Thanks to their versatility, stealth mechanics have become common even in video games where they aren’t the main focus.

Despite having an entire genre around them, many gameplay styles have benefited from their influence, including action games, shooters, and RPGs.

As they add dynamism to the action-focused experiences, they are now the trusted alternative when studios want to offer variety within their creations.

Therefore, you don’t have to be a title of the genre to have good infiltration sections, as demonstrated by these ten non-stealth games with great stealth mechanics.

10 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Better Than You Would Expect

After spending many years without enjoying a Call of Duty campaign, I must admit Black Ops 6 surprised me completely.

Given the title’s setting and the subseries’ nature, stealth is very prominent and works quite well in terms of mechanics and narrative.

The game is still high-octane, giving more importance to action than any other form of gameplay, but its stealth sections are pleasant and even necessary to maintain a good pace.

I find Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to be criticizable for many reasons, but as far as the campaign is concerned, its stealth mechanics have become my favorite element, and it gives me good hope for the future.

9 Middle-Earth: Shadow of War

A Ghostly Benefit

Although the franchise is usually remembered for the controversy surrounding the Nemesis System patents, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a great game.

There are many reasons to argue in favor of its quality, but my favorite is the dynamic gameplay. Its open world is natural and immersive, and its endless possibilities also include stealth mechanics.

While they are secondary, assaulting a fortress as a total ghost is as satisfying as it is entertaining. It’s not as practical at high levels because enemies are less susceptible, but it’s a valuable tool at all times.

Plus, there is something special about fantasy stealth that gives it a better result, even above several more realistic representations the genre has.

8 Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus

The Best Break Between Gunfights

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus is undeniably a game that specializes in fast-paced gunplay, which is why I think its stealth is underrated.

Even though the game’s forte is head-on combat, making use of stealth is a great way to enjoy the outstanding level design.

It’s not always useful, and you’ll ultimately have to pull out your entire arsenal to survive the hell of bullets, but it’s incredible when it works.

In truth, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend the entire campaign crouching, sneaking through the smallest of places, and trying to get off as many headshots as possible with the silenced pistol. And it was an unforgettable adventure.

7 Deathloop

From the Kings of Stealth

Coming from Dishonored’s creators, a franchise with which it shares a universe, it’s no surprise Deathloop features such refined stealth mechanics.

The title is more open-ended, with a heavy emphasis on direct action, but Arkane Studios couldn’t help but create a level design and powers that encourage stealthy gameplay.

While it’s adrenaline-pumping to take advantage of Colt’s abilities to destroy entire groups of enemies, the movement and infiltration tools are so well-developed that you want to sneak around to accomplish each objective.

As with Dishonored, it depends on your playstyle, but Deathloop works just as well as an action title as it does as a stealth one.

6 Tomb Raider

The First Resort

Despite its importance and popularity, I was never a big fan of Tomb Raider, but I admit the reboot turned me into a Lara Croft fan.

The setting and its gameplay systems work perfectly to make you feel you’re in a hostile environment where survival is painful, which is why stealth takes on a big role.

There are certain sections where pure combat is unavoidable, but making use of the magnificent environments to camouflage yourself and attack from the shadows is coherent and satisfying.

Tomb Raider proposes all its elements to convey feelings of danger, though nothing beats mastering its iconic bow to face adversity.

5 Far Cry 4

Open World Dynamism

One of my fondest Xbox 360 memories is exploiting Far Cry 4’s content to the fullest, especially thanks to its great open-world co-op.

Regardless, most of my experience was playing solo, with many more hours than necessary spent clearing out enemy camps without being spotted.

With throwing knives, silenced pistols, bows, and melee kills, I always avoided head-on engagements because stealth worked even better.

If you ask me, spotting an outpost with your binoculars, flying towards it in your wingsuit after preparing the attack, and carrying it out perfectly is the most magical thing the superb Far Cry 4 has to offer.

A Fantasy Achieved

While The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the best RPGs of all time, I’ve always found its combat to be limited and not as outstanding as its other features.

If it weren’t for the magic and stealth builds, which have very varied gameplay approaches, I probably wouldn’t like the game half as much as I do.

The density of Skyrim‘s skill trees allows for fantastic playstyles where daggers, bows, and illusion and alteration spells take center stage.

Approaching an unsuspecting dragon and slaying it in one blow with a four-inch knife is both unheard of and memorable, and an accurate reflection of what the game is all about.

The charm of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is more than its individual parts, but thankfully, stealth exists to make its shortcomings less glaring.

3 Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Immersive Sim Icon

Among franchises that have had a successful reboot, I’d say none have reached Deus Ex: Human Revolution’s impact and quality.

As an icon of immersive sims, Adam Jensen’s journey caters to all types of players, including stealth fans like myself.

So, with superb level design, hacking mechanics, and an arsenal that suits being a master of infiltration, playing it in stealth is the most incredible experience.

Evaluating enemy patterns, discovering the best routes, and employing the entire arsenal of tools is among the most satisfying gameplay loops in the entire video game industry, which elevates Deus Ex: Human Revolution as a masterpiece.

2 The Last of Us Part 2

The Brutality of Surviving

Following the Tomb Raider line, The Last of Us Part 2 takes advantage of the stealth mechanics to drive its realistic tone.

Throughout the journey, you feel death lurking around every corner, so you instinctively adopt a careful stance where you use everything at your disposal to survive.

Whether creating handmade silencers, prioritizing the bow to make less noise, or sneaking without entering combat so as not to waste resources, The Last of Us Part 2 puts you in an unavoidable state of alert.

When the moment of truth arrives, and you have to shoot, the game works excellently well, but I would say it doesn’t compare to how it feels when stealth is the protagonist.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

Futuristic Stealth

Whenever a title allows it, I adopt a stealthy playstyle. Yet, I didn’t do it the first time I played Cyberpunk 2077, and boy, did I miss out on a masterful experience.

While I thoroughly enjoyed being a killing machine in Night City, becoming a stealthy assassin who uses the net to take out opponents without them even noticing my presence is considerably better.

In terms of gunplay, melee combat, and powers, Cyberpunk 2077 has a tremendous array of possibilities for those who enjoy playing from the shadows, including its verticality and great ease of movement.

If you haven’t already, playing CD Projekt RED’s latest title entirely from stealth is a brand-new experience that changes the adventure completely, almost to the point where it feels like you’re playing another video game.