Tom Clancy’s games are certainly known for their class and style. The high-stakes missions, realistic military settings, and cutting-edge technology are all treats to gamers. These games have been around for a long time, and they’ve changed a lot over the years. They’re a legacy of the legendary author who created Red Storm Entertainment and its first games. From Rainbow Six in 1998 to Extraction in 2022, Tom Clancy’s games have explored different worlds and genres, with the latest being the post-apocalyptic The Division in 2016. Take the suspenseful espionage of “Splinter Cell” to the squad-based tactics of “Ghost Recon,” Tom Clancy’s universe is a haven for those who thrive on challenge and strategy.
The Iconic Universe of Tom Clancy Games
In the gaming world, Tom Clancy’s universe is surely unique and is a relatable brand. These titles are a solid blend of real-world military scenarios and state-of-the-art technology. Playing these titles, players can put themselves in the shoes of elite soldiers, spies, and covert operatives, each facing threats that echo real-world conflicts and dangers.
The Rainbow Six series, for instance, has players coordinating highly specialized counter-terrorist units against looming threats. The player must carefully analyze intelligence, plan the missions, and execute them with precision. Failure is only a wrong move away.
Tom Clancy’s games have always emphasized realism. From the weapons, vehicles, and gadgets, everything is designed to replicate the real thing. That’s not to say that the games shy away from cinematic flair, but they manage to balance the spectacle with realism, making the players feel like they’re in control of a real-world mission.
Tactical Depth and Strategic Decision-Making
The Tom Clancy universe doesn’t merely offer flashy action sequences; it demands strategic thinking and tactical prowess. Players face scenarios where every decision matters, and a wrong move can lead to failure.
Take “Ghost Recon: Wildlands,” for example, where players must take down drug cartels in a sprawling open world. Approach a mission gun blazing, and you might find yourself quickly overwhelmed. But study the enemy’s movements, pick the right equipment, coordinate with your team, and the odds might tip in your favor.
The planning phase in many of Tom Clancy’s games is as engaging as the execution itself. In “Rainbow Six Siege,” players have to think on their feet, adapting to an ever-changing battlefield. It’s a dance of destruction and defense, where both sides must constantly assess and react to their opponent’s strategies.
The demand for careful planning and execution extends to the multiplayer modes as well, where communication and collaboration are key. Whether it’s coordinating a stealthy approach in “Splinter Cell: Blacklist” or strategizing a defense in “The Division,” the need for tactical thinking penetrates every aspect of the Tom Clancy gaming experience.
The Legacy Continues
Tom Clancy’s games have continued to evolve, with new titles like “Ghost Recon: Breakpoint” and “The Division 2” pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tactical gaming. These games build upon the solid foundation of their predecessors, offering more immersive worlds, deeper tactical options, and an even greater focus on realism.
But how do you choose the best ones from the huge pile of titles that bear his name? There are like 36 of them, and that’s not even counting the ones that are based on his books but don’t have his name on them. Like, who remembers The Hunt for Red October from 1987? Not us. We’re only looking at the official Ubisoft games that say “Tom Clancy’s” on them because otherwise, we’d be here forever.
Ubisoft’s offerings have changed a lot since the days of the original Splinter Cell games. Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon showed us how to shoot stuff like a pro, while Splinter Cell made us feel like a badass spy. There are more “Tom Clancy’s” games coming soon, so this list might change in the future.
But right now, these are some of our favorites that we think you should check out.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint is one of the recent ones in the Ghost Recon series. Set on a mysterious island called Auroa, where you have to survive against a powerful enemy. You’ll play as a Ghost, a special forces soldier who has to face the Wolves, a rogue unit led by your former brother-in-arms.
Auroa is a fictional archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that is home to a tech giant called Skell Technology. You’ll explore a diverse and beautiful open world that offers many challenges and opportunities. The game does not give you any mission briefing. Instead, it lets you discover the story and the secrets of Auroa on your own.
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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint - PlayStation 4 |
$19.85 |
Buy on Amazon |
The game debuted in 2019 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Later it got updated for the next-gen consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PS5 in 2020. The game has received many updates and additions since then and reached its final version in April 2022. You can play solo or with your friends in co-op mode, and it also offers competitive multiplayer modes. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a game that will test your survival skills and your loyalty as a Ghost.
Developer: Ubisoft Paris
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
When you play Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, you experience the thrill of being a high-tech soldier in a not-so-distant future world. You’ll join an elite team of Ghosts, who are the best of the best in covert operations. Being part of the elite team, you have cutting-edge weapons and gadgets. Tools like optical camouflage, drones, and sensor grenades, can be used to take down your enemies in stealthy and tactical ways.
The game mostly follows a third-person shooter style. You can also switch to a first-person view when you need more accuracy. You’ll also have to watch out for cover that can be destroyed and enemy fire that can suppress your vision.
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Playing this game, you won’t have to worry about micromanaging your squad. They will follow your lead and act smartly. You can mark one priority target for them to focus on during combat. Otherwise, you can put up to four targets for them to eliminate in sync with you. You do have the option to play solo or with your friends in co-op mode. You will surely enjoy a gripping story that spans multiple locations and scenarios.
Developer: Ubisoft Paris, Red Storm Entertainment, and Ubisoft Bucharest
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: May 22, 2012
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is the sixteenth installment in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six franchise. Developed and released by Ubisoft Montreal, it is regarded as the spiritual successor to the canceled Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Patriots.
Inspired by counter-terrorism operations around the world, Siege places a strong focus on environmental destruction and player cooperation. Unlike previous iterations, there is no single-player campaign or internet option in this game, though players can play offline in single-player. Rainbow Six Siege’s gameplay has vastly improved over the course of a few years of patches.
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Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege - Deluxe Edition (Xbox One/Series X) (Xbox Series X) |
$18.92 |
Buy on Amazon |
Rainbow Six Siege has quite a challenging learning curve. Even after investing fifty hours of gameplay. Some players might still find it tricky to effectively utilize all the different gadgets in the game. It offers a wide range of distinctive equipment and weapons that offer players various strategies to outsmart opposing teams. Use a riot shield to breach doors or create a wall opening with explosives. If you’re looking for a first-person shooter that prioritizes gradual but consistent progress. Rainbow Six Siege would be a great choice. It’s also one of the best eSports games that you can play today!
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: December 1, 2015
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist is the seventh game in the Splinter Cell series. The story follows the adventures of Sam Fisher, a spy who works for a secret organization known as the Fourth Echelon. Your mission is to stop a group of terrorists called the Engineers, who are threatening to attack the US unless it withdraws its troops from abroad.
For the gameplay, it lets players choose how they want to play, whether it is by using stealth, combat, or a combination of both. The game also has a multiplayer mode called Spies vs. Mercs, where two teams of players compete against each other in different scenarios.
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist(XBox 360) | $9.58 | Buy on Amazon |
Critically the game was well-received by critics and fans, who praised its level design, story, gameplay mechanics, combat system, music, and multiplayer mode. At launch, the game was available for Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360. It was one of the best-selling games of 2013. This is a game that will appeal to anyone who likes action and espionage. More importantly, this is one of the best stealth games around today!
Developer: Ubisoft Toronto
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the third installment in the Splinter Cell series. But it is considered by many fans as the best one in the franchise. Players gain control of Sam Fisher, who has to deal with a new threat involving cyber warfare and information warfare. The gameplay improves on its predecessors by integrating more options for stealth, combat, and interaction.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a worthy sequel to Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow. It was a significant upgrade over its predecessor in terms of graphics too. Not to mention the game’s local co-op and multiplayer modes, which added more than a hundred hours of entertainment. Many Splinter Cell fans are still expecting that Ubisoft would bring back local multiplayer in their upcoming game.
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - PC | $3.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Before the debut of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, stealth warfare had never looked so good. Even now, games struggle to keep up with the enhanced stealth component of the game. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory by Tom Clancy is the best Splinter Cell and Tom Clancy game ever made.
Developer: Ubisoft Toronto and Ubisoft Milan
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 29, 2005
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent is another game in the Splinter Cell series with a unique gameplay twist. Players must choose between two factions: the NSA and a terrorist outfit known as the JBA. This is a one-of-a-kind installment in the Splinter Cell series. It retains the same stealth concept and secret operation setting as the other games, but what distinguishes Double Agent is that it is essentially two separate games.
The two main versions of the game feature different plot lines. They share many of the same locations, but with completely different level designs and in a different order. Before the events of Splinter Cell: Essentials, Sam Fisher must deal with the recent loss of his daughter to a drunk driving crash.
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent - Xbox 360 |
$31.71 |
Buy on Amazon |
But he has little time to mourn, as he soon has to go on an undercover assignment that requires him to pose as a criminal in order to infiltrate a terrorist group based in the United States. This new mission forces Fisher into a new and very dangerous gray area, where the line between right and wrong is blurred even beyond what Fisher is used to, and thousands of innocent lives are in the balance.
Developer: Ubisoft Shanghai and Ubisoft Milan
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: October 17, 2006
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is an online-only action role-playing video game that is a direct sequel to Tom Clancy’s The Division (2016). The game is set in a not-so-distant future in Washington, D.C., in the aftermath of a genetically engineered virus known as “Green Poison” creating havoc. It follows an agent of the Strategic Homeland Division as they try to rebuild the city. The game was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on March 15, 2019.
It was favorably reviewed by critics, with most citing it as an improvement over the first installment in terms of setting, gameplay, aesthetics, combat, and soundtrack, while the endgame material divided them. Despite not achieving expectations at launch, it was a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
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TomClancy's Division 2 (Xbox One's |
$12.27 |
Buy on Amazon |
A spinoff, likely to be called Tom Clancy’s The Division Heartland, is rumored to be in development. Gameplay-wise, it is played from a third-person perspective. The Division 2 is a cover-based third-person shooter with up to four players being able to complete missions together.
Developer: Massive Entertainment
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 15, 2019
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield came out in 2003. It’s a tactical first-person shooter game created by Red Storm Entertainment and put out by Ubi Soft for computers running Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. This game is the third part of the Rainbow Six series. In the game, a secret group called Rainbow, which fights terrorists around the world, deals with a bunch of attacks in South America.
Made with Unreal Engine 2.0, Raven Shield is a tactical shooter that tries to be realistic. It’s a bit like mainstream first-person shooters like Counter-Strike, but it added things that the earlier games didn’t have. You can see your own weapon while playing in the first-person view, and there are new weapons and upgrades (like bigger magazines and sights). They also changed up the multiplayer part to make it better.
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Rainbow Six 3 (Tom Clancy's) - Xbox |
$10.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
There’s another version of the game called Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six 3 that was made for game consoles like Xbox, PlayStation 2, and GameCube. This version has similar graphics and stuff, but the way you play the game is pretty different, with new game mechanics and story. They also released the game on Mac computers on December 19, 2003.
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal, Red Storm Entertainment, and Ubisoft Milan
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 18, 2003
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (often called GRAW) is a tactical shooter. It came out in 2006, and you can play it on Xbox 360, Xbox, PlayStation 2, and computers with Microsoft Windows. Just like in earlier Ghost Recon games, you’re in charge of a team that fights against bad guys and completes different missions. These missions can be anything from guiding friendly groups across the map to saving hostages or destroying enemy artillery.
The game makes a big deal about using cover smartly to stay safe and working together with your team to finish missions. There’s a new thing in the game called the Integrated Warfighter System, which is built on the ideas from the Future Force Warrior program.
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Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 - Xbox 360 |
$10.19 |
Buy on Amazon |
In the game, you play as a captain leading a team of soldiers with cool gadgets and powerful weapons. Your job is to protect the US president and stop a takeover in Mexico City. The game looks really good with its graphics, and it acts like the real world with a day-night cycle and things moving realistically. You can play with friends in a mode where you help each other, and there’s also a way to play against others in multiplayer mode.
Developer: Ubisoft Paris, Red Storm Entertainment, Tiwak, Grin and Ubisoft Shanghai
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 7, 2006
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction
Splinter Cell: Conviction isn’t regarded as one of the best Splinter Cell games of all time. However, it does deserve the accolade of freshening up the series to the greatest extent. The game was released in 2010, and it immediately brought some brand new mechanics to the game.
Not only did the game look great for the time (it still holds up to some extent today!), but it also brought the Mark & Execute system. This system is even available in Assassin’s Creed: Mirage today.
There was also the excellent Interrogation System, in which Sam Fisher can ensure that he gets the required information from goons, while also feeding them a couple of their teeth as he bashes their head into a bathroom sink. The best part? The execution of these brutal actions was based on the environment.
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction |
$23.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Finally, the story added a personal angle for our protagonist as well. Overall, this is a Tom Clancy game that you can’t miss out on, even if it’s been 13 years since the game’s release!
Developers: Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: April 13, 2010
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands
The Ghost Recon series took a ‘wild’ turn with Ghost Recon: Wildlands. Gone were the semi-linear worlds featured in games like Advanced Warfighter. Instead, a sprawling open world wilderness in Bolivia.
This game was released in 2017, and it was mostly to mediocre reviews, at best. However, there was potential, and Ubisoft ensured that with multiple updates, more content and fewer bugs became the norm.
Not only does it feature a proper day/night cycle, but this also affects the gameplay. Go on missions during the daytime, and you’ll spot enemies quicker, but they’ll notice you quicker too. At night, you’ll have to be stealthy, but the darkness provides an advantage.
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Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands - PlayStation 4 |
$19.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
There are multiple terrains, such as deserts and mountains, which can also influence how you approach a particular mission. Combing out the area before going on missions becomes a necessity, as blindly going into an area without the actual recon will lead to death. However, the gunplay remains top-notch and one of the best in the series.
If you own a PC, you can pair up with your buddies and plan your missions as well. So, this is easily one of the best multiplayer PC games you can play right now!
Developers: Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Milan
Publisher: Ubisoft
Release Date: March 7, 2017
Conclusion
So here you go. These are what we think are some of the best Tom Clancy games that you should play right now. If you are looking for an exciting and immersive espionage experience, you will be sorted. Each game offers a different perspective and challenge that will test your skills and strategy. Whether you prefer stealth, action, or teamwork, there is a Tom Clancy game for you.
Since most of Tom Clancy’s games are shooters, we thought you’d also love to play the best FPS games in 2023!
