Chapter 1: General Stealth Strategies

Although Sam Fisher carries two firearms, and even grenades on occasion, his primary role revolves around stealth. In most instances, stealth is a safer option than combat. Sam Fisher isn't a first-person shooter juggernaut--he can sustain only a few shots before he's killed. In some missions combat isn't even an option. Therefore, it's important to master as many stealth techniques as possible.

You've entered a new area and want to bypass a guard without killing or incapacitating him. What's your plan? Here are some considerations when attempting to safely bypass the guard.

• If the area is illuminated, shoot out the lights with your pistol. Use the pistol because it's quieter than the SC-20K. If the light is at long range, consider using the SC-20K in sniper mode, but do so when guards are far away or facing the other direction. If you ever have trouble pinpointing a light, switch your goggles to thermal mode; the heat from the light source should enhance your accuracy.

• Always move as quietly as possible. Sam moves at his quietest when he's crouched. Never walk upright when trying to be silent. While crouched, move slowly by gently moving the thumbstick forward. Pressing the thumbstick all the way increases Sam's speed and noise, so move carefully.

• Look for cover in shadows. Hide behind a dumpster, scurry to a corner, duck behind a desk--whatever it takes to remain hidden and in the dark.

• Monitor your visibility meter at all times. When the visibility meter is to the far left, Sam is completely invisible to unaware enemies, though alerted enemies may be able to find Sam. Also, if you happen to be in an unaware enemy's path, he will detect you. While the visibility meter is to the far left, Sam can be right next to an enemy and remain invisible. Avoid moving near enemies when the visibility meter is to the right, even just halfway. Hiding in shadows and decreasing the amount of light in a room (by shooting out lights or flipping light switches) keeps your visibility meter safely to the left.

• Be aware of the floor surface. Walking slowly over broken glass still makes noise. Look for an alternate route if possible. Sam can pull himself over obstacles quietly, and it's better than walking over a loud or creaky surface.

• Cause a distraction. Toss a soda can or bottle away from your position. When the guard takes a look, head the other way.

• Drop quietly. When Sam drops from a ledge or after hanging from a wire, his landing is quite loud if you aren't careful. Press the crouch button when Sam lands to perform a quiet landing. This is extremely vital when guards are in the area.

• Be prepared to use night vision often. Darkness is your ally, and Sam's night-vision goggles are your primary way to navigate in pitch black.

• Always make movements when guards are looking in the other direction or walking away. If it's impossible to create total darkness, then quietly scurry through the light when guards are facing the other direction. Guards have fixed patrols. Just wait for them to turn or walk away. If they don't, you may need to incapacitate them.