The Ultimate Collection of Must-Play Stealth Games Exclusive to PC

Highlights

Popular stealth game franchises like Metal Gear Solid and Dishonored have popularized the use of stealth mechanics, encouraging players to take a quieter approach.

Indie stealth games often become exclusive to PC due to its indie-friendly nature. These lesser-known and distinct stealth games feature captivating gameplay mechanics, including the ability to manipulate sources of light or utilize a Crosslink to distract guards.

When thinking about stealth games, popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Dishonored, and Hitman often come to mind. These franchises have greatly contributed to the stealth genre by popularizing the use of stealth mechanics and encouraging players to take a quieter approach instead of engaging in direct combat.

While these successful franchises are backed by the budget and resources of a triple A studio, not all games are created equal. Some games are developed by smaller teams or even just one individual. These games often end up being exclusive to the PC platform, which is known for its indie game-friendly environment. Similarly, stealth games produced by these smaller teams can only be enjoyed by PC gamers.

7 Cruelty Squad

Cruelty Squad is a unique game on Steam, set in a dystopian world overrun by waste and filth. This creates a repulsive yet intriguing environment for players to explore. In the game, players assume the role of a grunt in the Cruelty Squad, a group of emotionally detached workers hired by corporations for tasks involving combat and corporate liquidations.

While primarily marketed as a tactical first-person shooter (FPS), Cruelty Squad also incorporates stealth elements. Players have the option to adopt a quieter approach when infiltrating various buildings, such as offices, police stations, and secret compounds, in order to uncover hidden equipment.

6 In Silence

Horror and stealth often coincide in games, especially in the PC multiplayer title In Silence. In this asymmetrical horror game, one player controls a terrifying monster while others assume the roles of unfortunate victims. These victims must elude the monster's murderous instincts and locate scattered supplies to find a means of escape.

The monster has limited sight and heavily relies on sound to track its victims. Therefore, players must be cautious of their character's actions within the game and even consider their use of in-game voice chat. The monster can locate and hunt them solely based on audio cues. Introducing stealth elements, such as incorporating voice chat into gameplay, adds a captivating layer to the mechanics employed in this game.

5 Gunpoint

Gunpoint is not your typical action-packed stealth game. Instead, it offers a unique twist by combining stealth and puzzle elements. Players are challenged to navigate through a building filled with guards in order to accomplish their objectives.

However, the gameplay in Gunpoint goes beyond just memorizing guard patrol routes and sneaking past them undetected. Players are equipped with a Crosslink device, allowing them to rewire parts of the building. This clever tool enables players to redirect a guard's attention, creating opportunities to maneuver unnoticed. It is this innovative concept that makes Gunpoint a captivating and intriguing stealth game to experience.

4 Shadow Burglar

Formerly a member of a criminal syndicate specialized in theft, Jean, a skilled thief, has decided to take a break from her life of crime driven by greed. She is currently on a mission to retrieve her late brother's stolen paintings, which were taken by another thief. As the player, your objective is to safely guide Jean past the guards, utilizing her extraordinary abilities.

Jean's remarkable powers grant her the ability to manipulate light sources in her surroundings, allowing her to effortlessly switch between her shadow and light forms. Additionally, she can even lure unsuspecting guards into the depths of darkness. These innovative game mechanics in Shadow Burglar create a thrilling and distinctive stealth gameplay experience, providing players with crucial opportunities to pass by unnoticed.

3 Thief 2

In the second installment of the widely beloved Thief series, players once again assume the role of Garret in the enchanting steampunk city known as the City. Shortly after donning the shadowy hood of Garrett, players find themselves betrayed and ambushed by Sheriff Truart, who has a personal vendetta against him.

To navigate through the levels of Thief 2 and unveil the complete enigma surrounding the betrayal and the consequential murder of his primary suspect, players must rely on their stealth abilities. The ultimate goal is to expose the true perpetrator before it becomes too late for Garrett.

2 Deadbolt

Deadbolt is a unique game that skillfully combines action and stealth elements, providing players with a challenging experience as they assume the role of the Grim Reaper. While there are other games that challenge players to embody Death, Deadbolt introduces a refreshing approach to how this main character should handle, empowering players with a wide range of weapons to annihilate their enemies.

Facing hordes of zombies, vampires, and daunting boss fights, players must strategically navigate through each level, eliminating these undead creatures and monstrous beings. Despite controlling the master of death, Deadbolt is far from a subtle stealth game, boasting a thrilling and visually intense display of gore.

1 Fear the Spotlight

This hidden gem on Steam combines horror and stealth in a visually nostalgic PS1 graphic style. It revolves around a timeless horror story: two friends decide to conduct a Séance in a dark building, but things take a horrifying turn. Now trapped in a sprawling building infested with monsters, the player embarks on a quest to reunite with their friends.

Fear the Spotlight is marketed as a supernatural horror game, ideal for young adults, emphasizing immersive storytelling and devoid of jump scares. It breaks away from traditional combat systems, requiring players to master the art of stealth to endure the night.