For most players, the simplest order is release order: Splinter Cell (2002), Pandora Tomorrow (2004), Chaos Theory (2005), Double Agent (2006), optional PSP side story Essentials (2006), Conviction (2010), then Blacklist (2013). If by “chronological” you mean the events in Sam Fisher’s story, use the separate story-order list below; its placement of Double Agent depends on which version you play.
Splinter Cell games in release order
Release order is the clearest way to see how the series arrived. Years are used here rather than universal day-and-month launch dates, which can vary by platform and region.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist | $34.51 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Classic Trilogy HD - Playstation 3 | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell | $9.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction (Platinum Collection) [Japan Import]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AKD4WfYmL._SL160_.jpg)
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction (Platinum Collection) [Japan Import] | $92.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Tom Clancys Splinter Cell Chaos Theory | $17.37 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (2002). Ubisoft describes the franchise as “Since 2002.” The publisher’s current PC game page displays February 18, 2003; that is the date on that PC listing, not a contradiction of the franchise’s 2002 debut. See Ubisoft’s Splinter Cell franchise page and Ubisoft’s PC game page.
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004).
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005).
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent (2006). There are materially different platform versions, so the title alone does not tell you which plot you are getting.
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Essentials (2006, optional). This PSP-only side entry uses flashback missions rather than functioning as a straightforward forward-moving sequel.
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction (2010).
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013). Ubisoft lists an August 20, 2013 release and PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii U platforms on its Blacklist page.
Splinter Cell games in story order
The following sequence reflects the chronology proposed by a specialist series guide, rather than a complete master timeline published by Ubisoft. The guide places the main games in the years shown and puts Essentials’ earlier-career flashbacks between Chaos Theory and Double Agent.
- Splinter Cell (story set in 2004, according to the guide).
- Pandora Tomorrow (2006).
- Chaos Theory (2007).
- Essentials (optional flashbacks to earlier-career events). Its flashback structure is why it does not fit neatly as a conventional sequel.
- Double Agent, Version 2 (2008). The guide identifies the Xbox 360/PC version as the JBA storyline that leads into Conviction.
- Conviction (2011).
- Blacklist (2013).
For Fisher’s central game-to-game arc, you can skip Essentials and proceed from Chaos Theory to the continuity-appropriate version of Double Agent. These story years and placements follow the guide’s interpretation; Ubisoft’s cited pages establish selected franchise and release facts, not this entire in-universe chronology.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Which Double Agent version belongs in the story sequence?
Check the platform and version, not just the name on the box. The chronology guide distinguishes the Xbox 360/PC version, which it calls Version 2 and connects to the JBA plot leading into Conviction, from the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and original Xbox versions, whose plots differ. That continuity distinction is the guide’s interpretation; do not assume every edition shares the same story path.
Optional entries and practical starting points
If you want the main story
Follow the story-order list but omit Essentials. Give special attention to choosing the guide’s Xbox 360/PC Double Agent version before Conviction.
Rank #2
- 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
If you want the release history
Use the release-order list, including Essentials in 2006 as a separately labeled optional PSP release. That gives you the series’ publication sequence without implying the flashbacks happened at that point in Fisher’s life.
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Splinter Cell Classic Trilogy HD is a PS3 compilation of the first three games identified by the chronology guide. It is a possible single-disc starting point only if you have PS3 hardware; check the seller’s region, disc condition, and completeness. Splinter Cell: Essentials is a separate PSP UMD option for readers seeking the optional flashbacks and with PSP hardware. No current stock, price, or seller quality is established here.
Rank #3
- 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
What to know about Blacklist today
Although Blacklist remains the final game in this release and story sequence, Ubisoft says its online features are no longer supported and its multiplayer and co-op modes are no longer functional. See the current notice on Ubisoft’s Blacklist page.
