Best Dark Fantasy Stealth Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Dark fantasy worlds offer a majestic and atmospheric backdrop for fans of stealth games seeking immersive experiences.
Shadwen’s innovative time mechanic and level design make it a standout indie stealth title, despite some criticisms of its length.
Gloomwood’s throwback to classic stealth sims and focus on dread and horror make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

As a seasoned stealth enthusiast, I’ve dabbled in my fair share of shadows and sneaky business, but let me tell you, these games you’ve listed are something else entirely! The first one that caught my eye was Shards of Darkness, or Master of Shadows as it’s known. Now, this game isn’t for the faint-hearted, no sir! You gotta be ready to tiptoe around sentries and craft your way through challenges if you want to make it in this world. But boy, is it worth it! The lore, the worldbuilding, it’s a feast for the senses!

While sleuthing about up to the eyeballs with high-tech spy gadgets and a silenced pistol has its own thrill, sometimes it’s good to get back to basics when it comes to stealth. Partly for this reason, dark fantasy worlds and those who crave shadowy hiding spaces are practically made for one another, and while there’s an entire industry of game studios dedicated to sword and sorcery action, the stealth genre has cut its own slice from the darkly magical genre.

Not only are medieval-adjacent worlds spiced with magic more atmospheric and occasionally majestic to prowl than a government office complex or warehouse, but they also stoke the imagination and open up otherworldly possibilities that can reinvigorate the sneaking experience. While dark fantasy open-world games like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim or Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines might provide options to fill a rogue or thief archetype, they can’t compare to a game built from the ground up wholly dedicated to delivering pure stealth.

5 Shadwen

The Story Of A Compassionate Killer With Time On Her Side

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2016-05-17
Developer: Frozenbyte
Genre: Stealth, Adventure

As a seasoned gamer, I find myself immersed in the world of ‘Shadwen’, an indie stealth game where I take on the role of an assassin with a mission to eliminate the king. Along my treacherous path, I cross paths with a vulnerable child named Lily. My task becomes twofold: shielding Lily from the ruthless minions of society who lack empathy and protecting her innocent mind from witnessing my deadly deeds. If she sees me at work, it could alter how she views me and even alter the game’s narrative.

Drawing inspiration from a time-manipulation game like Superhot, Shadwen follows suit by making time flow based on the player’s movement. This design choice eliminates the need for frequent saving and loading, offering players the chance to pause, rewind, and strategize their actions, be it with lethal or non-lethal approaches, across its ominous backdrop. For an indie game, Shadwen showcases remarkable skill in its level designs and creative handling of the savescumming issue by smoothly incorporating it into the gameplay mechanics. However, some gamers have expressed disappointment due to its brief duration and escort-style mission structure.

4 Gloomwood

An Atmospheric Throwback To Classic Stealth Sims

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2022-09-06
Developer: New Blood
Genre: Stealth, Survival Horror

In the world of gaming, the first-person stealth genre, reminiscent of games like Thief, is becoming increasingly scarce. However, Gloomwood manages to stand out by harkening back to classic stealth titles and incorporating retro graphics and traditional mechanics such as sensitivity to light and sound. In this game, players take on the role of an unnamed doctor who finds themselves in a grim and ominous steampunk city. This setting, with its Victorian flavor, is filled with peril, featuring dark streets, relentless assassins, and horrifying creatures straight out of Lovecraft’s nightmares.

In the game world of Gloomwood, a grim and haunting ambiance prevails, with every battle potentially turning into a terrifying ordeal. Armed with pistols, sword canes, and assorted gadgets, players find themselves in a resource-limited environment that necessitates stealth as a key strategy. Gloomwood stands out as an appealing choice for those who have been captivated by the stealth mechanics of timeless classics like Thief, but are seeking a more contemporary gaming experience to fully immerse themselves in the adventure.

3 Styx: Shards Of Darkness

A Hidden Gem Of Pure Stealth With An Unlikely Protagonist

Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Released: 2017-03-14
Developer: Cyanide Studio
Genre: Stealth, Action Adventure

Stealth games popular in recent years have often allowed players some flexibility regarding stealth, but this is not true for Styx: Shards of Darkness. Similar to its underestimated prequel, Master of Shadows, it firmly emphasizes a “ghosting” style of infiltration. Unlike many games that focus on a human or heroic character slaying night creatures, this game features a goblin protagonist. Players must rely on their intelligence, awareness of the environment, and memory to avoid detection by enemy patrols. In essence, Master of Shadows flips the traditional stealth narrative on its head.

Despite Styx’s petite build, his compact structure lets him squeeze into spots that humans can’t access. Styx is brash and mischievous, yet vulnerable in open areas (although he can enhance his abilities through a skill tree and create helpful items to assist him on his journeys), which makes him a character with mixed feelings; interactions with guards often don’t end well for him. For players who are willing to acknowledge these conditions, Shards of Darkness (and Master of Shadows) stands out by providing engaging stealth sequences, captivating and bizarre lore, and a detailed universe to explore.

2 Dishonored

The Exquisite Supernatural Steampunk Revenge Romp

Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360
Released: 2012-10-09
Developer: Arkane Studios
Genre: Action Adventure, Stealth

While a Victorian, steampunk, magic-imbued atmosphere isn’t groundbreaking in stealth games, Dishonored stands out with its striking depiction of the city and attention to detail that makes every corner of Dunwall feel real and inhabited. Taking on the role of Corvo, a former royal bodyguard falsely accused of the empress’ murder, players embark on a journey across the city to seek revenge against those who betrayed them. Along the way, they aim to uncover the truth behind the empress’ death, rescue her daughter, and reclaim the throne’s legacy.

In the game, Corvo receives extraordinary magical abilities from a mysterious entity who supports his objectives. These powers encompass teleportation, possession, time bending, and forceful shoves, ultimately transforming Corvo into an assassin proficient in spellcasting by the game’s end. The missions allow for both stealth and combat approaches, offering benefits as well as challenges. On one hand, players who prefer stealth may miss out on exciting combat sequences entirely, whereas those who enjoy combat might not need to fully master the art of stealth (instead relying on their powers to overpower enemies).

1 Thief 2: The Metal Age

An Ingenius Relic Of A Forgotten Era

Platform(s): PC
Released: 2000-03-21
Developer: Looking Glass Studios
Genre: Action Adventure, Stealth

The game “Thief 2” is frequently praised as one of the genre’s finest masterpieces for several compelling reasons. For those unfamiliar with the series, it is set in a shadowy realm where magic and steampunk aesthetics intertwine (hence, the “Metal Age”). By streamlining the original game and perfecting the level design, Looking Glass Studios crafted an exceptional first-person stealth experience that boasts remarkable sound design and immersive atmosphere. While traces of the mystical and arcane can be found in “Thief 2’s” world, its protagonist, Garret, must rely solely on his skills, tools, sensitivity to light and sound to navigate the game.

In the sequel known as “Thief 2“, a sense of self-control that appears scarce in contemporary stealth games is showcased prominently. Engaging guards physically with a sword is largely ineffective, rendering stealthy maneuvers as the sole effective strategy. Gamers must employ their intelligence, intuition, and perseverance to accomplish each mission undetected. The obstacles presented are always balanced, and there’s ample opportunity for creativity and discovery due to multiple paths within each level and Garret’s diverse gear.

2024-08-24 05:04