7 best open-world games with robust but underused stealth mechanics

Open-world games often rely on stealth mechanics to expand on the gameplay. However, these elements frequently take a backseat, as players usually go all guns blazing, not knowing that they can also stealth kill their enemies. Developers spend hours creating these mechanics that often go unnoticed, with players not paying enough attention to how they work.

These robust mechanics don't usually come into play, as players prefer engaging with the action instead of sneaking around sections. In open-world games, there are often outposts or camps that can be taken out using stealth mechanics. However, players tend to follow the path of action instead.

In this article, we take a look at seven open-world games with robust but underused stealth mechanics.

NOTE: This article is subjective, solely reflects the writer's opinions, and is not ranked in any particular order.

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These are open-world games with robust but underused stealth mechanics

1) Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima has some great stealth mechanics (Image via Sucker Punch Productions)

Ghost of Tsushima incorporates stealth mechanics in the game naturally through the story. We get to see Yuma teach Jin Sakai how to stealthily kill enemies, a mechanic that evolves, as the latter slowly transitions into his Ghost persona. However, the main missions don't provide enough opportunity for players to explore sneaking, as they largely focus on having to use their katanas.

The game features plenty of mechanics like crouching, hiding in bushes, and using wind chimes as distractions. Not only that, Ghost of Tsushima also offers players the opportunity to stealth kill enemies from above the ground or from behind. Over time, this mechanic flourishes, as you explore the map and liberate camps across Tsushima.

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2) Far Cry 6

Far Cry 6 features robust stealth mechanics (Image via Ubisoft)

Far Cry 6 has always been an action-oriented video game: however, it also features robust stealth gameplay that is often left underutilized. Sneaking around while crouching is one of the first features that the game teaches you, an element that evolves with time. Different gameplay elements have been a series staple, such as throwing rocks or deploying amigos to distract enemies.

You can also unlock special gear that eliminates the sound of your footsteps when you walk past enemies, making stealth easier. These mechanics are helpful while clearing outposts across Yara and finishing several main story missions. However, these features take a back seat, as Far Cry 6 focuses heavily on over-the-top action where stealth sections don't get the time to shine.

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3) Death Stranding

Death Stranding is an underrated masterpiece (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Death Stranding is another open-world game featuring a robust stealth system that doesn't get utilized much. The game is mainly focused on traversal, as you complete delivery missions, which can divert you from the strategically created sneaking mechanics. Players will spend more time managing their cargo than stealthily avoiding enemies during traversal.

However, the mechanics here allow players to enter crouch mode and take down enemies using stealth. You can also use tools like the Bola Gun to your advantage to immobilize human enemies and sneak past them. You can also use the Odradek scanner to scan for threats lurking around, allowing you to plan your route accordingly and avoid any unnecessary combat encounters.

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4) Horizon Forbidden West

Horizon Forbidden West was nominated for the GOTY award (Image via PlayStation Publishing LLC)

Horizon Forbidden West is popular for its variety of weapons that are used during confrontations with machines in the open world. These face-to-face showdowns with enemies leave very little room for the player to rely on stealth-focused takedowns. After all, the player's instinct is to go head-on against the large machines roaming the lands.

However, Horizon Forbidden West features various stealth approaches, such as crouching to avoid enemy vision, hiding in tall grass, and on silent takedowns. You can also use your focus to track enemy paths, set up traps to capture them, and identify the weak points of a machine to plan the takedown accordingly.

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5) Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Assassin's Creed Odyssey's stealth mechanics are underrated (Image via Ubisoft)

Unlike its predecessors where stealth is the main focus, Assassin's Creed Odyssey relies more on combat. Here, you are a spartan, which means that you will be facing your enemies head-on. The game has large-scale battles instead of slower-paced stealth sections like previous entries in the franchise.

However, Odyssey still features stealth mechanics, albeit not as prominent as the previous games, but they still get the job done. You can crouch and use foliage to hide from enemies and lure them towards you by whistling for a quick assassination. Moreover, you can use your trusty eagle to mark your enemies on the compass to assassinate them stealthily.

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6) Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is more of an action game (Image via CD Projekt Red)

Cyberpunk 2077 offers players high-octane action sequences and several weapons from the beginning, which directs the players to enter battle guns blazing. However, what players often forget is that even though the game's focus is mostly on action and RPG elements, there is still a deep structure of stealth mechanics built into it.

Players can crouch in certain missions to perform stealth takedowns. They can hack enemies to disable them or use the cyberware to enhance the protagonist's sneaking capabilities. There is also a feature that allows one to become invisible in the game, which works like camouflage for a limited period.

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7) Prototype 2

Prototype 2 features chaotic moment of action throughout (Image via Activision)

When playing a superhero game, there is an obvious understanding that players will expect the game to be action-focused. Prototype 2 allows your protagonist to cause destruction and mayhem in the city, which can overshadow the game's possibility of including stealth mechanics in its gameplay.

However, Prototype 2 includes stealth by allowing players to steal the identities of NPCs and sneak past them. avoiding enemy encounters entirely. This mechanic often gets lost because of the game's chaotic nature, but when utilized, it can come in handy to avoid detection and allow one to blend in with the crowd.