Every Ghost Recon Game, Ranked

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 didn’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

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

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.

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

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

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.

1 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Wildlands

The Ultimate Open-World Tactical Shooter

Wildlands took the Ghost Recon series into a bold, open-world environment, allowing players to explore the vast and varied landscapes of Bolivia. The game’s flexible mission structure encourages exploration and creativity, as players can tackle objectives however they choose, from stealthy infiltrations to explosive, all-out assaults.

The cooperative multiplayer mode is one of its standout features, supporting seamless team play with up to four players. With highly customizable characters, vehicles, and an extensive arsenal, Wildlands lets players shape their approach. Its sandbox-style gameplay and the freedom it offers have solidified Wildlands as a fan favorite and a definitive entry in the franchise.