Hot on the Trail: The best stealth games
Virtual worlds allow you to do things that you would never do in real life. Robberies and sophisticated criminal operations are among such acts. Izvestia has compiled a selection that will help you feel like a hero of Guy Ritchie's films and repeat the exploits of Arsene Lupin.
Thick as thieves
When it will be released: May 20, 2026
Genre: Stealth action
What to play on: PC
Screenshot from the game Thick as thieves
I would like to start the selection with a new product that will be released in a few days. The authors of the cult Thief have once again taken up what they know how to do best — stealth games about genius thieves. The setting of Thick as Thieves is an alternative Scotland of the 1910s. In this world, magic is juxtaposed with the technology of the industrial age. The user will play as the virtuoso thieves Spider and Chameleon, who rob the rich mansions of the gloomy city of Kilcairn, relying solely on stealth, gadgets and teamwork. The process is based on smart planning and variability: it is necessary to enter protected facilities, pick locks, bypass changing routes of guards and steal valuables. The game will severely punish aggressive combat encounters and encourage quiet passage.
Thief Gold
When it was released: 1999
Genre: Stealth action
What to play on: PC
Screenshot from the game Thief Gold
Long before stealth became a full-fledged game mechanic, the Thief game appeared. This iconic project actually laid the foundations of stealth gameplay. The main character Garrett is a charming, sarcastic master thief with a magical eye and complete disregard for authority. The levels here are large-scale, the atmosphere is saturated with a gloomy medieval spirit, and the sound design still gives a head start to many games.
Grand Theft Auto V
When it was released: 2013
Genre: action game with sandbox elements
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Screenshot from the game Grand Theft Auto V
A reference sandbox about the criminal world and elaborate robberies. RockStar's hit allows you to embody the craziest criminal fantasies on a cinematic scale: from opening a bank vault to stealing a car from a moving train. The three-main character system refreshes the gameplay, the script remains relevant, and the game world, fourteen years later, continues to be one of the most detailed in the industry. If there is not enough crime in this part, you can join GTA Online while waiting for a new project in the series.
Boo Men
When it was released: 2022
Genre: indie action, action
What to play on: PC
Screenshot from the game Boo Men
Like many action projects, Boo Men throws players into creepy mansions where they need to collect valuables, avoiding supernatural entities who take property protection too seriously after their death. The cooperative format makes the game both funny and scary: Boo Men has a place for strategic planning, a horror element, and the funny rough edges of indie games that don't break the impression, but make every gaming session exciting.
Gone Rogue
When it was released: 2023
Genre: Tactical RPG
What to play on: PC
Screenshot from the game Gone Rogue
Gone Rogue allows the player to roam the steampunk universe as a gentleman thief with a craving for gadgets. A mix of turn-based strategy and stealth mechanics provides the project with a unique atmosphere, which in some places resembles XCOM with a criminal touch. It is important not only what and how much to steal, but also how exactly to do it. The world of Gone Rogue offers the opportunity to be not only a great thief, but also an outstanding combinator.
The Break-In
When it was released: 2023
Genre: Physical stealth action
What to play on: PC, VR
Screenshot from The Break-In game
Here, the player becomes part of a charming gang of robbers with huge ambitions and a clear lack of brains. This physical robbery simulator is the epitome of chaotic fun. Including in VR glasses, in The Break-In all objects can be broken, stolen and used in the most absurd way. The game allows you to throw your hapless companions off the roof, turn houses upside down and build incredible towers of furniture to get to the cherished object.
Crookz — The Big Heist
When it was released: 2015
Genre: RTT
What to play on: PC
Screenshot from the game Crookz — The Big Heist
Crookz — The Big Heist is set in an alternate world of the 1970s. This is a real-time tactical strategy game where the player gathers a team of stylish thieves with unique skills to pull off daring and risky robberies. If Ocean's Eleven had been directed by Quentin Tarantino in the 1970s, it would have been this game. The atmosphere of Crookz — The Big Heist seems to be inspired by old spy movies.
Styx: Master of Shadows
When it was released: 2014
Genre: stel-action game with RPG elements
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Screenshot from the game Styx: Master of Shadows
Styx is a grumpy, foul—mouthed goblin who steals everything, including the likes of users. Styx: Master of Shadows is the dream of stealth lovers: a slow, methodical project about break—ins and robberies. The player will have to make their way through dark fantasy locations, eliminate guards and even create their own doppelgangers to deceive opponents.
Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief
When it was released: 2022
Genre: Stealth action
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief
An iconic Japanese game that got a second wind thanks to the remaster. Kamiwaza tells the story of a former thief, Ebizo, who just wanted to live in peace, but, of course, got into trouble. It's a hybrid of stealth and action, a bit strange but very soulful — a hidden gem for anyone who loves niche stealth projects of the "old school".
Late Shift
When it was released: 2017
Genre: interactive cinema
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Screenshot from the game Late Shift
In this interactive FMV game with live actors, decisions determine whether a player becomes rich, dies, or finds himself in a somewhat uncertain position. You need to play as a poor student involved in a robbery that does not go according to plan at all. The script is exciting, the acting is decent, and the multiple endings provide excellent replayability. In fact, this is a stylish film about a robbery — only the decisions are made by the player.
Payday 2
When it was released: 2013
Genre: Cooperative first-person shooter
What to play on: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xboxone, Nintendo Switch, VR
Screenshot from the Payday 2 game
This cooperative first-person shooter allows the user and three other friends to plan and execute robberies, from silent store raids to full—scale bank assaults in the style of John Wick movies. Each player can flexibly customize their character with hundreds of weapons, masks, and a deep skill leveling system for an aggressive or stealthy passing style.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
