Top 8 Must-Play Stealth Games (No Gollum Required)

8 Styx: Master Of Shadows

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum fell short of its expected standards. Despite the allure of playing as the infamous creature, the game's flawed stealth mechanics and lackluster presentation detract from its potential. Disappointed fans of stealth games may find solace in other titles, unless they have a particular fondness for the series and are willing to overlook its flaws. Fortunately, there are plenty of other stealth games available to cleanse the palate after the disappointment of Gollum.

The Styx games are ideal replacements for Gollum, with their emphasis on stealth and discouragement of combat. Despite receiving mixed reviews, these titles are perfect for fans of games that prioritize stealth above all else.

One of the key features of both games is the ability to create clones, which allows players to survey the area and check guard patrols without the fear of dying. This simple yet effective mechanic is a great way to alleviate the stress that often accompanies games where being spotted can lead to dire consequences.

7 Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Exploring the vast and immersive world of Tolkien's fantasy universe has never been more exciting than with Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. This game seamlessly blends thrilling gameplay with an open-world environment, providing players with an unforgettable experience. Despite the game's expected open-world tropes, it still manages to stand out as a must-play title.

6 Aragami

The game's brutality is matched only by the satisfaction of stealthily taking down orcs with Talion's broken blade. The thrill of sneaking up on them and ending their lives is unparalleled. Adding to the excitement is the Nemesis system, which makes killing powerful orcs feel even more personal and exhilarating.

Aragami is a game that heavily relies on stealth tactics to progress through its numerous levels. The game puts players in control of an undead assassin, who is skilled in the art of teleportation and can summon help to take out enemies without being detected, all while basking in the shadows.

With two gameplay options available, players can either take out every enemy that comes their way or choose to sneak past them while sparing their lives. Both approaches are equally enjoyable and contribute to the overall excitement of playing Aragami.

5 Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation took the gaming world by surprise with its unique blend of survival horror and immersive sim elements. As players navigate through the Sevastopol space station, they must face various threats and outsmart the deadly Xenomorph stalking them at every turn.

What sets this game apart is the advanced AI of the alien, which adapts to the player's behavior and requires them to come up with new escape strategies on the fly. Although the sci-fi setting is a departure from The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, players will quickly forget about that once they experience the heart-pounding stealth gameplay that makes Alien: Isolation stand out from the rest.

4 Thief: The Dark Project

Thief: The Dark Project was a landmark title for stealth gaming. Players controlled the beloved thief Garrett as they combed through houses, getting as much loot as possible before moving on to the next stage.

Thief: The Dark Project may have a slow start, but it is a must-play game for fans. The sequel improves upon the original, and the third game introduces its own unique gameplay mechanics. However, some players may feel it falls short compared to its predecessors.

3 The Last Of Us

The Last of Us remains one of Naughty Dog's most impressive works, known for its portrayal of the human condition in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The game's emphasis on humanity's struggles against desperation and the ethical dilemmas it presents make for a gripping narrative.

One of the game's most notable features is its intense stealth gameplay, which far surpasses that of Gollum's disappointing mechanics. Those who do not prioritize stealth in The Last of Us will find themselves constantly struggling against enemy attacks, with brute force not always proving effective.

Arkane Studios has had its share of ups and downs, and the recent release of Redfall was definitely a misstep. However, the studio has also created some truly outstanding stealth games, and Dishonored is a prime example. The game's stealth mechanics are incredibly engaging, making for a thrilling experience.

While the consequences for killing in Dishonored were harsh, the game remained enjoyable to play. Corvo, the game's protagonist, is a fascinating character with impressive abilities, and his journey to rescue Emily is a violent and intense one.

1 Deus Ex

Many fans of immersive sims know everything about the legendary Deus Ex. The game took the world by storm and turned Warren Spector into an industry legend in record time.

The storyline of Deus Ex revolves around JC Denton, who begins his journey as a UNATCO agent and eventually unearths a massive conspiracy, leading to his betrayal. The game's narrative is a remarkable adventure, enhanced by the creative gameplay. The RPG features, combined with the multiple approaches players can take to accomplish a task, including stealth, are awe-inspiring and grant each playthrough a distinct feel. Meanwhile, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is readily available on various platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.