The Ghost Recon series has been a defining presence in tactical shooters, offering players immersive, strategic gameplay and intense combat scenarios. From the classic and difficult entries to the open-world reinventions, each Ghost Recon title has contributed something unique to the franchise.

Related

XDefiant: How To Unlock The Highwaymen

Add Mickey and Lou's fearsome gang to your roster in XDefiant!

Posts

Whether you’re a fan of the early squad-based missions or the sprawling, cooperative landscapes of the newer games, there’s bound to be a title for you, or at least one you remember fondly. We will be exploring the strengths and features that make each Ghost Recon game memorable in the world of tactical shooters.

Updated on November 22, 2024, by Alfredo Robelo: The Ghost Recon franchise is still as alive as ever, particularly due to the state in which Breakpoint finds itself today. We've updated this article to include the latest entries in the series, as well as formatting it according to today's standards.

11 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Predator

An Exclusive That Missed The Mark

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Predator

Tactical Shooter Released November 16, 2010 Developer(s) Virtuos Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) PSP, PS Vita Powered by Expand Collapse

Released as a PSP exclusive, Predator had a promising premise but ultimately fell short due to clunky controls and limited gameplay. Set in the jungles of Sri Lanka, players were tasked with tactical missions and stealthy approaches, yet the restrictive platform hampered the experience.

For fans looking for a portable tactical shooter, Predator offered a glimpse, but its execution kept it from becoming a standout in the franchise. It is an ideal game to skip, not only for its limitations, but for its unavailability on modern hardware.

10 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (Wii Version)

An On Rails Experience

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon (2010)

Tactical Shooter Released November 16, 2010 Developer(s) Next Level Games Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) Wii Powered by Expand Collapse

This Wii-exclusive Ghost Recon game brought the series to the motion-controlled console, but it struggled to capture the tactical depth fans expected. With simplified mechanics and an on-rails experience, this version deviated from the traditional open-ended, strategic gameplay.

While it attempted to appeal to casual players, it lacked the elements that make Ghost Recon engaging, particularly any way to execute a plan beyond shooting down a gallery of enemies. It can still be a fun experience, but one far disconnected from the series as a whole.

9 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Phantoms

The Free-To-Play One

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Phantoms

Tactical Shooter Released April 10, 2014 Developer(s) Ubisoft Singapore Franchise Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Platform(s) PC Powered by Expand Collapse

Phantoms was Ubisoft’s attempt to bring the Ghost Recon experience into the online, free-to-play arena. Featuring team-based, tactical gameplay, it emphasized cooperative strategies and cover-based mechanics, showing that the Ghost Recon formula could work as a multiplayer game.

Related

XDefiant: 10 Tips For Playing Escort

These tips will help you succeed in XDefiant's escort game mode.

Posts

Though it had a dedicated following, the game was ultimately discontinued, but its approach to online multiplayer paved the way for similar tactical shooters. It wasn’t a lasting success, but some of its characters and archetypes live on in XDefiant, but for how long we can’t say.

8 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

A Tactical Gem On The Nintendo 3DS

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars

Tactical RPG Released March 27, 2011 Developer(s) Ubisoft Sofia Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) 3DS Powered by Expand Collapse

Shadow Wars brought the Ghost Recon series to the Nintendo 3DS with a turn-based tactical approach, blending the series' strategic elements with a portable format. Players control multiple squad members, taking turns to navigate grids, cover positions, and eliminate enemies.

Although different from the traditional shooter style, its challenging strategy elements earned it a special place among fans of tactical games on handheld consoles. It achieved what other games tried and failed on consoles like the Wii or PSP; bringing the tactical experience to a different format, adapting it to fit rather than forcing it in.

7 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon

The Classic That Started It All

The original Ghost Recon set the standard for tactical realism in gaming, allowing you to command a squad of elite soldiers through dangerous missions. It emphasized planning, precision, and teamwork, qualities that have become hallmarks of the series.

Though graphically dated by today’s standards, the original game is remembered fondly for its innovative gameplay and realistic combat. It is easily accessible on platforms like Steam, letting you start the series from its roots and see how it has evolved over the years, and what things it got right from the start.

6 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2

Refining a Winning Formula

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2

Tactical Shooter Released March 6, 2007 Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) PC, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Xbox One Developer Red Storm Entertainment, High Voltage Software, Grin Powered by Expand Collapse

Building on the success of its predecessor, Advanced Warfighter 2 introduced new tactical mechanics and a refined combat system, immersing players further in near-future warfare. Players praised the game’s improved visuals, advanced AI, and expanded cooperative options, making it a popular sequel.

While it distatic.aayyy.com/topic/dn/’t reinvent the wheel, it offered a polished experience for fans of tactical shooters. It isn’t worth revisiting nowadays when compared to the original Advanced Warfighter, but it is still a solid game if you want to play through the entire series.

5 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Expanding The Formula

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

Tactical Shooter Released November 16, 2004 Developer(s) Red Storm Entertainment Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) GameCube, PS2, Xbox (Original) Powered by Expand Collapse

Ghost Recon 2 brought significant upgrades to the series with enhanced graphics, refined controls, and an engaging storyline set during a fictional conflict in North Korea. The game offered a more accessible experience while retaining the tactical depth fans loved.

Its cinematic presentation and challenging missions earned it a strong place in the franchise’s history, paving the way for future innovations. The series has come a long way since the early titles, but both the gameplay improvements and shift in fictional conflict allowed Ghost Recon 2 to make a name for itself.

4 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier

Futuristic Warfare With A Tactical Edge

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Future Soldier

Tactical Shooter Released May 22, 2012 Developer(s) Ubisoft Paris, Red Storm Entertainment, Next Level Games, Virtuos Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) PC, PS3, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360 Powered by Expand Collapse

Future Soldier embraced advanced tech, giving players futuristic gadgets like active camo and remote-controlled weaponry. Its emphasis on high-tech tactics and teamwork set it apart, earning praise for its story and multiplayer modes, although the multiplayer is barely playable today.

Related

The 16 Best Ubisoft Games

From Assassin's Creed to Far Cry, Ubisoft has published lots of great games.

Posts

Future Soldier struck a balance between traditional Ghost Recon tactics and innovative tech, making it a standout title for fans of modern military shooters. Many of the futuristic concepts it introduced, like weaponized drones, may not feel as futuristic now, but are still fun and effective to use.

3 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint

An Open-World Adventure

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint

Shooter Released October 4, 2019 Developer(s) Ubisoft Paris Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) PC, Xbox One, Stadia, PlayStation 4 Powered by Expand Collapse

Breakpoint introduced players to a massive, open-world jungle environment, adding survival elements and an expansive skill tree. While it faced criticism at launch for bugs and microtransactions, Breakpoint has since received updates that improved gameplay and addressed player feedback.

Its co-op features and tactical depth continue to draw fans, making it a solid entry for players who enjoy cooperative, open-world exploration. It pales in comparison to Wildlands, but if you enjoy the multiplayer aspect of these games, this latest entry will be your best bet.

2 Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter

Revolutionizing Tactical Shooters

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Tactical Shooter Released March 9, 2006 Developer(s) Red Storm Entertainment, Ubisoft Paris Franchise Ghost Recon Platform(s) PC, PS2, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360 Powered by Expand Collapse

Advanced Warfighter was a game-changer for the series, taking tactical combat to new heights with advanced graphics, a cover-based system, and enhanced squad controls. Set in a near-future setting with cutting-edge military tech, it redefined the series and earned multiple awards.

Its innovative approach to gameplay and immersive environments make it one of the most beloved titles in Ghost Recon history. It isn’t as readily available as the original Ghost Recon is, but if you get the chance to try this classic, you will not be disappointed.