In recent years, players have discovered that open-world games can also incorporate stealth gameplay, challenging the traditional perception of stealth games being mission-based and limiting exploration.
The variety of open-world stealth games has increased, leaving players wondering which titles are the best for those seeking an immersive open-world experience with a focus on staying hidden. Among the available games, a few stand out as some of the finest open-world stealth experiences that players should consider trying if they haven’t already.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands is primarily a stealth game, offering intense moments of guns blazing as well. Players create their own Ghost and can choose their preferred playstyle, but the most common approach involves staying in cover to take out targets by surprise.
Teaming up with three friends allows players to strategize their attacks and execute well-coordinated takedowns. The vast expanse of Bolivia serves as the playground, offering exploration opportunities on land, in the air, or in the water using various vehicles.
Horizon: Forbidden West
Horizon: Forbidden West does not focus solely on stealth gameplay, but it allows players to select their playstyle using different skill trees that determine their abilities.
As a skilled hunter, Aloy can effortlessly blend into tall grass to hide from both humans and machines, striking and retreating into the foliage for tactical advantage. Navigating the expansive and diverse environment of the western region in Horizon presents an intriguing adventure where players must familiarize themselves with their surroundings to succeed in stealth.
Watch Dogs 2
In Watch Dogs 2, players can actively utilize their hacking skills to cause damage and remain concealed, a characteristic typical of hackers who prefer to operate discreetly among regular individuals.
Taking on the role of Marcus and navigating the technologically advanced San Francisco opens up numerous opportunities for players to apply their hacking expertise and utilize their advanced devices. Whether it’s during main campaign missions or assisting citizens throughout the city, players will have ample chances to put their hacking abilities to the test.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
In Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, players can explore an impressive cyberpunk city while assuming the role of Adam Jensen, a Covert Operative. Adam must navigate a world that now rejects his kind while unraveling the city’s greatest mystery.
Given the multiple approaches available in this world, players will rely on their stealth skills to gather information and catch enemies off guard throughout the year 2029.
Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain
Like all great games in the series, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain equips players with essential stealth tactics to accomplish perilous missions. What sets it apart is the freedom it grants players to explore and complete open-world missions, allowing them to chart their course. This introduces another challenge to stealth gameplay, as players must navigate the map while evading enemies.
Dishonored 2
In Dishonored 2, players enjoy the freedom to explore interconnected areas of the city of Karnaca, even though it may not be a fully open-world game. The game’s dark and somber atmosphere complements the engaging stealth gameplay that significantly impacts the player’s ending. With the ability to unlock various skills, Corvo or Emily can harness the Outsider’s gifts to become formidable assassins of the Shadows.
Batman: Arkham Knight
The Batman: Arkham series, like Metal Gear Solid, has captivated players with its stealth gameplay. While Batman: Arkham Asylum limited players to a small island, Batman: Arkham Knight provided the freedom to explore all of Gotham City while maintaining the stealthy persona of The Dark Knight.
As the game that brought the trilogy to a close, Arkham Knight impressed players not only with its expansive open world and intense stealth combat but also with its captivating storyline, leaving many players longing for the series to continue.
Assassin’s Creed Unity
Among all the open-world titles developed over the years, it is unsurprising that the Assassin’s Creed franchise stands out as one of the top open-world stealth series available. Although Assassin’s Creed Unity initially faced challenges, the game eventually won over its audience after implementing bug fixes.
Exploring the Revolution period of France, particularly Paris, and confronting the Templars made Assassin’s Creed Unity a remarkable addition to the series, offering an experience that could be shared and enjoyed with friends.