Stealth games require a blend of strategy and patience. They provide a different kind of combat experience from the traditionalhack-and-slashthat requires you to think critically and plan carefully. Often, these games involve playing the same level over and over again until you get it just right.
For newcomers to the genre, the requirements of a stealth game can seem hefty. If you aren’t used to thinking critically about your movements, getting started can be challenging. However, selecting the right game can make all the difference. We’ve curated a list of eightexceptional stealth gamesthat are both accessible and engaging for beginners.
Mark of the Ninja is a slick 2D stealth platformer that invites beginners to embrace the art of silent takedowns. It features hand-drawn visuals and fluid controls, turning stealth into a satisfying puzzle. You glide through shadows, executing precise strikes, with each level challenging your ability to blend into your surroundings.
It’s a great starting point for those new to the stealth genre thanks to its relatively simple tactics and controls. It’s intuitively designed and much less complicated than many stealth games out there. You’ll probably fail many times, like in most stealth games, but each failure gives you a lesson that makes you a little bit better.
Dishonored features a rich, atmospheric world of political intrigue with a little bit of the supernatural thrown in. It’s set in a plague-ravaged industrial city, where you’ll need to sneak around and complete your objectives. You can accomplish those objectives in two ways: stealth or violence.
Multiple paths and branching choices shape the narrative, rewarding creative problem-solving and exploration. Immersive storytelling, memorable characters, and striking visuals combine to craft a gameplay experience where every decision carries weight. You’ll see the city transform based on your decisions in the previous missions, including just how stealthy you were.
Invisible, Inc. is a tactical, turn-based stealth game that fuses espionage with strategic planning. You command a team of elite agents infiltrating high-security complexes to extract crucial intel. The gameplay rewards careful planning, and each decision feels like it matters.
While the extreme planning can feel like a lot, beginners will appreciate the gradual learning curve and clear design. Its randomized levels improve the game’s playability, which is often missing in stealth-centered games. Plus, the stealth mechanics are very satisfying.
Desperados 3 transports you to a gritty Wild West, merging real-time tactics with immersive stealth gameplay. Each mission requires careful planning and even more careful execution to be a success. There are tons of approaches you can take to each challenge, including stealth or coordinated shootouts. Each mission is very flexible, making it a great option for those new to stealth games.
The game has amazing storytelling and very memorable characters, making it a great narrative-driven game, as well. There is plenty of strategic depth to keep the gameplay interesting, too. You’ll learn a lot about the value of timing and positioning.
You can’t talk about stealth games without mentioning at least one from the Hitman franchise. Hitman: Absolution puts you in the shoes of iconic assassin Agent 47. It’s both a stealth game and anarrative-driven one. You’ll navigate diverse environments using disguises, stealth tactics, and strategic planning to eliminate high-value targets. The game’s instinct mode highlights enemy patrols and vulnerabilities, making it approachable for beginners while retaining complexity for veterans.
The learning curve isn’t massive, but there is plenty involved to keep the game interesting. The storyline is quite mature, and the mission design allows you to use both stealth tactics and raw violence when necessary.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is a vast open-world stealth game that combines tactical espionage with innovative features. You play as Snake and will spend your time navigating large environments with gadgets and stealthy maneuvers.
The game relies a lot on flexible AI and dynamic mission structure, allowing you to use many approaches to complete your objective. For instance, in many cases, you can sneak past guards or decide to kill them outright. The freedom of choice makes this a solid game for beginners. You won’t be stuck playing a stealthy game if you decide that stealth isn’t for you.
Assassin’s Creed 2 immerses players in Renaissance Italy, following the journey of Ezio Auditore, who becomes an assassin. The game uses a lot of stealth and parkour, but players can also choose to engage in outward combat (and will probably have to, in many cases). Its narrative-driven design and intuitive controls make it a great place for new players to start.
You’ll spend a lot of the game sneaking through crowded streets, learning new mechanics, and scaling ancient buildings. It’s a classic blend of action and strategy, allowing you to adapt your playstyle to your liking.
Splinter Cell: Blacklist sees you return as the legendary Sam Fisher in a stealth-action adventure. This game is an interesting combination of classic stealth and adaptive AI, letting beginners explore multiple playstyles. Whether you decide to sneak through darkened corridors or use high-tech tools to take out your foes, the game will challenge you to choose your approach carefully.
Its mission-based structure and dynamic environments require both strategy and split-second decision-making. This game also features plenty of playability, especially if you decide to try out a different style.
