Deus Ex is one of the most influential role-playing game series ever created. First released in 2000, the franchise quickly gained cult status thanks to its deep storytelling, player-driven choices, and a cyberpunk world filled with conspiracies, political intrigue, and philosophical questions about humanity’s future.
Complete Guide to the Deus Ex Games
Set in a near-future where secret societies like the Illuminati and Knights Templar operate in the shadows, Deus Ex games task players with navigating global crises using both combat skills and intelligence.
Augmentation technology plays a central role, granting characters superhuman abilities while raising ethical and social dilemmas that still feel relevant today.
Deus Ex (2000)
The original entry that defined the immersive sim genre and laid the foundation for the entire series.
Deus Ex: GOTY
Release Date: June 22, 2000
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Unmatched player freedom and conspiracy-driven storytelling
You play as JC Denton, an agent augmented with nanotechnology, uncovering a global plot centered around the deadly Gray Death virus. The game allows multiple solutions to almost every problem, rewarding creativity, exploration, and smart dialogue choices.
Deus Ex: Invisible War
A direct sequel set years after the events of the original, continuing the story of a fractured world.
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Release Date: March 05, 2004
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG)
Simplified systems paired with ambitious narrative ideas
Invisible War expands the lore and themes of the franchise but simplifies some RPG mechanics. While divisive among fans, it still offers meaningful choices and explores the consequences of the original game’s multiple endings.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
A prequel set over 20 years before the original, introducing a new protagonist and a modernized presentation.
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Release Date: October 25, 2013
Genres: Shooter, Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Augmentation ethics and cinematic cyberpunk atmosphere
Human Revolution focuses on Adam Jensen and the social divide caused by augmentation technology. Rich environments, branching dialogue, and flexible gameplay make it one of the most accessible and popular entries in the series.
Deus Ex: The Fall
A smaller-scale spin-off originally designed for mobile platforms.
Deus Ex: The Fall
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Limited scope with familiar Deus Ex themes
While The Fall features stealth, combat, and conspiracies, its restricted design and unfinished feel make it the weakest entry for many players. It’s best treated as optional content for dedicated fans.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
A direct sequel to Human Revolution, continuing Adam Jensen’s story in a divided world.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Release Date: August 23, 2016
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure
Dense level design and refined stealth gameplay
Mankind Divided excels in environmental detail and mission flexibility. Although its story feels incomplete, the gameplay systems and hub-based exploration are among the strongest in the franchise.
What order should you play Deus Ex games in?
Story order matters in Deus Ex. If you’re comfortable with older games, starting with the original Deus Ex (2000) provides the most complete understanding of the universe. From there, you can move on to Invisible War.
Modern entry points for new players
If classic visuals feel too dated, begin with Human Revolution and continue with Mankind Divided. This path offers a cleaner, more modern experience while still delivering the core themes of choice, consequence, and conspiracy.
Which Deus Ex game is the best?
The answer depends largely on the player. Veterans often point to the original Deus Ex as the peak of the series due to its freedom and writing. Newer players usually favor Human Revolution for its presentation and accessibility.
A franchise worth exploring in full
With most Deus Ex games now available at low prices, it’s easy to experience the entire series and decide for yourself. Even the weaker entries add context to the broader narrative.
Final thoughts
Deus Ex remains one of gaming’s most thought-provoking franchises. Its blend of RPG systems, stealth-action gameplay, and philosophical storytelling makes it stand out even decades after its debut.
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