Stealth games rightfully occupy a special place in every gamer's library. Unlike projects where the main character charges forward, crushing and destroying everything in their path, here players feel the consequences of their mistakes. Enemies are not mere punching bags but serious opponents who can only be dealt with through covert movements.

In a sense, stealth game developers offer a kind of puzzle to solve. Levels are typically scattered with devices and items that, when used in the correct sequence, help progress through the segment. The quality of the project largely depends on how many options for progression the developers have incorporated. Here are the top 7 stealth games that are impossible to put down.

Dishonored Series

The series of games can be easily recognized by its distinctive graphics and character design. It is quite difficult to determine which of the two parts released so far is the best. Moreover, there have been expansions that can easily pass as full-fledged parts. The sequel largely continues the story, adding a few new mechanics, items, and characters.

The plot revolves around Corvo Attano, the Royal Protector. The action takes place in Dunwall, a city clearly inspired by 18th-century London. The game's society has a distinct division between the poor and the rich. The latter have barricaded themselves from the less fortunate using Walls of Light, barriers that prevent outsiders from entering. The poor, on the other hand, toil in inhumane conditions.

As for the gameplay mechanics, the developers at Arkane Studios have created an incredible number of ways to progress. Of course, the project can be completed by simply using guns, explosives, and cold weapons. However, fans of stealth gameplay will have much more fun, especially since the studio's employees have meticulously designed the level layouts.

Thief Series Reboot

In 2014, a new game was released to refresh the beloved series. The project's title perfectly describes what gamers will be doing (thief). The gameplay is characterized by hiding in dark corners, sneaking past enemies, and running at full speed if the protagonist is detected.

The beauty of the project is that the developers created multiple difficulty levels so that everyone can find the optimal option for themselves. By adjusting the slider to the lowest setting, all enemies will become blind, deaf, and defenseless kittens. If you crank it up to the maximum, the hero will face the most attentive characters in the history of video games.

The series gained popularity due to its open levels, where players could choose different paths. The most important thing is to steal the item necessary for progressing the story. In the reboot of the series, the developers decided to present the objectives gradually, meaning new goals will appear as tasks are completed on each level.

Hitman Series

The legendary series received a long-awaited reboot in 2016. Players still assume the role of Agent 47, eliminating their targets in various parts of the world. Each level in the game is a well-crafted territory with numerous secrets and methods of assassination.

The main feature of the series is the disguise mechanics. With its help, players can complete a level entirely stealthily. To enter certain areas, you can only acquire the corresponding disguise. Without special attire, it's impossible to orchestrate a "happy accident," meaning eliminating the target without using guns or cold weapons.

If a player gets stuck at a particular stage, they can simply listen to the speeches of NPCs, which contain hints and useful information. Each level has multiple embedded scenarios, which significantly increases replayability. If you get tired of hiding and disguising yourself as janitors, there is always the option of creating a bloody massacre using weapons.

Assassin's Creed Series

Many criticize the recent installments of the series for the lack of traditional assassins. To some extent, it's true, as developers have shifted the focus towards RPG elements. However, the early parts can rightfully be considered stealth projects due to the abundance of hidden places and the ability to blend in with crowds, remaining unnoticed.

If we consider the second part as an example, it introduced the ability to distract guards using pre-hired mercenaries or courtesans. Players will be pleasantly surprised by the possibilities of eliminating targets in different ways, even though the main character could easily wipe out the entire city single-handedly.

Each new installment of the series sends gamers to explore a specific era, from Ancient Egypt to Victorian England. Despite the gradual shift towards RPG elements, developers still provide the opportunity to complete the new projects through stealthy assassinations and movement. For that, they deserve special thanks.

Batman: Arkham Series

The first installment made a lot of noise in 2009, becoming the best project featuring the detective in a bat costume. The series can't be fully categorized as a stealth game since there are sections where you have to beat up criminals with your bare hands. However, the sections for stealthy gameplay are so exquisitely crafted that it would be a crime not to include the project in this compilation.

On each level, there are numerous opportunities to silently eliminate enemies. The design is created in such a way that the hero can plan the attack with maximum efficiency. Ventilation shafts and elevated platforms help to approach unsuspecting thugs unnoticed. The long strategic preparation pays off, as the graceful elimination of opponents brings unforgettable sensations.

In addition, Batman has a wide range of gadgets in his arsenal, which became almost excessive by the last installment of the series. The detective's special equipment allows him to tip the scales in favor of justice, even if the enemies outnumber Batman several times over. The artificial intelligence is also impressive when frightened guards start fearing their own shadows.

Alien: Isolation

Unfortunately, the game doesn't have a sequel. The distinctive feature from all the aforementioned projects is that in Alien: Isolation, there are no hordes of enemies to be eliminated in packs. For the most part, you'll have to fight only one alien, but its intelligence and resourcefulness will leave a lasting impression on players. Fortunately, there are difficulty settings to adjust the challenge level.

The main feature of the alien is the memorization of certain behavior patterns. Thus, familiar tricks that almost all players resort to suddenly stop working, as the creature calculates moves in advance. The atmosphere becomes truly oppressive when the gamer realizes that nowhere is safe.

The developers' decision to remove weapons from the game in the first half forces you to feel defenseless against the powerful claws and jaws of the xenomorph. The only arsenal available is hiding places, diversion maneuvers, and your own resourcefulness. Although even with a plasma rifle, the monster cannot be permanently killed.

MGS V: The Phantom Pain

The enormous scale of the map, variety of weapons, military bases, and patrols—all of this characterizes the game perfectly. The territory is so vast that the developers introduced vehicles to prevent users from spending dozens of minutes on travel.

Experienced fans of the series will immediately recall the magical tranquilizer darts that helped to escape from completely impossible situations. However, the enemies will be wearing helmets and body armor, so you'll have to come up with some other way. Fortunately, the developers didn't leave gamers at the mercy of fate and allowed for experimentation.

To describe the game, one example is enough. For instance, a player can attach a live sheep to a balloon, and together they will peacefully fly into the stratosphere. Such a spectacle will attract the attention of guards, providing an opportunity to approach them unnoticed. The game is packed with similar mechanics.

Naturally, it is impossible to include all stealth games in the compilation. However, the ones presented here are enough to appreciate the genius of the developers and have a great time hiding in dark corners and eliminating enemies stealthily.