PC games with stealth are numerous, but vetting out the best ones is a real challenge. One thing for sure is that we PC gamers are spoiled for choice. Naturally, this implies some of the best ones might not even receive a mention in today’s list. Rest assured, our picks are not random; we thoroughly play each game before deciding whether it deserves a spot.
What Factors to Look For When Picking the Best Stealth Games on PC?
We look for these traits to find out what tips the scales in a game’s favor for selection for our top PC stealth titles list. If a single one is missing, well, even if it’s a massively popular game beloved by many, we’ll not consider it.
- The PC stealth game must have an original concept and not hold the player’s hands. Too often, tutorials and spoonfeeding are a part of games that ruin the experience, so, in a nutshell, a challenging and fun aspect of the gameplay is a must.
- The games must include intuitive level design and traversal that makes sense instead of locking players out. The freedom to approach things in multiple ways is a staple that needs more love. Hence, linear games like Metal Gear Solid and Assassins Creed entries are out. Sure, the latest ones fix the linearity issue, but almost every gaming list has them, and we wanna do something unique.
- Visually distinct aesthetics are a nice touch for PC stealth games to stand out more for us, and we’ll pick them. After all, who wants to play a game that’s ugly as sin?
Which Stealth Games on PC are the Best?
Well, we’ve laid our cards on the table. We realize some readers might question how we’re going about the selection process, but trust us. We know what we’re doing. After all, today’s list is super shot, with only 4 slots available. Let’s find out which PC games make it to our top 4 stealth games.
4. Gloomwood – An Early Access PC Stealth Game With Potential that Impresses
Don’t let the early access label fool you; Gloomwood is an excellent stealth game on PC with all the right tools. The immersively haunting world and level design with unique structuring immediately hooks players. Gloomwood is not a game that will dazzle everyone, but it’s a must-play for fans of stealth titles. It’s an amalgamation of two distinct genres, horror, and stealth.
Gloomwood requires interaction with the environment in various ways, a throwback to the 90s games. You must look for ammunition in boxes by smashing them. There won’t be any prompts to tell you about it, so paying attention is vital. Also, the confrontational approach is for desperate times only, as stealth is the ideal and appropriate route. You must create distractions to move past enemies.
Gloomwood Encourages Experimentation and Rewards Players for it
Don’t let the linear experiences of the big-budget AAA stealth games on PC fool you into thinking Gloomwood follows suit. Far from it because Gloomwood allows a lot of freedom in navigating your way around obstacles and even boss fights. Suddenly, what seems like a terrifying and impossible prospect, now is a fun and clever showcase of your observation skills.
The world of Gloomwood is a fascinating and quite intriguing one. The creatures and enemies you face react to the player’s actions and can relentlessly pursue the protagonist. The goal is to stay alive using discreet methods and subtly. With each update, new content enhances the experience, and we’re enjoying the ride so far. Our Xbox 360 stealth games list is worth a look for similarly unique gaming alternatives.
3. Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines – A Timeless Classic PC Stealth Game that Deserves the Spotlight
Moving on to the next contender on our list of top PC stealth games, we’re going old-school. Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines is a tactical stealth game with point-and-click emphasis. The game will keep you busy for hours as you study the layout of each map and how each commando operates. The tools and specialization for each one allow for different approaches.
Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines has a distinct visual style where the environments portray European and African landscapes. The game’s brilliant sound design perfectly captures the dread of World War II. The goal is to command six commandos and maneuver them to strategic positions while avoiding enemy solider’s lines of sight. Of course, that’s easier said than done, as enemies are many.
The Strategic Element in Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines Will Keep Players On Their Toes
Commandoes: Behind Enemy Lines is a PC stealth game that will test players’ precision and multitasking capabilities. Take too long in a single spot, and you might run into enemy soldiers on patrol. Similarly, you can’t rush into things; otherwise, it’s curtains for the commando you control. This emphasis on critically evaluating every decision makes the game stand out.
An absolute favorite commando of ours is the SPY. He can sneak up on enemies from behind and inject them with a poison needle. He can wear the enemy military uniform to disguise himself and trick the enemies into not firing at him. Besides that, Sapper is another favorite; he’s the demolition man who can set up explosives and watch the fireworks as enemies all scramble to safety.
2. Dishonored – Our Runner-Up PC Stealth Game is As Visceral As It’s Addictive to Play
Well, it’s about time we discuss one of the best modern PC stealth games ever. Dishonored is, by all means, not a traditional stealth game. Sure, there’s a great deal of emphasis on it, but it’s at the player’s discretion. However, what’s great about Dishonored is that players receive these awesome skills and powers and then suggest not to use them, creating a quandary and an additional layer of challenge.
Dishonored isn’t all stealth and aggressive gameplay, though, as there’s much more to it than surface-level elements. The integration of the gameplay that ties into the narrative and how much freedom it presents makes Dishonored so special.
Your actions shape the world around you. You can make it a place that slowly recovers from political turmoil or sow the seeds of chaos and bloodshed by violently dispatching enemies and inciting the public to act out. If you like games with moral dilemmas and intriguing gameplay design, you’ll love our suggestions for open-world RPGs like Fallout.
The Traversal and Powers of Dishonored’s Combat Upgrades Make Players into A Killing Machine
Let’s face it; the real appeal isn’t the stealth approach in Dishonored. You’re stepping into the shoes of a master assassin, so it’s only fitting that you can play like one on a separate playthrough. Dishonored has excellent replayability, with plenty of secrets to find and your approach to missions in alternate ways that yield drastically different outcomes.
The traversal feels smooth and requires a fair bit of platforming. The thrill of the hunt as you sneak by guards, appear behind them, choke them out, or outright slit their throats feel fantastic. The enemy variety is another prominent feature of Dishonored that we appreciate, and each one needs a new way to beat. Oh, and Drunken Whaler is a song that’s fire! All of these factors make Dishonored our runner-up PC stealth game.
1. Mark Of The Ninja – The Best PC Stealth Game Ever!
Okay, this is the final game on our list of top PC stealth games, and we can’t think of any other title more deserving than Mark Of The Ninja. Seriously, the dark aesthetic and how the graphic-novel noir-esque presentation blends so well with the gameplay is mind-blowing. The game tremendously cranks up the pressure on players to have situation awareness; you can’t focus on just one thing.
The gameplay revolves around the Ninja remaining invisible and eliminating/taking out enemies blocking the way forward. The choice is up to the players if they want to go for passive runs to challenge themselves or on a killing spree. Either option is viable, but it’s important to commit and play out to truly see how the game rewards you for your performance as the silent ninja.
Platforming and Precision Are Keys For Mastering the Gameplay of Mark Of The Ninja
Without a doubt, the most compelling aspect of Mark Of The Ninja is the platforming and slick transition from level to level. The 2D design is a match made in heaven for this style of game, and it’s a throwback to the retro-style platformers that we love. Check out our top 8 best co-op platform games if you’re into platformers and want more suggestions.
Mark Of The Ninja balances fun and the right amount of challenge so that most players enjoy their time with the PC stealth game. You get points for turning off security cameras, lights, and lasers. Plus, when you throw gas bombs and mess with the guards, it’s hilarious. The yelps and screams create a haunting experience for them which is an entertaining one for players.
Final Thoughts On the Best PC Stealth Games Ever
Well, what do you know? We’re finished with our list of the top 4 PC stealth games already and with time to spare. We hope our readers find our choices to their liking. We know we’re obviously missing a lot of fan favorites, but we’re trying to highlight games that have long been out of the spotlight or under the radar for a lot of gamers upon release.
Anyway, let us know your thoughts on our picks today. Do you like them? Have you tried any of them out? Which of your favorites are we missing? Yes, we know, no Assassin’s Creed or Metal Gear Solid aren’t going to be looked at as a positive thing, but we don’t want them taking up space on shorter lists. If you’re still scratching for more sneaking titles, we have great ones in our other short list of PS4 stealth games. Until next time, happy gaming!
