Open-world games represent one of the most significant advancements in the gaming world, offering players vast landscapes to explore and experiences to engage with. However, not every feature within these expansive worlds is perfectly executed. A notable area where this often falls short is stealth mechanics—elements that could deepen the narrative and gameplay but frequently frustrate instead.
This article aims to highlight several open-world titles that feature notable shortcomings in their stealth mechanics, leaving players feeling bewildered and irritated. Let’s dive in.
10 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
No Need for Potions of Invisibility
Skyrim is often celebrated for its open-world design, particularly the stealth archer build. Yet, the implementation of stealth in this game leaves something to be desired. Players can eliminate foes from a distance, and shockingly, even direct hits may not alert nearby enemies.
Moreover, as players enhance their stealth skills, they can navigate enemy camps almost undetected, rendering the system ineffective and somewhat comedic. While it may provide amusement, it fails to satisfy those who appreciate the intricacies of true stealth gameplay.
9 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Shadows Hide You, Blacksmith
Despite being an ambitious RPG contender for the year, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 suffers from inconsistent stealth mechanics. Unlike other game systems that purposely add difficulty, stealth in this title feels erratic and unpredictable.
With unclear enemy sightlines and unreliable stealth takedowns, players may find themselves consistently thwarted, especially if not donning the appropriate attire. The game might shine in other respects, yet its stealth features are far from satisfying.
8 STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl
Nowhere to Hide, Literally
In the realm of Eurojank games, one would expect a certain level of charm among flaws. However, in STALKER 2, the stealth mechanics do not hold up. Player character visibility is often too easily compromised due to hyper-aware AI.
Attempting to use stealth results in swift repercussions, as even minor visibility can lead to overwhelming attacks from enemy groups. At this point, it’s generally wiser to charge in headfirst rather than attempt to conceal one’s position.
7 Atomfall
Better to Be Bold & Brash
Recognized for its emergent gameplay, Atomfall succeeds in combat mechanics, originating from the Sniper Elite series. Yet, when it attempts to incorporate stealth, it falters significantly.
With unintelligent enemy AI and flawed sound design, players find that sticking to a stealth approach often fails. The game does offer the option for sneakiness, but without adequate tools and intelligence from enemies, players may quickly revert to a more aggressive strategy.
6 Star Wars Outlaws
Better, But Still Boring
While updates have improved Star Wars Outlaws, the initial launch was plagued with frustrating stealth mechanics that often forced players into situations where failure meant restarting a segment.
Even with recent improvements, the stealth elements feel shallow, tempting players back into more action-oriented gameplay. The persistent shortcomings represent a lack of depth typically associated with Ubisoft open-world designs.
5 Days Gone
Freakers, Not Sneakers
Despite its ambitions, Days Gone fails to deliver a solid stealth experience. Players will find the mechanics frustrating, with inconsistent enemy sightlines and combat-focused world design. Stealth missions often include unreasonably punishing failure states.
While there are engaging moments of stealth, the potential seems squandered. Ultimately, the experience oscillates between mediocrity and irritation rather than mastering stealth gameplay.
4 Assassin’s Creed 3
You Had One Job…
Despite the strong legacy of the Assassin’s Creed series, Assassin’s Creed 3 struggles with its stealth mechanics. Although the franchise has moments of brilliant design, this installment flips the script, favoring combat over stealth.
Player detection is erratic, and players may face moments of forced retries due to unanticipated ‘desynchronization.’ Strikingly, AC3 can feel more like a deterrent to stealth rather than an encouragement—quite the oversight in a fundamentally stealth-based game.
3 Hogwarts Legacy
No Invisibility Cloak Required
Fans of earlier Harry Potter titles may have high hopes for Hogwarts Legacy‘s stealth elements, but the end result is lackluster. Unlike previous games where players faced challenges at night or against prefects, this open-world title implements stealth in only select quests, missing opportunities for tension in the overworld.
The execution of sneak mechanics feels unfinished, ultimately detracting from the overall experience and failing to live up to the franchise’s potential.
2 Ring of Fire
If You Go Down to the Woods Today…
Although Elden Ring features limited stealth sections, the few present are enough to demonstrate that stealth isn’t its strength. Particularly in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, players encounter an unwelcome stealth segment that disrupts pacing and sows frustration.
Players must navigate a stealth-focused area beset by challenging enemies, creating an awkward juxtaposition against the series’ established gameplay principles. Even as a rare experiment, this stealth addition misses the mark.
1 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
When Can I Be Spider-Man Again?
The Marvel’s Spider-Man series is lauded for its fluid mechanics, allowing characters to soar across New York City. However, the fun comes to an abrupt halt during sections where players take control of MJ, who can only engage using stealthy methods.
These stealth sequences are marred by poor enemy AI detection and frustratingly rigid gameplay mechanics, converting what could be an exciting encounter into a tedious chore. While MJ contributes to the storyline, her gameplay ultimately detracts from the otherwise thrilling experience of being Spider-Man.
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