Top 20 Stealth Games of All Time Ranked

20. Aragami (2016)

There’s something inherently cool about playing as a supernatural ninja who literally melts into the shadows. Aragami takes that fantasy and runs with it, giving players the ability to teleport between dark spots, summon shadow clones, and vanish right under an enemy’s nose. It’s one of those stealth games that wears its Tenchu inspiration proudly, but with a modern indie twist that makes it feel fresh. The level design is open enough to let you play creatively, whether you prefer the clean ghost approach or a messier trail of silent assassinations. Its unique art style, with cel-shaded visuals, also sets it apart from the grim realism often found in the genre. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a spectral ninja slipping through a fortress under moonlight, Aragami is pure wish fulfillment in game form. | © Lince Works

19. Styx: Shards of Darkness (2017)

When most stealth games put you in the boots of elite soldiers or master assassins, Styx: Shards of Darkness laughs and hands you control of a foul-mouthed goblin instead. And somehow, it works brilliantly. Styx is sneaky in the nastiest ways – scurrying through vents, crafting deadly traps, and even cloning himself to cause distractions. The game doubles down on vertical level design, with sprawling maps that reward curiosity and bold maneuvers. It doesn’t just punish mistakes harshly, it mocks you for them, because Styx never misses a chance to crack a sarcastic one-liner after you bungle a mission. What makes it stand out is the personality: stealth here isn’t quiet reverence, it’s gleeful mischief. If you want a stealth game with a sense of humor and surprising mechanical depth, Styx is your guy. | © Cyanide Studio

18. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew (2023)

Sometimes stealth needs a dash of magic, and Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew delivers exactly that. From the team that revived the real-time tactics stealth genre with Shadow Tactics, this pirate adventure turns sneaking around into a supernatural playground. Each crew member has bizarre, fun abilities – like hiding in a walking treasure chest or teleporting through cursed portals – that make every mission feel like solving a clever puzzle. And unlike most stealth games where saving constantly feels like cheating, here it’s woven into the lore: your ghost ship lets you “bookmark” moments in time. It’s a rare stealth game that balances challenge and playfulness, rewarding both meticulous planners and chaotic improvisers. Plus, it’s dripping with pirate charm, making every infiltration as stylish as it is strategic. | © Mimimi Games

17. Alien: Isolation (2014)

Few games capture the sheer terror of stealth like Alien: Isolation. Instead of hunting enemies from the shadows, you’re the one being hunted – by a relentless Xenomorph that never plays by the rules. Every corner becomes a gamble, every sound a potential death sentence. The game forces you to slow down, listen carefully, and cling to your motion tracker like it’s a lifeline. What makes it unforgettable is how unpredictable the alien is; no two encounters feel the same, and even late into the game, you’ll still be holding your breath under a desk, praying it doesn’t hear you. It’s not just a good stealth game – it’s survival horror at its most nerve-shredding. For anyone who wants stealth dialed up to maximum tension, this is the gold standard. | © Creative Assembly

16. Invisible, Inc (2015)

Turn-based stealth might sound like an oxymoron, but Invisible, Inc. proves it can be just as nail-biting as sneaking in real time. Think of it as a high-stakes spy thriller played out on a chessboard, where every move matters and every mistake snowballs into chaos. Procedurally generated levels mean no two missions are ever the same, keeping you constantly on your toes as you balance hacking security systems, avoiding guards, and extracting your agents before the timer runs out. Its roguelike structure makes it addictive – failure isn’t the end, it’s a lesson for the next run. Few games capture the cerebral side of stealth so well, letting you feel clever for pulling off the perfect infiltration. It’s stylish, smart, and endlessly replayable. | © Klei Entertainment

15. Intravenous 2 (2024)

Sometimes stealth is all about tension, and Intravenous 2 nails that gritty, nerve-wracking feeling like few others. It’s a top-down stealth shooter that doesn’t hold your hand, where a single mistake can spiral into absolute chaos. The game thrives on giving players freedom – do you sneak through the shadows like a ghost, or arm yourself to the teeth and risk turning every mission into a bloody shootout? Its moody lighting, immersive sound design, and sharp AI create a constant sense of vulnerability, making every corner you peek around feel like a gamble. What’s remarkable is how it manages to capture the essence of classic stealth games but through a modern indie lens, proving you don’t need a huge budget to deliver high-quality tension. This is one of those stealth titles that rewards patience, precision, and nerves of steel. | © Explosive Squat Games

Cropped The Chronicles of Riddick Escape from Butcher Bay

14. The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004)

Before stealth became the darling of modern AAA design, Escape from Butcher Bay surprised everyone by being way better than a movie tie-in had any right to be. Here, you’re not just sneaking around as Vin Diesel’s gravel-voiced antihero – you’re trying to escape one of the nastiest prisons in sci-fi. It blends first-person stealth with melee combat and clever environmental design, making every escape attempt feel tense and cinematic. What’s really impressive is how seamless it felt at the time; one minute you’re lurking in the shadows, the next you’re brawling in the yard, all without breaking immersion. Even now, it stands out as one of the rare licensed games that not only worked but helped redefine expectations for what stealth could look like in a first-person format. | © Starbreeze Studios

13. Mark of the Ninja: Remastered (2018)

If stealth games are about feeling powerful while staying unseen, then Mark of the Ninja might be one of the purest expressions of the genre. This stylish side-scroller strips away 3D complexity and delivers a 2D experience that feels every bit as rich. Its visual cues are genius – every shadow, sound, and sightline is clearly communicated, making it easy to understand exactly how visible (or invisible) you are at any given moment. But clarity doesn’t mean simplicity; this game still demands precision and creativity in how you approach each guard and obstacle. The remastered version polishes it up with HD visuals and new content, ensuring it holds up beautifully today. It’s rare for a stealth game to feel both approachable for newcomers and deeply satisfying for veterans, but this one manages it effortlessly. | © Klei Entertainment

12. Gunpoint (2013)

Few stealth games make you feel clever quite like Gunpoint. Instead of sneaking with brute force or flashy powers, you’re rewiring entire buildings to turn the environment against your enemies. Lights, doors, cameras – all fair game for your Crosslink gadget. Want to lock a guard in a room? Easy. Want to rewire a switch so the elevator becomes a death trap? Even better. The joy of Gunpoint comes from solving stealth like a puzzle, and then watching your absurd Rube Goldberg plan unfold perfectly (or disastrously). Its bite-sized missions and witty writing keep things breezy, while still delivering some seriously smart design. It’s the kind of game that proves stealth doesn’t always have to be grim and brooding – it can be playful, brainy, and laugh-out-loud funny, too. | © Suspicious Developments

11. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)

When it comes to blending stealth with choice-driven gameplay, Deus Ex: Human Revolution sits firmly at the top. It’s not just about hiding in vents or silently knocking out guards – it’s about deciding what kind of augmented human you want to be. Do you upgrade cloaking to ghost past patrols, or invest in hacking to open secret paths? The brilliance of this game is that stealth feels like a legitimate and rewarding playstyle, not just an afterthought. The world itself also leans into the theme, with cyberpunk conspiracies and morally gray choices shaping the story around you. While you can go loud, the level design makes sneaking around feel like the “right” way to play, with smartly layered environments that reward exploration. It’s stealth as part of a larger immersive sim, and it’s still one of the best examples of the genre done right. | © Eidos Montréal

10. Sly 2: Band of Thieves (2004)

Not all stealth games have to be dark, gritty affairs – sometimes, sneaking around can be downright charming. Sly 2: Band of Thieves proves that point beautifully, mixing cartoonish fun with surprisingly deep stealth mechanics. Playing as Sly and his quirky gang, you get to pull off elaborate heists that feel equal parts Saturday morning cartoon and Ocean’s Eleven. The open hub worlds encourage exploration, letting you plan out your jobs rather than just following a linear path. What makes it special is how it introduces variety: you’re not just controlling Sly, but also his brains-and-brawn buddies Bentley and Murray, each with their own style. It’s a stealth game that kids and adults alike could sink into, and it still holds up today as one of the most creative takes on sneaky gameplay. | © Sucker Punch Productions

9. Dishonored 2 (2016)

When stealth meets supernatural powers, the result is pure magic – and Dishonored 2 perfects that formula. Playing as either Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano, you’re given an arsenal of otherworldly abilities that make sneaking a playground of possibilities. Blink across rooftops, possess enemies, link foes together for synchronized takedowns – the freedom here is unmatched. But what elevates it is the level design, from the clockwork mansion with shifting walls to the time-traveling mechanics of “A Crack in the Slab.” It’s a game that rewards creativity, letting you experiment with dozens of ways to infiltrate or eliminate your targets. Few stealth games make you feel this powerful while still demanding precision and patience. It’s not just one of the best stealth games ever made – it’s one of the best games, period. | © Arkane Studios

8. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun (2016)

Bringing back the spirit of Commandos but with a samurai twist, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is tactical stealth at its finest. Every mission feels like a puzzle box, where each member of your squad has unique skills perfectly suited for different scenarios. Want to distract guards with a geisha? Use Hayato to throw a shuriken? Or maybe unleash a trap with the old sharpshooter? The joy comes from combining these tools into flawless, synchronized executions. It’s not an easy game, but the satisfaction of pulling off a perfect plan is immense. The historical Japanese setting also gives it a flavor that sets it apart from most stealth titles, immersing you in a world of shadows, snow, and silent blades. For fans of methodical stealth, this is an absolute must-play. | © Mimimi Games

7. Gloomwood (2022)

Few modern games wear their inspirations on their sleeve as boldly as Gloomwood. Billed as a “Thief-like” by its own creators, this immersive stealth sim captures the spirit of late-90s classics while adding a fresh, eerie twist. You’re dropped into a Victorian city full of mystery, where darkness is your greatest weapon and patience your strongest ally. What makes it stand out is the atmosphere – moody, unsettling, and dripping with tension at every corner. The mechanics lean into slow, deliberate sneaking, with light and sound dictating your survival. Even in Early Access, it has already carved out a cult following, with players praising its dedication to classic stealth sensibilities. It’s a love letter to the golden age of immersive sims, and one of the most exciting stealth projects in years. | © New Blood Interactive

6. Batman: Arkham City (2011)

Superhero games don’t always embrace stealth, but Batman: Arkham City understands that the Dark Knight is just as much about lurking in shadows as throwing punches. The Predator encounters are a masterclass in design, giving you arenas filled with terrified thugs and endless tools to stalk them with. Grapple to a gargoyle, drop down for a silent takedown, then vanish before the others know what happened – it feels like you’re directing your own Batman movie. The beauty lies in how enemies adapt to your tactics, growing increasingly paranoid as you thin their numbers. Combined with a sprawling open world, the stealth elements make you truly feel like Gotham’s silent guardian. It’s proof that even in a brawler-heavy game, stealth can steal the show. | © Rocksteady Studios

5. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood (2010)

By the time Brotherhood arrived, the Assassin’s Creed formula had hit its stride, and this entry showed just how good stealth in an open world could feel. Set in Renaissance Rome, it introduced the Brotherhood system, letting you call in fellow assassins to strike from the shadows. That one mechanic alone made you feel less like a lone wanderer and more like the leader of a growing underground network. The rooftops, crowds, and bustling city streets gave you endless ways to stalk and eliminate targets without ever being detected. It’s also where the franchise really leaned into blending parkour with stealth, creating fluid, cinematic assassinations that remain iconic today. For many fans, this was the golden age of stealth in the series. | © Ubisoft Montreal

4. Thief Gold (1999)

Before stealth became mainstream, Thief defined what it meant to hide in the shadows. Thief Gold isn’t just a simple expansion of the original – it’s the definitive version, packed with extra missions and refinements that cement its legacy. It pioneered the use of light and sound as core stealth mechanics, forcing players to pay attention to every flickering torch and every creaky floorboard. You’re not a super soldier here – you’re Garrett, a master thief who survives by cunning, patience, and a sharp ear. The sense of atmosphere is unmatched, with gothic cityscapes, eerie cathedrals, and the constant feeling that danger is just around the corner. It remains a cornerstone of the genre, influencing nearly every stealth game that followed. | © Looking Glass Studios

3. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)

If stealth had an open-world playground, it would look a lot like The Phantom Pain. Kojima’s magnum opus lets you tackle missions however you want, with systems so deep that no two infiltrations feel the same. You can send in supply drops, distract guards with cassette tapes, or just crawl through the dirt like a ghost – every approach is valid. The beauty lies in how reactive the world feels: enemies adapt to your tactics, wearing helmets if you rely too much on headshots, or setting traps if you abuse certain strategies. It’s stealth turned into a living sandbox, where experimentation is not just allowed but encouraged. Whether you’re a purist who wants zero alerts or a chaos agent who Fulton-extracts everything in sight, this game delivers endless replayability. | © Kojima Productions

2. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005)

For many, Chaos Theory is the pinnacle of classic stealth design. It refined everything the series had been building toward – dynamic lighting, sound detection, and levels designed to be both challenging and flexible. Sam Fisher never felt more capable, with tools like the iconic multi-vision goggles and gadgets that let you toy with enemies in inventive ways. Missions such as the Panama Bank or the lighthouse are legendary for their tension and freedom, balancing precision stealth with player choice. The AI is sharp, the mechanics rewarding, and the atmosphere unmatched. It’s no wonder fans still clamor for Ubisoft to revive the series, because stealth rarely felt this polished. | © Ubisoft Montreal

1. Hitman: World of Assassination (2023)

If there’s one series that embodies pure stealth fantasy, it’s Hitman – and the World of Assassination package is its crowning achievement. Combining all three modern entries into one massive experience, it gives you the ultimate assassination sandbox. Every mission is a puzzle box with dozens of ways to take out your target, from disguises and poisonings to elaborate “accidents” that look like something straight out of a dark comedy. What makes it special is the freedom: you can replay a single map dozens of times and still discover new opportunities. It’s the perfect blend of methodical stealth and absurd creativity, giving you the tools to decide exactly what kind of assassin you want to be. As far as stealth sandboxes go, nothing else comes close. | © IO Interactive