A popular genre for many players is that of stealth, allowing gamers to sneak around different areas and maps while completely avoiding combat if they so choose. Some of these games will give players the option to completely avoid stealth without much change to the game's story, and can even reward them for choosing this option.
8 Best RPGs With Stealth Mechanics
Gamers looking for an RPG experience with stealth elements have plenty of options to choose from, but some are better than others.
For those who prefer to stick to stealth, there are many games available that give players the opportunity to completely avoid combat and stick to hiding in the shadows to progress through the story. These are the seven best options fans of the genre should check out.
7 Mark of the Ninja
An Indie Stealth Game Where Combat is Discouraged
Mark of the Ninja
- Released
- September 7, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
As an indie game, Mark of the Ninja is one of the best games fans of the stealth genre can play if they want to avoid combat altogether. Although combat is an option in a lot of stealth games, including Mark of the Ninja, it is barely present here and is highly discouraged. The game is structured in a way that gives players many options to utilize stealth tactics to take out their enemies, with combat being the last resort.
This game is also one of the few stealth 2D games available and utilizes the 2D elements perfectly. It can be easier to hide from enemies this way and also allows for more opportunities to come up with creative ways to hide and garner more points for being undetected. For those who haven't had the chance to check this one out, it is an incredibly fun experience and a stellar choice for those who want to prioritize stealth.
6 Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
A Beloved Game With Enhanced Stealth Gadgets
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Released
- March 28, 2005
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Annecy
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo DS, Nintendo GameCube, PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Stealth, Action
Although this game was released in the mid-2000s, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory utilizes a lot of different stealth gadgets and mechanics to complete the mission without ever being detected, allowing the game to age perfectly. This includes Night Vision Goggles to allow Sam to move around at night while still seeing enemies, a Sticky Camera to survey the area and make noises to distract, and much more. The innovative qualities of this game make it stand out as one of the best stealth games to this day.
Avoiding combat in Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a simple task, as well. All players need to do is hide in the shadows to avoid detection, utilize Sam's many gadgets, and even knock out enemies using CQC, or Close Quarters Combat. No need to worry about getting into big battles in this game, as the game clearly prefers players to take the stealthy route with the many non-lethal weapons and gadgets available.
5 Thief: The Dark Project
A Classic in the Stealth Genre
Thief: The Dark Project
Thief: The Dark Project is one of the first 3D stealth games, and is considered one of the best in the genre by far that took the genre to the next level. One of the best parts of this game is the simplistic methods players can use to avoid detection, such as hiding in the shadows and darkness, moving around as quietly as possible, and more. There are items that can be used to avoid being caught as well, including the Blackjack, Water Arrows, Rope Arrows, and more.
Despite being one of the oldest entries on this list by far, its age does not reduce its playability by any amount. Avoiding combat in this game is quite easy, and being able to use Rope Arrows to reach high places to avoid detection can make Thief an incredibly enjoyable game to play. Fans will also find that stealth is significantly encouraged, especially since being detected can cause players to be penalized.
4 Dishonored 2
Stealthy Sequel With Enhanced Abilities
Dishonored 2
- Released
- November 11, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Arkane Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
As the sequel to the critically acclaimed Dishonored, Dishonored 2 is a fantastic follow-up that offers players the chance to play the game in complete stealth. While the Dishonored series does allow for a ton of combat, this element can be completely avoided, especially with the gadgets and technology given to allow players to stay completely undetected. These gadgets and abilities are upgraded in Dishonored 2, including Sleep Darts, Bend Time, Shadow Walk, and more.
While combat is present in the game, taking a completely stealthy route is heavily encouraged to have better morale. Taking this path gives players a better and happier ending for Corvo and Emily. However, for those who prefer a 'bad' ending, combat can be used frequently. With all the useful abilities that Corvo and Emily have, however, it would be a waste to pass these fun elements up and utilize only combat.
3 Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
One of the Best Stealth Games in History
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)
- Released
- November 17, 2004
- Developer(s)
- Konami
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2
Considered one of the best games in the Metal Gear Solid series, as well as one of the best stealth games in history, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is another fantastic contender for a stealth game to play for those looking for a game that rewards stealth over combat. Although the option is there, Naked Snake (or Big Boss) has so many abilities that allow him to take a stealthy, non-lethal approach, adding more creative and engaging elements to the game.
7 Stealth Games With Smart AI, Ranked
Stealth games rely heavily on intelligent enemy A.I. To make their sneaking feel impactful, something these games have mastered.
As usual, fans can take the approach of CQC, or Close Quarters Combat, to take down their enemies stealthily, or weapons such as the Mk22 Tranquilizer Gun and Stun Grenades. There are so many options available to keep the game pure stealth, and the game will even reward players with an achievement who have successfully completed the full game without ever being detected, or killing an enemy.
2 Dishonored
An Original Stealth Game With Parkour Elements
Dishonored
Despite being the first game in the series, Dishonored still holds up stronger than the others with its many stealthy elements and the player's ability to jump away from being detected at a moment's notice. In particular, Corvo's Blink ability is what makes this game so uniquely enjoyable, giving players the chance to jump between high ledges and use parkour to hide away. Although combat can be used, it is again discouraged, like in Dishonored 2.
Stealth can be used for the entire game if players so choose, allowing them to go without any combat, even for boss fights. Though players will have to battle these bosses, they can utilize non-lethal methods such as Sleep Darts or sneaking up behind them and using a chokehold to knock them out. This steampunk game is one of the most fun in the Stealth genre when gamers avoid all possible combat, adding more interest to the gameplay and story.
1 Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Allows For a Wide Variety of Play Styles
Metal Gear Solid 5 The Phantom Pain
Perhaps the most diverse option among these games is Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain. This game serves as an Open World Stealth, offering players the ability to wander between different areas without any specific goal or quest to complete. Though gamers can engage in combat like the other games on this list, taking a complete stealth approach can be much more exciting and also provides a special achievement.
As fans build up Mother Base in this game, they can choose which items to develop, allowing for the creation of tranquilizer weapons, the Stun Arm, the Fulton Recovery System, and more. Perhaps one of the most entertaining methods to master in the game is CQC, or Close Quarters Combat, a Venom Snake specialty. Fans will have a blast playing this Metal Gear game with no combat involved.