15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

In my humble opinion, these three underground train stations have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey and have proven themselves as some of the most memorable stealth sequences ever crafted.


As a game enthusiast, I can confidently say that the thrill of sneaking around undetected in video games is unmatched. The stealth genre offers some of the most unique and unforgettable gaming moments out there.

The power fantasy of being a one-man army is one of those hard-to-beat tropes, making you feel both strong and smart in the context of overcoming adversity.

Slip by numerous sentries to snatch a priceless artifact, eliminate a noble during a grand ball, flee an adversary’s fortress to save a fellow soldier…

As a stealthy gamer, I’ve got you covered! Check out my top 15 favorite stealth missions hidden within the world of video games. You won’t believe the thrills these sneaky encounters offer!

15 Aragami

Military District

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

Aragami is a delightful indie game from Spain that seems tailor-made for fans of stealth. Unlike other games, it stays within its genre boundaries and doesn’t aim to do more than it can handle, resulting in straightforward yet immaculate gameplay.

At the Military District mission, you’ll realize that the game has mastered the fundamentals of stealth. There are numerous NPC routines to memorize, numerous fun methods to explore the environment, and an abundance of collectibles, making it an exceptional level.

Aragami avoids areas where it might not excel, hence its relatively low profile. Yet, this is precisely what makes it one of the top-recommended stealth games from the past ten years, especially considering missions like Military District.

14 Death Stranding

Ruined Factory

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

Hideo Kojima’s masterpiece Death Stranding is far from a stealth game, but the Director’s Cut version of the title added the mission Ruined Factory, a touching ode to Metal Gear Solid.

For a moment, Sam Bridges becomes Solid Snake in a context that feels like anything but Death Stranding. With narrow hallways, crowded rooms full of objects, and artificial verticality, it’s a warm love letter to Kojima’s past works.

You even use the legendary tactic of the cardboard box to hide from enemies. If that’s not the absolute peak of stealth gaming, then nothing in this life can be.

13 Metro: Last Light

Separation

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

In truth, while primarily classified as an action game, the sequel of “Metro: Last Light” offers exceptional stealth features, making it a highly entertaining method for navigating the Metro.

Specifically, the sixth section titled “Separation” finds our main character stealthily navigating a Nazi encampment with the aim of rescuing Pavel (who was previously with him). This experience immerses the player in an atmosphere brimming with industrial noise, snippets of enemy dialogue, and the ever-present sensation of high-risk situations.

The goal is quite compact, but just like the overall experience in the game, it’s incredibly immersive. Tension is palpable due to the finely-tuned gameplay that reacts sensitively to your actions, along with clever enemy positioning and impressive lighting techniques.

12 Deathloop

Ending it

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

When considering Arkane Studios, one might associate it with exceptional level layouts, a multitude of engaging gameplay possibilities, and an unparalleled sense of fulfillment derived from its seamless mechanics. And these qualities are merely scratching the surface when discussing their latest creation – Deathloop.

In other words, the final mission: Wrap-up. The culmination of Colt Vahn’s journey skillfully combines strategy, action, and covertness, showcasing expertise in each aspect as described in the initial statement.

This game boasts an innate appeal due to its emphasis on direct action, deviating less from overt stealth compared to other team projects. However, when it executes well, Oh my, what a sight to behold!

11 Assassin’s Creed

Fortress Infiltration

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

In its early days, when Assassin’s Creed predominantly revolved around traditional stealth tactics, it boasted numerous memorable missions, such as the Fortress Infiltration seen in the initial installment.

As I, a stealthy admirer, find myself embarking on the mission to eliminate William of Montferrat, I seamlessly blend into the intricately guarded stronghold, leveraging my remarkable parkour skills and tactical prowess to dispose of unsuspecting guards. All the while, Acre’s breathtaking landscapes unfold before me, leaving me in awe of its beauty.

This stage surpasses expectations in all aspects associated with its title, and it serves as a reminder of why the original Assassin’s Creed is considered one of the essential games within the genre.

10 Hitman

Sapienza

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

IO Interactive has skillfully cultivated the Hitman series since they took it over in 2016, notably creating one of the top-tier levels in the whole genre – Sapienza.

In a skillfully designed Italian coastal town, which serves as a backdrop for numerous missions within the latest stories of Agent 47, we find an essential element that strengthens the fundamental gameplay dynamics of the series.

In Sapienza, everything about Hitman seems exceptionally well-suited, showcasing the game’s most seamless and graceful execution of its superb mechanics.

9 Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Panamanian Bank

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

Despite being out of the spotlight for quite some time, the game known as Splinter Cell boasts numerous remarkable scenes, such as the thrilling Panamanian Bank mission from Chaos Theory.

In a typical day for the skilled detective Sam Fisher, he discreetly breaks into a bank to expose a guerrilla group’s illicit activities with the arms industry. To create the illusion of an ordinary theft, he makes off with $50,000,000 in French Governmental Bearer Bonds. With his mission accomplished and evidence of foul play secured, Fisher effortlessly exits without any trace of his presence.

When considering the greatest stealth games ever, one need only glance at Panamanian Bank for a reminder why Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is so highly regarded. It’s all about slipping through windows, deciphering door codes, crawling through air vents, and blending into the shadows.

In a nutshell, I can’t help but be captivated by this game; it offers everything you’d expect from a stealth-focused adventure, meticulously executed to perfection. It’s no wonder why it’s become a classic that shadows-loving gamers can’t ignore.

8 Dishonored 2

A Crack in the Slab

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

As a time-traveling gamer immersed in the world of Dishonored 2, I’ve stumbled upon an intriguing mechanic: A Crack in the Slab. This anomaly presents me with two distinct realities that mirror each other like two sides of a coin. Each side offers unique challenges and opportunities, making my journey through this game a captivating duality of past and present, choices and consequences.

On one hand, a meticulously secured manor brimming with opulence necessitates sneaking around carefully; on the other, an abandoned structure infested with creatures and oddities gives you freedom from stealth.

This level is truly remarkable, with its seamless transition between different dimensions and unique gaming styles, pushing the boundaries of what’s technically achievable to an almost mythical degree.

In any case, what happens at Stilton Manor is undeniably unforgettable. You may even need some tips and tricks for beginners, as getting through it isn’t easy, though it’s definitely a divine experience.

7 Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty

Tanker Incident

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

It’s now widely recognized that Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty deserves its status as a masterpiece, despite receiving significant criticism upon release. The primary reason for this backlash was likely due to the fact that the main character was Raiden.

Regardless of whether someone dislikes or adores the game, there’s a common ground: the Tanker Incident is undeniably impressive.

It was fantastic to see old favorites such as Solid Snake and Revolver Ocelot make a comeback, the introduction of a new Metal Gear, significantly enhanced gameplay mechanics and visuals that reached exceptional levels, and the entire infiltration experience was simply remarkable.

The game “Sons of Liberty” isn’t merely considered one of the top political games ever made, but it also marks one of the most groundbreaking advancements within its genre. The Tanker Incident serves as a mere glimpse into the larger scope of its influence.

6 Thief 2: The Metal Age

Life of the Party

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

Frequently overlooked, the Thief series stands as a stronghold within the stealth genre. To refresh memories of its dominance, Thief 2: The Metal Age introduced “Life of the Party” as a reminder of why it reigned supreme during that period.

The incredible height, hidden aspects, and extensive scope of this mission were truly unprecedented. It brilliantly realized its idea, enriched the world of Thief, and served as a model for designers when considering how to craft a superb level.

Today, it appears that the immediate and spiritually linked sequels to Thief 2 may have outshone it significantly. However, the impact that Life of a Party had on a whole era of stealth game enthusiasts is nearly incomprehensible.

5 Prey

An Office With A View

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

Experiencing Arkane Studios’ Prey for the first time is like getting a thrill in the gaming world; the Talos I setting is grand and versatile, offering a playground for all sorts of gameplay possibilities that might give you butterflies in your stomach.

The initial mission, “An Office with a View,” is ideal for stealth due to a constant element throughout the entire campaign: a sense of unease from the unfamiliar.

You move cautiously, glancing at every turn, seeking understanding of the challenges ahead. Keep in mind, while you possess some means to face opponents, the available data to apply those skills is scant.

Compared to the physical world, your workplace is just a brief journey away. In terms of experiences, it could feel like an intense encounter with beings unknown, whether they exist or not. Avoiding emotions and thoughts, is a hallmark of Arkane’s masterful design.

4 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

All Ghillied Up

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

The quality of Call of Duty was impressive up until Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which elevated its reputation to new heights as it provided a multi-dimensional first-person shooter (FPS) experience, showcasing mission-like episodes such as All Ghillied Up.

With just a pair of snipers and ghillie suits, Lt. John Price and Captain MacMillan changed the pace of everything we knew so far about Call of Duty, being the first stealth-centric mission of the series.

Instead of Call of Duty’s rush and adrenaline, All Ghillied Up presented a contrasting atmosphere, where patience took precedence over speed, crawling replaced running, and thinking outmaneuvered shooting. The gray landscape of Pripyat offered the ideal backdrop for an operation requiring calmness and composure, promising an unforgettable experience in return.

3 Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus

Underground Train Station

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

As a diehard fan, I bet you’re wondering why “Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus,” hailed as one of the finest first-person shooter games from recent years, has found its way onto a stealth-centric list. Well, let me tell you about the Underground Train Station! This level is so cleverly designed that it seamlessly blends the thrill of stealth gameplay with the adrenaline rush of combat, making it an unforgettable experience for fans like myself.

In essence, one would typically assume that a Wolfenstein game would predominantly feature intense, direct combat involving numerous powerful weapons and vast quantities of ammunition for battling large groups of adversaries. However, The New Colossus occasionally deviates from this norm.

Watching the stealthy maneuvers of protagonist B.J. Blazkowicz as he sneaks through an entire level, using silenced pistols and maintaining a low profile to dodge confrontations, is such a skillfully executed twist on expectations that it leaves one speechless with amazement.

Absolutely, there’s usually a climactic scene filled with large-scale gunfights involving Nazis, robots, and even Nazi robots. But prior to that, there’s an intriguing stealth sequence skillfully integrated into the storyline.

2 Dishonored

Lady Boyle’s Last Party

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

In a skillful manner, Dishonored effectively inherited the mantle once held by Thief, primarily due to its exceptional level design, immersive world-building, and engaging gameplay. Yet, it was Lady Boyle’s Last Party that truly solidified the experience.

A game that offers elements of an immersive experience, stealth, and puzzle-solving in one package. Unveiling the secret identity of your objective is a delightful process as you explore the various methods available for its execution.

Who or what is the target in this situation?

As I immerse myself in this game, from the instant I lay eyes on Boyle’s grandeur contrasted with the weary suburbs of the Weepers, it strikes me how Dunwall crumbled just as we know it did. What truly captivates me is that even I, among all others, am donning a mask to conceal my true motives. This experience is nothing short of a brilliant blend of mechanical and narrative prowess.

1 Dishonored 2

The Clockwork Mansion

15 Best Stealth Missions in Video Games, Ranked

In a straightforward and casual manner: There’s no doubt that the Clockwork Mansion in Dishonored 2 is undeniably the top choice for many players, so if you feel differently, I respectfully suggest reconsidering your perspective.

For quite some time now, no endeavor has even approached the magnitude of this accomplishment. Kirin Jindosh’s residence is an intricate labyrinth filled with hidden passages, locks, mysteries, pitfalls, entryways, exits, portals, sentries, floors, levers, and contraptions – understanding its complexity is beyond our grasp.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that joining forces with this grand mansion is the secret charm in its invitation. Overcoming its trials is akin to defeating the ultimate boss in stealth games, while mastering it to the point where every hidden corner is etched into memory creates the most exhilarating stealth gaming experience ever conceived.

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2024-10-15 16:09