For those who enjoy strategy, stealth games are a great choice. This genre values the ability to stay undetected, so the player must carefully plan each move.
In this guide, we’ll explore the characteristics of this game category, along with suggestions of titles to test your skills. Plus, learn how to fix lag issues and get the most out of your adventure.
What are Stealth Games?
Stealth games are those where direct action gives way to stealth, meaning the character must move quietly without attracting attention. To do so, they must use the environment to their advantage, employing elements such as:
- Shadows;
- Ventilation ducts;
- Abandoned buildings;
- Secret passages.
Although they don’t have the intensity of traditional action or shooter games, the tension of possibly being detected and defeated is what keeps players engaged. It also helps stimulate critical thinking and the ability to create strategies.
Types of Stealth Games
Within the genre, there are variations that combine characteristics from other gaming niches, including:
- Classic stealth: Focused on stealth, offering large environments for exploration where the character must hide, spy, and move carefully to eliminate enemies;
- Action stealth: Combines direct combat elements with stages where players need to be stealthy to overcome challenges;
- Open-world stealth: Characterized by vast maps with the freedom to explore;
- Stealth with RPG elements: In this case, the game offers customization options and character development, with experience gained as missions are completed.
What are the Best Stealth Games?
In the stealth gaming world, some famous titles stand out, such as The Last of Us, Metal Gear Solid, and Assassin’s Creed. Check out the details of these top games and their unique features below.
The Last of Us
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where dangers lurk around every corner, players must move cautiously, especially since coming into contact with the virus that has infected humanity can be deadly.
On the other hand, it combines action elements, alternating between stealthy tactics and direct combat. Strategy and resource management are key to survival.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
This title is known for its realistic and immersive graphics, as well as expansive maps that offer plenty of room to explore. Players have the freedom to choose their paths and actions, with features like:
- A variety of items, such as night vision goggles, camouflage, grenades, and transportation;
- Customization options;
- The ability to recruit soldiers and develop technologies and artifacts.
Assassin’s Creed 2
This is the continuation of a highly successful franchise, where the character can explore the landscapes of Italy, using parkour, a technique combining climbing and jumping movements. In this context, the player must complete missions involving hidden assassinations, using various techniques and blending into crowds to avoid being caught.
The features that make this game so attractive include its realistic graphics with detailed city architecture and the ability to upgrade skills over time. It also strikes a good balance between stealth and intense combat.
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist
This game combines elements of investigation and action, as well as a multiplayer mode where teams of spies and mercenaries face off. It offers a variety of settings, such as military bases and cities, providing numerous opportunities to sneak around.
One standout feature is the “Mark and Execute” tool, which allows players to mark enemies for quick elimination. Additionally, ambient sound plays a crucial role, as it can indicate the presence of nearby rivals.
What is Lag and How does It impact Stealth Games?
Lag is the delay in response time between the player’s action and its execution on screen, which can negatively impact performance in stealth games. Even a fraction of a second delay can interfere with several actions, such as:
- Detecting enemies;
- Being discovered;
- Missing the target in missions requiring precision;
- Losing direct combat encounters.
Lag also hinders the immersive experience that these games aim to provide, especially in multiplayer modes, where synchronized actions among participants are crucial.
Several factors can cause lag, such as an unstable connection or the distance between the game server and the player. It’s also essential to check if the hardware meets the game’s requirements, paying attention to aspects like:
- Monitor refresh rate for smooth visuals;
- RAM;
- Graphics card.
How to Solve Lag Issues
To minimize lag problems, consider increasing your internet speed, avoiding the use of other simultaneous programs, and keeping your operating system up to date.
One less favorable option is to lower the game’s graphical settings, as this reduces the load on the hardware. However, it compromises the visual quality designed by the developers.
How ExitLag Improves Stealth Game Experience
ExitLag is software designed to optimize the connection between your computer and online game servers, reducing response time. This ensures a more stable connection.
It works simply: ExitLag connects users to game servers through a network of servers located in various countries. This way, it determines the best route with the least chance of instability. It also analyzes hardware conditions, providing optimization tips to improve performance.