Arkane hit the spot with this one. There’s also a sequel to Dishonored, so feel free to check it out if you like the original.
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It’s no easy task picking the best stealth Assassin’s Creed, but among numerous great titles, Syndicate stands out. The game builds upon its predecessor’s (Assassin’s Creed Unity) stealth systems, making the game feel more polished and thought out when played from the shadows. 19th-century London looks amazing, and there’s just something so satisfying about scaling a building from street level and parkouring over the rooftops, leaving your enemies clueless as to where you might be.
Stealth mechanics work great, and although the fast-paced combat is captivating and fun, striking from the shadows offers an entirely different high. Movement is fluid, and wandering through the city can make you feel like London is your personal playground, so hop right in and experience the thrill of Syndicate.
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It’s interesting how a good number of major stealth franchises have multiple masterpieces in their catalogue, so choosing the best one can be pretty difficult. Out of all Hitman games, the one with arguably the most polished stealth mechanics is Hitman: World of Assassination.
The game offers you a variety of choices regarding your approach and play style. From different weapons and items you can use, to multiple viable paths you can take to get to your target, World of Assassination excels in letting the player choose their methods of elimination. If this game scratches your stealth itch, be sure to check out the other Hitman games too.
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Although we haven’t seen new Splinter Cell titles for a while now, the franchise still has a few true gems worth revisiting. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a 2005 critically acclaimed stealth game developed by Ubisoft. The game was an instant hit when it was released, selling 2.5 million copies within the first month.
Chaos Theory doesn’t hold your hand, and its steep learning curve ultimately pays off once you figure out all the different ways and tactics needed to progress. The game rewards creativity, so feel free to experiment and figure things out on your own. Don’t let the fact that Chaos Theory was released two decades ago stop you from giving it a try – modern stealth games still have a lot to learn from this timeless masterpiece.
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An absolute stealth classic, Thief 2: The Metal Age redefined the genre when it came out back in 2000. If you’ve played a stealth game released in the past 20 years or so, there’s a good chance it was built upon the foundation that Thief 2 laid. It’s genuinely impressive what the developers managed to achieve at the time, considering that the stealth genre was still in its early stages.
Each level presents you with an objective and lets you choose your approach. This was a fairly new game design concept at the time, which opened a whole new dimension of gameplay possibilities. Level design is exceptionally well crafted, and although the combat can feel a bit clunky, keep in mind that you’re playing as a thief, not a fighter. If you’re looking for an immersive stealth simulator, Thief 2: The Metal Age delivers.
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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a 2015 Konami release, and the latest Metal Gear Solid entry to date. The developers shaped Metal Gear into one of the most unique franchises out there, experimenting with each new release. MGS V is the pinnacle of this evolution, paying homage to its predecessors but also introducing new mechanics.
The plot is pretty complex, and the level of detail coupled with deep, thoughtful characters makes the storyline an exceptional cinematic experience. Gameplay is the most fun element of the game, though. The amount of customisation and gameplay methods available is, simply put, incredible, and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain perfectly illustrates what stealth games should feel like.
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Alien: Isolation is a 2014 stealth-horror title that puts you in the shoes of Amanda, the daughter of the famous Ellen Ripley, aboard the space station Sevastopol. There is an uninvited guest on the station with you. This ‘guest’ makes the search for your mother significantly more difficult as it hunts you down.
The game is a masterclass on how a complex artificial intelligence in games should work. The Xenomorph’s (the alien hunting you down) AI is incredibly well done, immersing you into the game and making you feel like you are there, sneaking your way past certain death. The atmosphere and the dark setting turn the horror level up a notch, and the fact that you can’t fight back implies that the game is heavily focused on stealth. Turn your lights off and jump right into this exceptional sci-fi horror experience.
Image Source: Steam
What better way to end the list than with an iconic stealth symbol – ninjas. Mark of the Ninja is the critically acclaimed 2D stealth platform game released in 2012 and developed by Klei Entertainment. If you’re looking for a stealth game in its purest form, this side-scrolling platformer is made for you.
Mark of the Ninja looks gorgeous – the animators and designers nailed the graphics and the timeless art style. As for the gameplay element, the fluid controls are essential to any platformer, and this game hit the spot as it is an absolute pleasure to play. Use your grapple-hook to move silently through the scenes and execute your enemies from above, or simply sneak past them to your objective without activating any alarms. The choice is yours.
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