For a first playthrough, play the six main Splinter Cell games in release order: Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow, Chaos Theory, Double Agent, Conviction, then Blacklist. That is the sequence in Ubisoft’s series retrospective and the clearest way to follow the series’ progression. It is a release-order recommendation, not a claim that this is a verified, exhaustive in-universe chronology.
Recommended Splinter Cell play order
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell (2002) — Start with Sam Fisher’s first main-series game.
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004) — Ubisoft identifies it as the second game in the series.
- 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)
The years above are the series sequence’s commonly used original-release years, not dates for every regional store listing. Ubisoft’s current PC catalog, for example, lists Splinter Cell as released on February 18, 2003, while its listings give March 26, 2004 for Pandora Tomorrow, March 28, 2005 for Chaos Theory in the US, October 19, 2006 for Double Agent in a regional store, April 28, 2010 for Conviction in a regional store, and August 20, 2013 for Blacklist in the US. Store dates may reflect platform or regional releases; they should not be treated as one universal first-launch date. See Ubisoft’s catalog for current product listings.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction (Renewed) | $13.64 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell | $9.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - Xbox | $39.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
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 |
Release order or story order?
Choose release order for a first run. It follows the publisher’s main-series sequence without depending on disputed claims about alternate editions or a reconstructed timeline. The available official material establishes that sequence, but not a separate, complete in-universe chronological order. Calling release order the “story order” would therefore promise more certainty than the evidence supports.
What to know about each game
Splinter Cell and the announced remake
Ubisoft announced a remake of the original game, to be rebuilt with Snowdrop, and said the team intended to preserve its linear structure. The announcement gives no release date. It is an announced retelling of the first entry, not an available extra chapter to insert into the order. Check Ubisoft’s remake announcement for any later status or release update before planning around it.
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#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.
Pandora Tomorrow
Ubisoft calls Pandora Tomorrow the second game in the series. Its current PC release is a re-release, not a remaster: Ubisoft says it is unchanged apart from critical issue fixes and does not include multiplayer. Those limitations describe that PC release, not every original platform edition. Ubisoft lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 for the current PC version; check its product page for current details.
Double Agent
Check the platform and specific edition before buying Double Agent. The official material establishes its place in the main series but does not compare platform-specific versions, so it does not support declaring one edition canonical or superior.
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
Conviction and Blacklist
Keep both after Double Agent in the recommended sequence. Ubisoft’s Blacklist page describes a plot in which a terrorist group called the Engineers launches escalating attacks on US interests and Sam Fisher is tasked with stopping them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check availability before choosing a platform
Store listings and compatibility can change, and availability differs by title, edition, region, and platform. Verify each game on the platform you plan to use rather than assuming the whole series is sold together or that one listing covers every edition. If you want to play the original rather than wait for the announced remake, check the specific original game’s current listing; a store page does not guarantee availability in every region.
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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.
Rank #3
- ESRB Rating: Teen
- Genre: Action/Adventure
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.
