All Deus Ex Games, Ranked

Deus Ex will bring back fond memories, its first title launching in 2000. Since then, Ion Storm and later Eidos-Montreal have released three mainline games and a couple of mobile spin-offs. While the titles vary in quality, they overall maintain the immersive sci-fi cyberpunk experience we’ve come to love across the Deus Ex universe. 

Furthermore, they are an action role-playing game series, incorporating first-person shooter and stealth mechanics. Additionally, themes of conspiracy theories, secret organizations, dystopian technology, and superhuman abilities are explored in its impactful choice-based playthrough. 

While the main games have received the most acclaim, with the original largely favored by the fans, there are spin-offs you might be interested in as well. Find below all Deus Ex games, ranked. 

7. Deus Ex: Breach (2017)

The idea behind Deus Ex: Breach was actually a genius one. But the execution left so much to be desired. It’s the first-ever, and only, arcade take on the Deus Ex games, channeling that multiplayer intensity and competitive spirit into its gameplay. In-game, you’d play the role of Ripper in 2029, breaking in and out of the most secure servers to steal the secrets of the factions of the Deus Ex universe. 

By selling stolen data, you earn in-game currency for upgrading your skills and weapons. Thus, creating a gameplay loop of stealing corporate data in more difficult levels, and enjoying a connected puzzle shooter experience. Still, you’re also progressing in the story, unraveling secrets that reveal hidden truths about the most dangerous organizations of this dystopian world.

On the one hand, the gameplay is fun. But it’s too dumbed down compared to the mainline entries. It can feel like a grind and ultimately tedious going over the same gameplay loop over and over again.

6. Deus Ex: The Fall (2013)

On its own, Deus Ex: The Fall is a pretty decent game. Compared to the other main entries, though, it falls short of expectations. The story is interesting. Isn’t it always? With the conspiracy amped up a notch. You’re living in 2027, in a golden age of technology and human augmentation. But the power is dominated by powerful corporations, and augmented humans struggle to get their hands on drug supplies. 

As you unravel the deep conspiracies of this world, you also engage in intense action and stealth, as well as explore many side quests. The environments are free to explore, alongside diving into social and hacking skills. 

The core concept is definitely strong. But the execution, with its finicky controls and bugs, is a no. Mind you, this was a mobile/tablet port, and tagged along the issues prominent with touchscreen devices. Hardly any depth to the story or gameplay, resulting in an easily forgotten entry by fans.

5. Deus Ex: Invisible War (2003)

One reason you’ll want to play Deus Ex: Invisible War is for its story, which picks up 20 years after the events of the first game. But even then, you might want your expectations to be low. Religious and political organizations see an opportunity for a takeover after a massive, worldwide depression. 

You’re right at the center of the drama and chaos, engaging in dynamic first-person action-adventure. You can see through walls via biotech modifications and leap 40 feet into the air. Meanwhile, choices are deeply impactful, with options for non-violent means. 

Some players found the story dull, alongside its characters. The graphics haven’t aged well, navigation is a headache, and lots of bugs. 

4. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (2016)

Next on all Deus Ex games, ranked is Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. Augmented humans may have been cool before, but now, they’re outcasts, hated by the world. Similarly, a tantalizing global conspiracy awaits, navigating them through badass weaponry and playstyle. 

Now we’re talking with the gameplay: weighty and more deadly. Improving upon its predecessor, which was already top-notch, you enjoy a wild ride, beating brilliant levels depicted in impressive futuristic visuals. 

Everything from the map design to the super agents you control feels like the epitome of an action-adventure RPG. Yet in all these, the story is a little more compact than you might like.

3. Deus Ex Go (2016)

You might easily write off Deus Ex Go, a turn-based puzzle strategy mobile spin-off based on Deus Ex. But it’s pretty fun to play. You’re solving a futuristic mystery on a tactical board game, engaging with turn-based puzzles. You can use the franchise’s gameplay elements, like stealth, to evade enemies. 

Overall, you’re helping agent Adam Jensen sneak, hack, and fight his way through a myriad of enemies, unlocking augmented upgrades as you progress. The key gameplay here is the puzzles, and they do pose a fair level of challenge. You actually scratch your brain, arriving at satisfying solutions.

2. Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011)

Adam Jensen returns in the next title of all Deus Ex games, ranked, called Deus Ex: Human Revolution. This time, you’re in charge of the security of one of America’s greatest biotechnology firms. Things turn awry when black ops agents break in and kill the scientists you were charged with protecting. While you chase them down, you discover deeper conspiracies that change your entire job description.

The playthrough is so much fun, shooting bad guys, sneaking behind enemies, hacking into critical systems, and extracting information from NPCs. Your decisions have a heavy impact and consequences, as you choose how you’ll combat objectives and evolve progression.

1. Deus Ex (2000)

Hands down, Deus Ex is revered as the best game ever. Just something special about how it evolved, choice-based exploration and combat. Granted, how it plays now is pretty terrible, from the graphics to the controls. But again, something special about how it’s been the epitome of the innovative blend between FPS, stealth, and RPG mechanics. 

The cyberpunk theme is exciting to build your skills in and enjoy unlocking more powerful stats. You engage with challenging combat and explore an expansive map and setting. More often, you’ll find fans reverting to the original game. Or newcomers booting it up for that feel-good classic PC gaming.