The 20+ Most Popular Stealth Games Right Now In 2020

If you’ve ever quick-saved right before a risky takedown, held your breath while a guard walked past your hiding spot, or rage-quit because someone spotted you from 300 yards away through three crates and a fog bank… congratulations, you’re a stealth gamer. In 2020, stealth games are still alive and kicking, blending sneaky gameplay with action, horror, and even open-world exploration. From classic PC titles to cinematic console blockbusters, there’s a huge lineup of stealth-heavy experiences worth your time.

This guide rounds up 20+ of the most popular stealth games you can be playing “right now” in 2020. You’ll see long-time legends like Metal Gear Solid and Thief, modern sandboxes like Hitman 2, and story-driven hits such as The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima, which weave stealth into broader action-adventure gameplay.

What Makes a Great Stealth Game?

Before we crawl into vents and hide in tall grass, it’s worth asking: what actually makes a stealth game great? Looking across critic lists and player rankings, a few themes show up again and again:

• Clear feedback: You should know when you’re hidden, when you’re noisy, and when you’re one millisecond away from setting off the alarm.
• Multiple solutions: Great stealth isn’t just “stay in the shadows.” It lets you experiment with disguises, gadgets, routes, and timing.
• Meaningful consequences: If you get sloppy, the game reactstougher patrols, alarms, or a complete mission fail state.
• Strong level design: Smart layouts with sightlines, verticality, and alternate paths make sneaking interesting instead of tedious.
• Replayability: The best stealth games make you want to come back and try a cleaner, faster, or more creative run.

With that in mind, let’s break down the most popular stealth games you should be playing in 2020.

The 20+ Most Popular Stealth Games Right Now in 2020

The list below isn’t a strict ranking from “best to worst,” but a curated lineup of fan favorites and critical darlings that keep showing up in top-stealth-game roundups, store charts, and community discussions.

1. Dishonored 2

Arkane’s Dishonored 2 is almost always near the top of stealth lists, and for good reason. You can play as either Corvo or Emily, using supernatural powers like teleportation, time-slowing, and body possession to slip past guards or creatively neutralize them. Levels like “Clockwork Mansion” are masterclasses in sandbox stealth design, giving you multiple routes and wildly different playstylesfrom pure ghost runs to chaotic “clean up the mess later” murder sprees.

2. Dishonored (Definitive Edition)

The original Dishonored still holds up in 2020 as a tightly focused stealth experience. Its emphasis on player choicestealthy assassin, vengeful whirlwind, or something in betweenlaid the groundwork for the sequel. If you’re new to the series, starting here gives the story and systems more impact, and it’s often discounted on digital stores.

3. Hitman 2

The modern Hitman trilogy is basically a stealth sandbox disguised as a murder puzzle. Hitman 2 shines in 2020 for its generous replayability, giant levels, and ingenious disguise system. Whether you’re blending into a Miami race crowd or sneaking through a Colombian jungle, the game rewards patience, observation, and ridiculous creativityespecially when you “accidentally” knock someone out with a thrown muffin.

4. Hitman (2016)

If you want more of Agent 47and you willgo back to Hitman (2016). Many players still regard episodes like Paris and Sapienza as some of the best stealth maps ever designed, with dense crowds, multiple infiltration routes, and an almost absurd number of assassination opportunities. Together, Hitman and Hitman 2 form a massive stealth playground.

5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Metal Gear Solid V moved the iconic stealth series into an open-world format without losing its sneaky soul. You can crawl through grass, hang from ledges, use gadgets like decoy soldiers, and call in support to manipulate the battlefield. The AI is reactive too: rely on headshots too often and enemies start wearing helmets; attack at night and they’ll bring night-vision gear. It’s one of the most flexible stealth toolkits ever put in a game.

6. Thief II: The Metal Age

Released in 2000 but still heavily cited in “best stealth games” lists, Thief II remains a benchmark for pure, patient stealth. You’re not a superhero; you’re a thief, which means shadows, sound, and line-of-sight actually matter. Sneaking around wealthy mansions and industrial complexes with only a blackjack, rope arrows, and your wits feels tense in a way many modern games still struggle to match.

7. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is another older title that continues to dominate stealth discussions in 2020. Its light-and-shadow mechanics, noise meter, and emphasis on non-lethal takedowns make it one of the purest stealth experiences on PC and console. Co-op missions, where two Sams coordinate acrobatic takedowns, still feel surprisingly modern.

8. Mark of the Ninja

For players who want 2D stealth done right, Mark of the Ninja is essential. With crisp animations, clear visual feedback for noise and visibility, and clever level design, it solves many stealth headaches by making information readable at a glance. It’s perfect if you love stealth but don’t want to wrestle with clunky 3D camera angles.

9. Deus Ex: Human Revolution & Mankind Divided

While they’re technically immersive sims, both Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Mankind Divided support full stealth playthroughs. Cloaking augments, quiet takedowns, and air vent routes reward methodical players. You can ghost through missions without setting off alarmsor even without being seen at allwhile still enjoying deep RPG-style choices.

10. Alien: Isolation

If you like your stealth with a side of pure terror, Alien: Isolation is your game. You’re constantly hiding in lockers, under desks, and behind bulkheads while an unpredictable Xenomorph stalks the corridors. Stealth here isn’t about stylish assassinations; it’s about survival. Every noise feels risky, and every sprint feels like a bad idea.

11. Invisible, Inc.

Invisible, Inc. takes stealth and turns it into a tense, turn-based strategy game. You infiltrate corporate facilities with a small team of agents, planning every move carefully. Line-of-sight, hacking, and limited time all combine to make each mission feel like a mini heist puzzle. It’s especially appealing if you like tactical games but want that “don’t get spotted” pressure.

12. Styx: Master of Shadows & Styx: Shards of Darkness

The Styx games are cult favorites on stealth forums. You play as a goblin thief who’s physically weaker than most enemies, so you’re forced to lean hard into stealthusing invisibility, traps, and vertical movement to your advantage. Fans love the focus on sneaking over combat and the darkly comedic personality of Styx himself.

13. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

FromSoftware’s Sekiro is often remembered for its brutal swordfighting, but it leans on stealth more than many players realize. You can grapple to rooftops, silently assassinate enemies from above, and thin out groups before engaging in direct combat. It’s not a pure stealth game, but stealth is a powerful tool that makes difficult encounters manageableand stylish.

14. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Shadow Tactics is a modern love letter to classic real-time tactical stealth games. You control a squad of specialistssniper, ninja, trap expert, and morecoordinating silent kills and distractions from an isometric viewpoint. Planning synchronized takedowns that unfold perfectly is deeply satisfying, especially on higher difficulties.

15. Desperados III

From the same studio as Shadow Tactics, Desperados III brings tactical stealth to the Wild West. Every mission encourages you to scout routes, study patrol patterns, and chain abilities between characters. It’s one of 2020’s standout releases for players who enjoy methodical stealth, intricate level design, and a strong sense of style.

16. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara Croft leans heavily into stealth, camouflaging herself with mud, hiding in foliage, and quietly taking out enemies from the shadows. It’s a great choice for players who like cinematic adventures but still want the satisfaction of clearing out entire enemy camps without setting off a single alarm.

17. Assassin’s Creed Origins & Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

While the newer Assassin’s Creed games mix action-RPG combat with exploration, stealth remains a powerful and stylish option. Climbing vantage points, synchronizing viewpoints, and then diving into hay bales to sneak through forts never really gets old. Fans regularly recommend these titles as great “stealth-flavored” open-world experiences.

18. The Last of Us Part II

One of 2020’s biggest releases, The Last of Us Part II blends narrative drama with intense stealth encounters. Tall grass, listen mode, and improvised weapons encourage you to scout carefully and avoid direct confrontation whenever possible. The AI is aggressive and coordinated, making stealth feel more tense and personal than in many other games.

19. Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima lets you choose between honorable stand-up duels and sneaking through Mongol camps as the legendary “Ghost.” Stealth optionssmoke bombs, silent kills, rooftop movementare deeply integrated into the progression system. The game doesn’t force stealth on you, but it rewards patient, planned infiltration with stylish, cinematic payoffs.

20. A Plague Tale: Innocence

A Plague Tale: Innocence is a story-heavy stealth adventure where you guide siblings through plague-ridden France. Stealth isn’t about power fantasies here; instead, it’s about staying alive while navigating soldiers and deadly rat swarms. Limited resources and linear but smartly designed levels keep the tension high from start to finish.

21. Amnesia: The Dark Descent (Stealth Horror Classic)

Technically a horror game, Amnesia: The Dark Descent relies on stealth as its main survival mechanic: you can’t fight back, so you hide, listen, and move carefully. It’s continuously referenced alongside other stealth-horror hybrids in best-of lists, and in 2020 it still delivers some of the most stressful “don’t look behind you” stealth around.

22. Other Fan-Favorite Stealth Titles to Check Out

On top of the headliners above, stealth fans in 2020 frequently recommend:

• Far Cry 5, for flexible stealth in a big open world.
• Metro Exodus, for atmospheric stealth-shooter sequences.
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, for squad-based stealth in co-op.

These might not be pure stealth games, but if your favorite part of action titles is sneaking past enemies instead of rushing them, they’re absolutely worth adding to your 2020 backlog.

How to Choose the Right Stealth Game for You

With so many popular stealth games available, how do you pick where to start? Think about three main questions:

• Do you want pure stealth or stealth + action? If you want strict “get caught and you’re done” gameplay, start with Thief II, Chaos Theory, or Invisible, Inc. For hybrid experiences, try Hitman 2, Ghost of Tsushima, or Sekiro.
• Story-driven vs. systems-driven? If you’re here for narrative, go with The Last of Us Part II or A Plague Tale: Innocence. If you prefer playing with systems in big open sandboxes, try Metal Gear Solid V or Hitman.
• Single-player only or co-op? Classic stealth is often solo, but games like Chaos Theory co-op, Desperados III (pass-the-controller style planning), or squad-based titles like Wildlands are great if you want to coordinate stealth with friends.

No matter your answer, there’s a stealth game from this 2020-friendly lineup that will scratch your “sneak around and outsmart everyone” itch.

Stealth-Game Experiences and Tips from the Virtual Shadows (Extra Deep Dive)

Once you dive into the world of stealth games, you quickly realize they feel very different from fast-paced shooters or hack-and-slash action titles. You spend more time observing than attacking, more time planning than reacting. That shift in mindset can be both incredibly satisfying and, at first, a little frustrating. Here are some experience-based tips and reflections that can make your 2020 stealth journey smoother and a lot more fun.

Embrace Failure as Part of the Fun

Nearly every stealth game on this list assumes you’re going to mess up. You’ll accidentally knock over a bottle, misjudge a patrol path, or forget that one guard who always turns around at the worst possible moment. Instead of treating failure as a reason to quit, treat it as information: now you know how the AI reacts, where the blind spots really are, and which routes are too risky. Games like Hitman 2 and Dishonored 2 are built around iterationyou’re meant to replay missions, test ideas, and slowly upgrade your routes from “total disaster” to “perfect ghost run.”

Use the Tools the Game Gives You

New stealth players often fall into the trap of ignoring half their arsenal. Smoke bombs, noisemakers, distraction gadgets, and traps can feel “cheap,” but they’re actually there to help you control the battlefield. In Metal Gear Solid V, tossing a magazine or using a decoy can completely reshape a guard patrol, giving you a clean path through a heavily defended area. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, mud camouflage and foliage kills let you turn dense jungle environments into your personal advantage instead of just scenery. When the game showers you with gadgets, it’s basically begging you to get creative.

Play with the Difficulty and HUD Settings

Many stealth games feel wildly different depending on your settings. If you’re new to the genre, it’s totally fine to play with generous detection meters, clear vision cones, and forgiving difficulty. As you gain confidence, you can start dialing back the HUD, turning off some assists, and upping the challenge. Titles like Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Alien: Isolation offer sliders and toggles that let you craft a stealth experience that feels fair instead of overwhelming. Think of it as tuning your personal “tension level.”

Experiment with “Ghost” vs. “Predator” Runs

Stealth games often support radically different styles. A “ghost” run is all about never being seen and leaving no evidence behind. This works beautifully in Hitman, where you slip through crowds, change disguises, and leave no trace except a suspiciously unfortunate accident. A more “predator” style, on the other hand, keeps you hidden but allows calculated takedowns and controlled chaos, like in Ghost of Tsushima or Sekiro. Trying both approaches on the same mission can make even familiar levels feel fresh again.

Take Breaks to Avoid Stealth Burnout

Stealth gaming is mentally taxing. You’re tracking patrol routes, noise levels, visibility, resources, and objectives all at once. After a long session in something intense like Alien: Isolation or A Plague Tale: Innocence, you may find your shoulders up around your ears from stress. Don’t be afraid to swap in a more relaxed stealth game or even a completely different genre for a bit. That way, when you come back to your sneaky adventures, you’ll have the patience and focus that stealth really thrives on.

Most importantly, remember that stealth games are about feeling clever, not perfect. You don’t need a zero-detection run to enjoy them. Whether you’re quietly clearing out a fort in Assassin’s Creed, slipping through enemy lines in Desperados III, or surviving by the skin of your teeth in Amnesia, the thrill comes from those moments when your plan actually works and you disappear back into the shadows like you were never there.

Final Thoughts

Stealth games in 2020 cover a huge range of tastes, from slow, methodical classics like Thief II and Chaos Theory to blockbuster epics like The Last of Us Part II and Ghost of Tsushima. Whether you want deep tactical planning, cinematic sneaking, or horror-tinged survival, this lineup of 20+ popular stealth titles gives you plenty of options to explore.

Pick a game that matches your favorite stylestory-driven, sandbox, tactical, or horrorthen lean into the sneaky mindset: observe, plan, experiment, and don’t be afraid to reload that save. With the right game and a bit of patience, 2020 can be the year you officially become “that friend who always plays stealth.”