For a first playthrough, play the six main Splinter Cell games in release order: Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow, Chaos Theory, Double Agent, Conviction and Blacklist. Ubisoft presents the main series in that sequence; it is the clearest starting point, rather than a claimed definitive chronology of every story event.
Recommended Splinter Cell play order
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (2002)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent (2006)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction (2010)
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013)
This is the six-game sequence in Ubisoft’s series retrospective. The years are the commonly used original release years, not a promise that every platform launched in the same year or on the same date. Ubisoft’s current store pages show platform- and region-specific dates: for example, its PC listing dates the original Splinter Cell to February 18, 2003, while its US listing dates Chaos Theory to March 28, 2005. Digital-store dates can differ from earlier launches on other platforms.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction (Renewed) | $13.64 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell | $9.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - Xbox | $41.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist | $34.51 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Classic Trilogy HD - Playstation 3 | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Release order or story order?
Choose release order for a first run. It follows the publisher’s main-series sequence and lets you encounter the games in their intended publication progression without relying on fan-made chronology claims. The available official material does not establish a separate, complete in-universe timeline that would justify presenting an alternate story order as definitive.
Why Pandora Tomorrow comes second
Ubisoft explicitly describes Pandora Tomorrow as the second game in the series. Its current PC release is a re-release, not a remaster: Ubisoft says it is unchanged apart from fixes for critical issues, and that multiplayer is not included. Those details apply to that PC edition, not every original platform version. See the Ubisoft product page for its current Windows 10 and Windows 11 listing and edition details.
#1 Best Overall
- A unique co-op mode known as "Prologue" featuring an exclusive story mode full of new characters, settings, four exclusive maps and more. It is only available within Conviction's Co-op mode.
- A full arsenal of cutting-edge technologies like the Last Known Position system, that allows you to outflank foes and set traps, and the Mark and Execute feature that allows you to tag enemies and environments for elimination.
- A unique storytelling style that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you navigate the explosive world of a renegade agent where trust is impossible and justice requires you to go above the law.
- A revolutionary new graphic direction delivering an utterly seamless gameplay experience that’ll keep you totally engrossed in the story of Sam Fisher.
- Xbox LIVE support made up of addictive multiplayer modes, content downloads, messaging and voice support and more designed to amp up the dramatic intensity like never before.
Where Blacklist fits
Blacklist is the sixth main entry in Ubisoft’s sequence. Its store description sets up the Engineers, a terrorist group carrying out escalating attacks on US interests, and Sam Fisher’s mission to stop them. That premise makes it a natural endpoint for this release-order run; it does not, by itself, establish a complete chronology for the franchise. See the Ubisoft Blacklist page.
What to check before choosing a copy
Double Agent editions
Double Agent is the entry where platform and edition deserve particular attention. The official series and catalog pages identify the game but do not provide enough comparison to name one platform version as canonical or universally better. Before buying, check the exact edition, its platform compatibility and whether its content matches what you want to play.
Rank #2
- Infiltrate terrorists' positions, acquire critical intelligence by any means necessary, execute with extreme prejudice, and exit without a trace. In Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, you are Sam Fisher, a highly trained secret operative of the NSA's secret arm: Third Echelon. Suit up with the latest classified field operative gear and weapons as you travel through diverse mission objectives. The world's future is in your hands, as cyber terrorism and international tensions are about to explode into
Current availability and the original-game remake
Ubisoft’s catalog lists several entries, but store availability and compatibility can change. Check each game’s current listing for your platform rather than assuming that a title or particular edition is available everywhere.
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Ubisoft announced that Toronto was developing a remake of the original Splinter Cell, rebuilt with Snowdrop, and said the team intended to preserve a linear structure. The announcement gave no release date. It is an announced retelling of the first game, not an additional released chapter in the six-game sequence. Check Ubisoft’s announcement and news page for current status before making plans around it.
Rank #3
- ESRB Rating: Teen
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Should you skip any games?
If you want the full main-series progression, play all six in order. If you are choosing a single game rather than starting a run, Chaos Theory is a reasonable standalone starting point to consider, but jumping in there means you are no longer following the series from its beginning. Ubisoft’s catalog confirms the game as part of the series; it does not guarantee present-day stock, a particular edition, or availability on your platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes three great Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell hits, including Splinter Cell, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow and Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
- Try to unfold the conspiracy that's been digitally remastered in high definition for even more intense thrills and exciting graphics
- Jump into the role of Sam Fisher in all three games as you command an arsenal of weapons, gadgets and moves to protect the country
- Everything from gameplay to cinematic maps, menus and load screens has been visually enhanced to create stunning gameplay
- 3D stereoscope view creates visuals that pop out of the screen with 3D-enabled televisions
Rank #4
- OWN YOUR PLAY STYLE: Splinter Cell Blacklist builds on the stealth roots of the franchise, while exploring new directions to embrace the realms of action and adventure. Players can define their personal play styles and be rewarded for those choices.
- TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Fans of stealth will be happy to make the most of Sam's sneaking abilities to abduct and carry enemies, while Killing in Motion allows the player to strike with surgical precision by marking and executing multiple enemies in one fluid motion.
- SPIES VS. MERCS RETURNS: Spies vs. Mercs is back with a new take on asymmetrical gameplay. Players will be able to face off in teams of 4 while creating their very own Spy or Merc according to their playstyles via thorough customization elements. The original Classic Spies vs. Mercs experience also makes its long awaited comeback for the fans.
- COOP: Co-Op is back and bigger than ever with 14 maps & 4 mission types. While you play you also earn in-game currency and unlock additional weapons or gadgets via specialized missions assigned by Grim, Briggs, Charlie and Kobin.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
