Video games aren’t a subtle art form: Gamers love fast cars, big explosions, and loud weapons. Still, the stealth genre proves there’s lots of fun in taking a sneakier approach to a problem. A stealth game asks you to hide in shadows, carefully plan your next move, and execute with lethal and quiet precision. Much like RPG mechanics, stealth gameplay is found in many releases, a trend we’ve seen at PCMag after covering games for more than 20 years. Numerous titles give you the option to execute undetected takedowns rather than go in guns blazing. However, true stealth video games offer a variety of tools to make stealth the entertaining focus, not just an afterthought. The top stealth titles make you feel like a ghost, terrorizing unsuspecting goons inside labyrinthine corridors. From legendary soldiers to deadly assassins, these are the best stealth games you should download now.
Recommended by Our Editors
Arkane Studios’ Dishonored is a fantastic first-person game that puts you in a playground of murder and stealth while focusing on a rich and enthralling fantasy world that’s filled with supernatural happenings. It’s not quite as large, open, or well-written as Deus Ex, but it stands as a solid spiritual successor to one of the best PC games of all time.
Dishonored Review
Back in 2016, IO Interactive established a new era for its cult-favorite Hitman franchise with Hitman: Season One. While the episodic release model didn’t stick on PC or consoles, that game’s grand levels and inventive murder carried over to 2018’s Hitman 2. Now, the studio has delivered Hitman 3, the capstone to the World of Assassination trilogy. Featuring expansive levels, new ways to kill, and graphical improvements, this excellent stealth title makes it easy for anyone to become a bald, bar-coded assassin.
Hitman 3 (for PC) Review
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes sees series protagonist Big Boss undertake extraction and elimination missions against the mysterious Cipher organization in this Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain prologue. Featuring beautiful graphics that were built using the impressive Fox Engine, a wide selection of weapons, and numerous ways to tackle missions, Ground Zeroes delightfully sets the stage for the series’ final chapter (even if it can be beaten in roughly an hour).
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (for PC) Review
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Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
In terms of pure gameplay, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is the best game in the long-running stealth series. You once again play as Big Boss, aka Punished “Venom” Snake, who battles the nefarious XOF organization across 1980s Africa and Afghanistan. Featuring a wealth of combat options, impressive weaponry, and outstanding audio and video work, The Phantom Pain is an absolute joy to play. That said, the truncated story raises more questions than it answers and may leave you feeling a phantom pain of your own.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (for PC) Review
Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine
In this production by Pocketwatch Games, a ragtag group of criminals escape from the French Riviera prison and go on several heists: for money, documents, and, eventually, the chance to retire from the business once and for all. Monaco has the co-op formula down pat; it’s easy to jump in, and complex enough to reel in long hours of sneaking and thieving. With plenty of charm and a novel design that makes stealth work, Monaco is one of the best PC co-op experiences.
Monaco: What’s Yours is Mine Review
Why You Should Game on a PC
