Hitman 3 game poster and cover art

Game Introduction

Overview



Hitman 3 (2021) is the dramatic conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy, developed by IO Interactive and published by the same studio. The game was released on January 20, 2021 for PC (via Epic Games Store initially, later Steam in 2022), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (cloud version), and later Google Stadia. It serves as both a standalone title and the final chapter in Agent 47’s current storyline.

Genre


  • Stealth action-adventure with sandbox elements. Often described as a “stealth sandbox” where players have immense freedom to eliminate targets creatively.


    • Developer & Publisher


  • IO Interactive – the independent Danish studio that retained the Hitman IP after the departure of Square Enix.


    • Story & Setting


  • The story follows Agent 47 as he allies with his handler Diana Burnwood and her old friend Ava “The Constant” Grey to dismantle the secretive organization Providence. The narrative spans multiple locations around the globe, including:

    • - Dubai (Burj Al-Ghazali skyscraper)
    - Dartmoor, England (Thornbridge Manor)
    - Berlin, Germany (abandoned nightclub and industrial zone)
    - Chongqing, China (neon-lit streets and an ICA facility)
    - Mendoza, Argentina (vineyard and village)
    - Carpathian Mountains, Romania (train set piece)

    Main Characters


  • Agent 47 – The iconic, genetically engineered assassin.

  • Diana Burnwood – Agent 47’s longtime handler and ally.

  • Lucas Grey – Agent 47’s former handler and leader of an anti-Providence faction.

  • The Constant – Arthur Edwards, the current leader of Providence.

  • Olivia Hall – A hacker who assists Grey.


    • Core Appeal


  • Unmatched replayability: Dozens of ways to complete each mission, including scripted story assassinations, improvised accidents, sniper setups, and stealth takedowns.

  • Living, reactive worlds: NPCs have daily routines, rival factions, and multiple pathways that react to player actions.

  • Tools of the trade: A large arsenal of weapons, gadgets, and disguises that can be upgraded and customized.

  • Accessibility: Options for player-assist features like instinct, minimap, and difficulty modifiers.


    • Target Audience


  • Stealth game enthusiasts (splinter cell, Metal Gear Solid fans)

  • Sandbox/open-ended game lovers (dishonored, far cry, deus ex)

  • Replayability seekers who enjoy optimising runs and achieving mastery.

  • World of Assassination veterans wanting to complete the trilogy.

  • Newcomers can start here – the game includes a recap and the ability to play the entire trilogy within Hitman 3.


    • Game Modes


  • Campaign: The main story missions, playable in order or individually.

  • Escalations: Contract-based challenges that add layers of difficulty with each escalation level.

  • Contracts Mode: Create custom contracts by marking specific targets and conditions, then share online.

  • Elusive Targets: Time-limited assassinations of uniquely designed targets with a single attempt (permadeath for that target).

  • Sniper Assassin: Standalone sniper-only missions (available as DLC or within the game).

  • Freelancer Mode (post-launch patch): A roguelike-inspired game mode where players must complete a series of randomized missions across multiple locations, with permanent consequences for failure.

  • Ghost Mode (removed in 2020 for the trilogy, but not present in Hitman 3 natively).


    • Online & Offline Support


  • Online features are required for leaderboards, contracts mode, elusive targets, and progression syncing across platforms. However, the campaign can be played completely offline with limited functionality (no leaderboards, no unlocking certain items that require online connection). IO Interactive recommends an internet connection for the best experience.

  • Cross-platform progression: Hitman 3 supports cross-progression via IOI Account across PC (Steam, Epic), PlayStation, Xbox, and Stadia (with some restrictions). Progress, unlocks, and purchases from Hitman 1 and 2 can be imported into Hitman 3.

  • Single-player only: There is no cooperative or multiplayer versus mode.


    • DLC & Expansions


  • Deluxe Pack (Launch): Includes in-game items like suits, some escalations, and the Deluxe Edition content (e.g., The Trinity Pack).

  • Seven Deadly Sins (2021): A set of seven DLC packs themed around the seven deadly sins – each includes a new escalation, cosmetic unlocks, and a unique item. Sin-themed content can be played in any location.

  • Freelancer Mode: Added as a free update in January 2023, this is a major expansion that introduces a roguelike twist to the core gameplay.

  • Access Passes: If you own Hitman 1 or Hitman 2, you can play those maps within Hitman 3 via the Access Pass system (free if you own the previous games; otherwise purchasable). This effectively unifies the entire trilogy into one game called Hitman: World of Assassination (the rename happened in 2023).

  • Hitman: World of Assassination (2023 rebrand): IO Interactive merged all three games into a single product, meaning owners of Hitman 3 automatically gain access to all locations from H1 and H2 (with the Access Passes included).


    • What Makes Hitman 3 Unique


  • The trilogy’s finale: The story culminates in a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends from previous games.

  • Location diversity: Each mission has a distinct visual identity, from opulent Dubai skyscrapers to rainy Chongqing streets.

  • Advanced mechanics: Additional tools like the crowd disguise system (blending in crowds) and photo mode enhance immersion.

  • VR Support (on PSVR and PC VR): Full first-person VR mode for the entire trilogy, making it the first Hitman game with complete VR compatibility.

  • Unified experience: With the World of Assassination rebrand, Hitman 3 is now the only game you need to play the entire trilogy – including all levels, weapons, and progression from H1 and H2.

  • Freelancer Mode: An innovative roguelike spin that adds permadeath for equipment and randomized objectives, greatly extending replayability beyond the scripted campaign.


Hitman 3 is the definitive version of the World of Assassination trilogy, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay for stealth fans. Whether you are a returning agent or a newcomer, the game provides a rich, flexible sandbox where every playthrough can be completely different.