The Hitman games are like a puzzle box of possibilities. While games like Grand Theft Auto are known for the amount of freedom it provides in its vast open world, the Hitman series gets its charm from having a limited amount of space packed with an unlimited number of setups and unique game mechanics. The Hitman games are not about meeting your objective and assassinating your target, instead they focus on the journey you took to get there. Pulling off the perfect hit takes time, effort, and planning. Here are some pro-tips that can help set you on the right path.
1. Save regularly!
Veterans are well aware of this, but it might be good to go over this point for those who are newcomers. Unless you’re playing on Master difficulty, you can save the game as many times as you want in Hitman 3. Many players make it a habit to save their game before they try to do anything risky. In a stealth game, having your cover blown can mean an instant game over. However, if you have already saved your game at the right spot, experimenting with what you can and should not do, may seem like a boon. This trick teaches you to not be afraid of experimenting, which can be a crucial part of the Hitman experience.
2. Finish Story Missions
In Hitman 3, there are literally hundreds of ways to kill your targets, to the point where it can get confusing. We would advise starting with the Story Missions, as they’ll show you the most direct ways to kill your target while also giving you the tools you’ll need. These missions will also introduce you to the target’s routines, quirks, and mannerisms, which will be very helpful when you wish to play the level again in more experimental ways.
3. Instinct mode is your friend
The Instinct vision is a gameplay mechanic that was introduced in Hitman: Absolution, and it has become a staple of the series ever since. Engaging the Instinct mode allows you to see your targets through walls, gives you an understanding of where the other NPCs are, and even shows you nearby items in the environment that you can interact with. Hitman 3 is all about giving you multiple options to deal with any given situation. Instinct mode lets you see what those options are, use it often to make sure you don’t miss anything.
4. Guns are not for you
In a game that is all about assassinations, your gun is not as essential as you might think. While guns can be used, carrying around a gun makes you instantly suspicious. While firing a gun is the fastest way to alert all guards and have them converge on your position. Remember, this is a stealth game, after all. Getting creative with your kills allows you to discover more secrets, have more fun and even gain a higher score. So it’s time to put away your guns and put on your disguise to get a kill without a gun.
5. Listen to NPCs
It is a good idea to always keep the subtitles on in Hitman 3 because that makes it easier to eavesdrop on NPCs. Most of the information in Hitman 3 comes from overhearing NPC conversations, which lead to some awesome situations. NPCs will lead you to secret doors, hidden weapons and even give you information about the target’s routine. Simply eavesdropping on NPCs will open up all sorts of different pathways for you.
6. Pick up everything you see
It pays to be a kleptomaniac in the world of Hitman, so if you notice a useful object or tool lying around, be sure to grab it. Screwdrivers can be used to tinker with electronics, wrenches can be used to open valves or fix equipment, and crowbars can be used to smash through locked doors and gain access to new places. There’s no limit to how much equipment you can carry in Hitman 3 and unlike guns, NPCs do not grow suspicious of blunt objects, making it easy to smuggle them anywhere with you.
7. Replaying missions is the secret to success
On the surface, Hitman 3 might look like a serious game with a silent and Stoic assassin. But in reality, Hitman 3 and the other Hitman games are all about providing players with wacky and hilarious situations to have fun with. Agent 47’s ever-serious demeanor simply raises the levels of absurdity, as he maintains a straight face while pulling off the funniest stunts. Completing Missions rewards you with XP, new starting locations, new outfits, and new items to smuggle into the mission. But where the game really shines is when you learn what works and take your time experimenting with different approaches. The worst thing you can do in Hitman 3 is trying to rush through a situation; if you do, you’ll almost certainly be discovered, outed, and killed. Knowledge is power in this game, and you get that knowledge by simply being patient.