Best free "stealth" games

Stealth video games center on avoiding detection and achieving objectives through secrecy rather than brute force. Players use tools like disguises, shadows, and silenced weapons to outsmart enemies, often punishing direct confrontation. Core mechanics include line-of-sight systems, noise management, and AI behaviors that respond to suspicious activity. Success usually requires patience, planning, and creative problem-solving. Many titles, such as Metal Gear Solid, Splinter Cell, and Dishonored, mix stealth with story-driven missions, rewarding players who remain unseen. The genre emphasizes tension and strategy, giving players the thrill of slipping past danger and completing tasks without ever being noticed.