Are you a fan of stealth action games like Splinter Cell? If so, you’ll be excited to learn about these 20 amazing games that offer a similar experience. From intense espionage missions to heart-pounding stealth gameplay, these titles will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of covert operations and tactical espionage. Let’s explore the top 20 games like Splinter Cell.
Metal Gear Solid Series
The Metal Gear Solid series is a true gem in the stealth action genre. Developed by Hideo Kojima, these games are praised for their complex narratives, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Each game in the series presents a unique narrative that delves into themes of political intrigue, warfare, and the ethics of advanced technology. The games often explore the blurred lines between good and evil, forcing players to question their own moral compass as they navigate through the complex web of alliances and betrayals.
From the iconic Solid Snake, a legendary soldier with a troubled past, to the enigmatic Big Boss, the series is populated with a diverse cast of individuals who each have their own motivations and agendas. These characters are brought to life through exceptional voice acting and detailed character development, making them feel like real people with their own hopes, fears, and flaws.
The games offer a unique blend of stealth, action, and tactical espionage, allowing players to approach each mission in their own preferred style. Whether you prefer to silently eliminate enemies from the shadows or engage in intense firefights, the series provides a wide range of gameplay options to suit different playstyles.
The Metal Gear Solid series is a groundbreaking franchise that has left an indelible mark on the stealth action genre.
Hitman Series
Step into the shoes of the legendary assassin known as Agent 47 in the Hitman series. Offering a unique blend of stealth, strategy, and puzzle-solving, these games challenge you to complete various assassination contracts with precision and finesse.
Utilize disguises, plan your approach meticulously, and eliminate targets without leaving a trace. With its vast array of missions and open-ended gameplay, the Hitman series ensures a thrilling and immersive experience for stealth action enthusiasts.
Unlike many other games in the stealth genre, Hitman gives you the freedom to approach each mission in your own unique way. Whether you prefer to take a more direct approach, eliminating your targets head-on, or you prefer to rely on stealth and subterfuge, the choice is yours.
Killing innocent bystanders or leaving behind evidence can jeopardize your mission and make it harder to achieve your objectives. Therefore, careful planning and execution are crucial to your success as Agent 47.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the Hitman series or a newcomer looking for a thrilling stealth action experience, these games offer hours of entertainment and challenge.
Deus Ex Series
Prepare yourself for an immersive cyberpunk world in the Deus Ex series. These games combine elements of first-person shooting, role-playing, and stealth to deliver a highly engaging gameplay experience.
Step into a dystopian future where technology has advanced to the point of human augmentation. In this world, society is divided between those who embrace the enhancements and those who fear the loss of humanity.
As augmented operative Adam Jensen, you’ll navigate this complex landscape, torn between your own augmented abilities and the moral dilemmas they present.
Uncover deep-rooted conspiracies that threaten to tear society apart. The Deus Ex series is known for its intricate storytelling and thought-provoking themes. As you progress through the games, you’ll unravel a web of intrigue, encountering powerful organizations with their own hidden agendas.
The gameplay in the Deus Ex series is equally captivating. With its open-ended design, you have the freedom to approach missions in various ways.
Whether you prefer a stealthy approach, using your augmentations to silently take down enemies, or a more direct approach, relying on your combat skills and arsenal of weapons, the choice is yours.
With its combination of immersive storytelling, diverse gameplay mechanics, and thought-provoking themes, the Deus Ex series offers countless hours of thrilling stealth gameplay.
Dishonored Series
If you enjoy a more supernatural twist to your stealth action games, look no further than the Dishonored series. Set in a steampunk-inspired world known as Dunwall, these games allow you to harness supernatural abilities to evade enemies and unravel a tale of political intrigue.
Imagine yourself stepping into the shoes of Corvo Attano, the protagonist of the first game, who is framed for the murder of an empress and seeks revenge against those who conspired against him.
As you navigate the dark and gritty streets of Dunwall, you’ll encounter a wide range of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.
The gameplay mechanics are truly innovative and offer players a myriad of choices. As you progress through the game, you’ll have the option to play as a merciful ghost, using stealth and non-lethal takedowns to complete your objectives without shedding blood. Alternatively, you can embrace your inner assassin and eliminate your enemies with ruthless efficiency.
So, whether you’re a fan of stealth games or simply enjoy immersive storytelling, the Dishonored series offers an unforgettable experience. With its supernatural twist, diverse gameplay options, and richly detailed environment, it’s a series that will keep you coming back for more.
Thief Series
Step into the shoes of master thief Garrett in the Thief series. Known for their emphasis on stealth and thievery, these games offer a unique blend of sneaking, looting, and puzzle-solving.
Whether you’re infiltrating mansions, ancient crypts, or fortified keeps, every step must be calculated and every shadow must be your ally.
The Thief series provides a challenging and atmospheric stealth experience that will test your skills as a master thief.
Tenchu: Stealth Assassins
Transport yourself to feudal Japan in Tenchu: Stealth Assassins. Take on the role of a deadly ninja tasked with eliminating corrupt warlords and foiling evil plots.
With its emphasis on stealth and precision, this series offers a unique blend of strategic gameplay and authentic Japanese aesthetics.
From rooftop assassinations to silent takedowns, Tenchu: Stealth Assassins delivers an immersive stealth experience in the heart of ancient Japan.
Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja takes stealth action to the 2D realm with its beautifully animated visuals and innovative gameplay mechanics.
Play as a ninja equipped with both deadly weapons and the power of shadows. Sneak past enemies, create distractions, and utilize your environment to outsmart your foes.
With its unique blend of platforming and stealth, Mark of the Ninja offers a refreshing take on the genre.
Styx: Master of Shadows
Embark on a treacherous journey as Styx, a goblin thief, in Styx: Master of Shadows. Set in a dark and gritty fantasy world, this game focuses on infiltration, acrobatics, and alchemy.
Use your stealth skills to silently eliminate enemies, create distractions, and uncover the secrets of the Tower of Akenash.
With its atmospheric setting and challenging gameplay, Styx: Master of Shadows guarantees an immersive stealth experience.
Velvet Assassin
Experience the gripping tale of real-life World War II spy Violette Szabo in Velvet Assassin. Based on true events, this game lets you step into Violette’s shoes as she sabotages enemy operations and gathers crucial intelligence.
With its blend of stealth, action, and survival horror elements, Velvet Assassin offers a unique and thrilling stealth experience set amidst the backdrop of war.
Sniper Elite Series
Put your sniping skills to the test in the Sniper Elite series. Take on the role of an elite sniper during World War II and eliminate high-profile targets with precision and cunning.
With its realistic ballistics system and brutal kill-cam, the Sniper Elite series offers a unique blend of stealth and long-range marksmanship.
Experience the tension of stalking your prey and executing the perfect shot in this immersive sniper simulator.
Ghost Recon Series
The Ghost Recon series, developed by Ubisoft, is a highly acclaimed franchise that provides players with a thrilling and immersive tactical military experience.
With its focus on teamwork, strategy, and stealthy approaches to missions, the Ghost Recon series has become a favorite among fans of the genre.
One of the key elements that sets the Ghost Recon series apart is its emphasis on realistic and authentic military tactics. Players are required to carefully plan their moves, coordinate with their squadmates, and execute their missions with precision. This level of strategic gameplay adds an extra layer of depth and challenge to the overall experience.
Another aspect that makes the Ghost Recon series stand out is its wide range of weapons and gadgets. From assault rifles and sniper rifles to drones and explosives, players have access to a vast arsenal of tools to accomplish their objectives. This variety allows for different playstyles and approaches, catering to both stealthy players who prefer to remain undetected and those who enjoy a more action-packed approach.
The Ghost Recon series offers an exhilarating and realistic tactical military experience. With its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and stealthy approaches to missions, coupled with a wide range of weapons, gadgets, and diverse mission objectives, the Ghost Recon series guarantees hours of thrilling gameplay for fans of the genre.
Assassin’s Creed Series
The Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft, is a popular franchise that has captivated gamers worldwide. It might seem like an odd addition to this list at first glance, but hear us out! Assassin’s Creed is not just your average open-world action-adventure game; it goes beyond that with its unique blend of historical settings, intricate parkour mechanics, and a captivating storyline.
One of the standout features of the Assassin’s Creed series is its attention to historical detail. Each game takes place during a different time period, from the Crusades in the Middle East to the Renaissance in Italy and even the American Revolution.
The developers at Ubisoft painstakingly research and recreate these time periods, ensuring that players are fully immersed in the rich historical context. Whether it’s exploring the bustling streets of ancient Jerusalem or climbing the iconic landmarks of Renaissance Florence, the attention to detail is truly remarkable.
Players take on the role of skilled assassins who can effortlessly navigate through sprawling cities, scaling buildings, and leaping across rooftops. The fluidity of movement is a joy to experience, as you seamlessly traverse the urban landscapes with grace and precision. The developers have put a lot of effort into making the parkour mechanics feel realistic and intuitive, allowing players to truly feel like agile assassins.
The Assassin’s Creed series also incorporates elements of stealth and sneaky assassination missions. Players must strategize and plan their approach, utilizing the environment and their arsenal of weapons to silently eliminate their targets.
Whether it’s blending into a crowd, hiding in haystacks, or using hidden blades to dispatch enemies, the stealth gameplay adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the series.
Alpha Protocol
Alpha Protocol, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is an underrated gem that deserves more attention. This action RPG revolves around a secret agent named Michael Thorton, who has to investigate a global conspiracy. The game offers players choices in dialogues, allowing them to shape the story and their relationships with various characters.
Set in a near-future world filled with political intrigue and espionage, Alpha Protocol takes players on a thrilling journey through multiple international locations. From the bustling streets of Rome to the shadowy corners of Moscow, each environment is meticulously designed to immerse players in a world of danger and deception.
As players progress through the game, they will encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. From enigmatic allies to ruthless adversaries, the relationships players forge will have a direct impact on the outcome of the story.
Every decision matters, as alliances can be formed or broken, and the consequences of these choices ripple throughout the game.
One of the standout features of Alpha Protocol is its deep customization system. Players have the ability to tailor Michael Thorton’s skills and equipment to suit their playstyle. Whether you prefer a stealthy approach, relying on gadgets and subterfuge, or a more direct approach with heavy firepower, the game allows for a wide range of playstyles.
With its engaging plot, immersive gameplay, and the ability to shape the story through player choices, Alpha Protocol is a game that offers endless replayability.
Rainbow Six Series
The Rainbow Six series, yet another Ubisoft creation, focuses on counterterrorism operations. These games emphasize teamwork, planning, and executing missions with surgical precision. Similar to Splinter Cell, players must be strategic and stealthy while infiltrating hostile environments.
With its intense multiplayer and co-op experiences, the Rainbow Six series provides endless excitement for fans of tactical stealth gameplay.
One of the defining features of the Rainbow Six series is its emphasis on realism. The developers at Ubisoft have gone to great lengths to ensure that the gameplay and mechanics accurately reflect the tactics and strategies used by real-life counterterrorism units.
Teamwork is crucial in the Rainbow Six series. Players must communicate and coordinate their actions with their teammates to successfully complete missions. Each team member has a specific role and set of abilities, encouraging players to work together and utilize their unique skills to overcome obstacles.
Players can team up with friends or join forces with other players from around the world to test their skills and strategies in a variety of game modes. From classic team deathmatch to objective-based scenarios, the multiplayer mode provides a dynamic and adrenaline-pumping experience.
The Rainbow Six series is a must-play for fans of tactical stealth gameplay. With its emphasis on teamwork, planning, and executing missions with surgical precision, the series offers a unique and immersive experience.
Crysis Series
The Crysis series, developed by Crytek, takes a different approach to stealth gameplay. In these games, players assume the role of a super-powered soldier equipped with a nanosuit, allowing them to become invisible and engage enemies with heightened abilities.
While Crysis offers more action-oriented gameplay compared to Splinter Cell, the emphasis on stealthy approaches and tactical decision-making makes it a worthy addition to this list.
Far Cry Series
The Far Cry series, also developed by Ubisoft, may not immediately come to mind when thinking of stealth action games.
However, each installment in the series incorporates elements of stealth and offers players the freedom to approach missions in various ways.
Using the environment to your advantage, silently eliminating enemies, and utilizing gadgets are all crucial components of succeeding in the Far Cry games. If you’re seeking a mix of open-world exploration, thrilling action, and stealth gameplay, this series is worth exploring.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima, developed by Sucker Punch Productions, transports players to feudal Japan during the Mongol invasion.
While primarily an action-adventure game, it offers a robust stealth system that allows players to approach encounters as a silent, deadly assassin.
With its stunning visuals, immersive world, and tactical combat, this game offers a refreshing blend of action and stealth gameplay that Splinter Cell fans will enjoy.
The Saboteur
The Saboteur, developed by Pandemic Studios, is set during World War II and puts players in the role of an Irish racecar mechanic-turned-saboteur.
The game features open-world gameplay with a focus on stealthy infiltration and sabotage missions against the Nazi regime.
With its unique setting, engaging story, and satisfying gameplay mechanics, The Saboteur provides an enjoyable experience for fans of Splinter Cell.
Death to Spies Series
The Death to Spies series, developed by Haggard Games, immerses players in the dangerous world of a Russian spy during World War II.
These games emphasize stealth, espionage, and assassination, offering an authentic experience for players seeking stealth gameplay.
With multiple methods of accomplishing objectives and a variety of disguises at your disposal, the Death to Spies series offers a challenging and captivating gameplay experience.
Aragami
Aragami, developed by Lince Works, is a stealth game that gives players control over a vengeful spirit summoned to rescue a captive princess. As Aragami, you possess the ability to manipulate shadows, become invisible, and eliminate enemies silently.
With its stylish cel-shaded art, atmospheric environments, and satisfying gameplay mechanics, Aragami provides a distinct stealth experience that Splinter Cell fans will appreciate.
Conclusion
These 20 games offer a wide variety of experiences for fans of Splinter Cell and lovers of stealth gameplay. Whether you prefer the tactical realism of the Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six series or the open-world exploration of the Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed series, there’s something here for everyone.
So, gear up, hone your stealth skills, and embark on thrilling undercover missions in these fantastic titles!