Best Stealth Games From The 2000s

The stealth genre has progressed by leaps and bounds, with many gamers loving the idea of sneaking up on their foes and taking them out. The genre took some time to get going, but developers were hard at work enhancing the level design to fit with this style of gameplay and giving players more options for every emergent scenario that can unfold. Getting spotted is quite unsatisfying, but there are ways to punish players without leaving them helpless in such a scenario.

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Stealth games in the 2000s took many steps to ensure that the gameplay would be cathartic at all times. These titles were known for making the simple act of sneaking as engaging as possible, letting players use skills, gadgets, and everything in between to bamboozle their foes. All of this was augmented with solid, interesting objectives that forced players to use their minds and figure out the best way to achieve their goals in any given scenario. For those looking to experience some great blasts from the past, here are the best stealth games from the 2000s.

5 Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

One Of The Best Entries In Ubisoft's Stealth Franchise

The Splinter Cell series has been on the backburner for the longest time, and fans can't wait for a new game to blow their minds. With games like Chaos Theory letting players enjoy Sam Fisher's covert adventures, it's easy to see why many people consider this to be one of the best games in the Splinter Cell series. The stealth gameplay is more refined than ever, and the title simply oozes charm with its stellar presentation.

This package makes Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory one of the best stealth games of the 2000s. The gameplay was tight and challenging without being unfair, and players who came to grips with the title's mechanics could take out a room full of hostiles without too many issues. Open-ended levels and co-op gameplay served as the cherry on top of this wonderful gaming experience.

4 Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

Adds A Lot Of Character To Everyone's Favorite Stealthy Agent

Agent 47's debut was a landmark moment for the stealth genre, but there was always scope for improvement in this title's gameplay. Hitman achieved the same with a sequel that included engaging missions while adding a lot more to 47's character than most people expected. In his journey to find redemption for his past misdeeds, 47 lives a secluded life in a church, only to be forced back into his past after a man near and dear to his heart is abducted.

The missions in Silent Assassin are iconic, with everything from hotel infiltrations to sniping missions featuring a ton of love and character. Trying to bring weapons to restricted territories, using disguises to get closer to the target, and figuring out the solutions to some puzzle-esque assassinations form a core part of what makes Silent Assassin one of the greatest stealth video games of all time.

3 Thief 2: The Metal Age

Perfects The Gameplay Of The First Game

While Thief: The Dark Project was a huge step forward for immersive sims and stealth games, the name of this title is telling enough — in many ways, the game did feel like a project at times that could use some polishing. The dawn of the Metal Age in the Thief universe was a golden opportunity for Looking Glass to evolve the formula into something astonishing.

Thief 2: The Metal Age is one of the greatest video games ever made, addressing a lot of complaints from the first title and making the stealth gameplay more refined than ever. The focus on a steampunk setting allowed for a natural integration of more hazards and enemies in every stage, with Garrett's character grounding fans and giving them a reason to smirk and keep his story progressing.

2 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

A Beloved Entry In Kojima's Celebrated Stealth Series

It's a testament to Kojima's convoluted storytelling that Metal Gear Solid became complicated from two mainline entries alone. The series needed a hook to satisfy existing fans of the series and entice new players to check it out for themselves. By developing a game that takes place at the very beginning of this timeline, Kojima achieved all of this in one fell swoop.

Not only is Snake Eater one of the best introductions to the series, but the gameplay is also refined to a T. This leads to a satisfying stealth game that lets players bond with Naked Snake's character as he clears stages, explores his relationships, and uncovers major plot revelations. The story is dripping in intrigue and conspiracy, and the fact that an extended ladder climb somehow becomes one of the most iconic moments in video game history speaks volumes when it comes to Metal Gear Solid 3's enduring legacy.

1 Deus Ex

The Greatest Immersive Sim Of All Time, Featuring Heavy Stealth Elements

One of the greatest video games ever made, it's possible that anyone reading the name Deus Ex is redownloading the game for an umpteenth playthrough. It's a timeless classic that introduces players to the world of augmentations and political conspiracies, with JC Denton's straight-faced nature somehow enhancing this game instead of taking away from it. Smart dialogue, open-ended level design, and excellent role-playing help Deus Ex stand out as one of the most immersive and enjoyable video games ever made.

Stealth is a core part of the experience, with most enemies punishing players if they try to go in guns-blazing. The sheer number of ways players can approach the objectives of every level is mind-blowing, with no two playthroughs ever feeling similar. Players can mold JC in whatever manner they see fit, becoming everything from a master of stealth to a firearms expert. The augmentations that can be found in the game give players more powers to tinker with, making the gameplay even more enjoyable.

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