10 Non-Stealth Games With Great Stealth Mechanics

Due to their adaptability, stealth tactics have found a place even in video games that don’t primarily revolve around them.

Although they have their own distinct genre, various playstyles have been significantly impacted by them, encompassing action games, shooters, role-playing games, and more.

In terms of providing excitement and diversity within creative projects, they have become a reliable choice for studios seeking to enrich their action-oriented content with added depth.

So, it’s not necessary to hold a specific genre title to create effective infiltration segments. These ten non-stealth games, surprisingly, excel at stealth mechanics.

10. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Better Than You Would Expect

Having gone quite some time without immersing myself in a Call of Duty campaign, let me tell you, Black Ops 6 left me absolutely astonished!

Based on the backdrop of the title and the style of the subseries, stealth plays a significant role and functions effectively both mechanically and in the storyline.

The game remains fast-paced with an emphasis on action over other game elements, yet its stealth segments are enjoyable and crucial for maintaining a smooth rhythm.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that while there are numerous points of contention with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the campaign’s stealth mechanics have truly stolen the show for me. These mechanics have left me feeling quite optimistic about what’s in store for the franchise moving forward.

9. Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

A Ghostly Benefit

Despite being associated with the contentious Nemesis System patent disputes, Middle-earth: Shadow of War remains an exceptional game.

Among various points to support its excellence, I particularly appreciate the engaging gameplay dynamics. The game’s open world is both realistic and absorbing, and it offers not just a vast environment but also incorporates stealth elements as one of its many possibilities.

Infiltrating a fortress unseen, like a phantom, offers an equally thrilling and amusing experience. However, this method isn’t as effective in advanced stages since enemies become more resistant to such tactics. Yet, it remains a useful trick regardless of the level.

Moreover, there’s an unique charm to fantasy stealth games that often outperforms multiple more realistic depictions within the genre.

8. Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

The Best Break Between Gunfights

In my opinion, the stealth aspects of Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus are often overlooked, despite it being primarily known for its thrilling, rapid-fire combat scenes.

Despite the game primarily excelling at direct confrontations, employing stealth can be an excellent method to appreciate its exceptional level designs.

While it may not always be beneficial, and at times you might need to employ every resource available just to endure a hailstorm of gunfire, it’s astonishing when things go according to plan.

To put it honestly, if I claimed I hadn’t spent the entire campaign creeping through tight spaces, hiding, and attempting numerous precision shots with my silenced gun, I would be deceiving. It was an incredible journey that I won’t forget.

7. Deathloop

From the Kings of Stealth

Given that Deathloop hails from the same universe as Dishonored (created by the same team), it’s not surprising that it boasts sophisticated stealth mechanics.

Instead of focusing on a specific, narrow theme, the title from Arkane Studios was designed with an emphasis on active play, yet it inadvertently fosters a stealthy approach to gameplay through its level design and power systems.

Instead of charging headlong into battles using Colt’s destructive powers, it’s more enticing to utilize the sophisticated stealth and maneuvering options to quietly complete each mission objective.

In much the same way as the game Dishonored, Deathloop can be effectively played according to your preferred approach. Whether you prefer it as an action-packed title or a stealthy one, it delivers equally well in both aspects.

6. Tomb Raider

The First Resort

Although it’s well-known and highly regarded, I personally didn’t take to Tomb Raider much. However, the reboot managed to convert me into a follower of Lara Croft.

In this immersive setup, the game mechanics are meticulously crafted to instill a sense of being in a harsh, life-threatening atmosphere. Consequently, stealth becomes crucial as it plays a significant part in ensuring survival.

In some areas, it’s impossible to avoid a straight-up fight, but blending with the stunning surroundings to strike from concealment can be both tactically sound and gratifying.

The game Tomb Raider offers a variety of elements designed to evoke a sense of peril. However, none compare to the exhilaration that comes with skillfully wielding its famous bow when confronting obstacles.

5. Far Cry 4

Open World Dynamism

Among my most cherished memories with the Xbox 360 lies the time I thoroughly enjoyed and maximized every aspect of Far Cry 4, particularly appreciating its fantastic open-world cooperative play.

Despite the fact that I often played alone, I ended up spending significantly more time than usual clearing out enemy bases undetected.

Or,

In most cases, my gaming sessions were solo missions where I focused on avoiding detection while taking down enemy camps for extended periods of time.

Instead of engaging head-on using weapons like throwing knives, silenced pistols, bows, or melee attacks, I’ve found that a stealthy approach often yields better results.

In my opinion, nothing in the exceptional game Far Cry 4 feels quite as enchanting as locating an outpost with binoculars, soaring towards it on a wingsuit following your strategic planning, and executing the attack flawlessly.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

A Fantasy Achieved

Despite being renowned as one of the greatest role-playing games ever made, Skyrim’s combat system has never struck me as particularly exceptional compared to its other impressive aspects.

Without the magic and stealth characters, whose playstyles offer a great deal of diversity, I likely wouldn’t enjoy the game nearly as much as I currently do.

In the richly diverse skill systems found in Skyrim, a wide range of exciting gameplay styles can be explored, with weapons like daggers, bows, and magic such as illusion and alteration spells being key elements.

Approaching a dragon unprepared and defeating it with just a tiny blade in a single strike is extraordinary and leaves quite an impression – it perfectly captures the essence of the game.

The allure of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” transcends its individual components, and fortunately, stealth mechanisms help soften some of its imperfections.

3. Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Immersive Sim Icon

In terms of franchises that have undergone a successful revival, I can confidently assert that no other has matched the influence and excellence demonstrated by Deus Ex: Human Revolution.

In the realm of immersive games, the adventure of character Adam Jensen appeals to a variety of gamers, including those who favor stealth gameplay, much like myself.

Playing this game offers a truly remarkable experience due to its expertly crafted level designs, engaging hacking features, and an array of tools ideal for covert operations. Stealth is where the real magic happens!

Experiencing the thrill of analyzing opponents’ tactics, finding optimal paths, and utilizing a wide variety of gaming resources ranks high on the list of rewarding game mechanics, making Deus Ex: Human Revolution truly stand out as a game industry masterpiece.

2. The Last of Us Part 2

The Brutality of Surviving

In a similar vein as Tomb Raider, The Last of Us Part 2 employs stealth elements to create an authentic atmosphere.

As you progress on this journey, you can’t shake off the constant sense of danger, so you find yourself adopting a cautious approach, using all your resources to stay alive.

In The Last of Us Part 2, you find yourself constantly on edge due to the necessity of crafting silent silencers, carefully managing the noise level with your bow, and stealthily avoiding confrontations to conserve resources, thereby maintaining a heightened sense of awareness.

When the crunch time comes and it’s time to take action, the game performs splendidly; however, I’d argue that nothing quite compares to the sensation experienced when stealth takes center stage.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

Futuristic Stealth

Whenever possible, I prefer to employ a covert approach in gameplay. Unfortunately, during my initial playthrough of Cyberpunk 2077, I failed to do so, which meant missing out on an exceptional gaming adventure.

Instead of relishing my role as a lethal force in Night City, I prefer operating covertly as an unseen assassin who employs the net to eliminate targets without their awareness.

Regarding gunfights, hand-to-hand battles, and special abilities, Cyberpunk 2077 offers an impressive variety for players who prefer stealthy playstyles, featuring its vertical landscape and smooth navigation.

As a devoted fan, I can tell you that if you haven’t yet, slipping through CD Projekt RED’s latest masterpiece entirely in stealth mode offers a fresh perspective that significantly alters the journey itself. It’s almost as if you’re diving into an entirely new video game experience.

2025-01-13 18:09