Hitman 3
Hitman 3 is a 2021 stealth action video game developed and self-published by IO Interactive as the eighth main entry in the Hitman series and the conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy.[1][2] In the game, players control the genetically engineered assassin Agent 47, who undertakes a series of high-profile assassination contracts across six new sandbox locations to dismantle the shadowy organization Providence.[3] The game's narrative follows Agent 47 and his handler Diana Burnwood as they partner with allies like Lucas Grey to target Providence's leaders, culminating in a dramatic finale that resolves the trilogy's overarching conspiracy plot.[2] Gameplay emphasizes player freedom in expansive, densely populated levels powered by IO Interactive's Glacier engine, where up to 300 animated NPCs interact dynamically, allowing for creative approaches to objectives such as stealth infiltration, disguises, environmental kills, and non-lethal resolutions.[4] Released on January 20, 2021, for platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and later Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, Hitman 3 was initially an Epic Games Store exclusive on PC before expanding to other launchers.[1][5] In 2022, IO Interactive rebranded and integrated the game as HITMAN World of Assassination, bundling content from the first two trilogy entries into a single live-service title with ongoing seasons of new missions, elusive targets, and VR support.[3] The game received critical acclaim for its level design, replayability, and technical achievements, earning scores around 87/100 on aggregate sites and surpassing 25 million units sold as of October 2025.[6]Gameplay
Core mechanics
Hitman 3 features expansive sandbox levels that serve as open-ended playgrounds for players to approach assassination missions creatively. Each level is a densely populated, multi-layered environment inspired by real-world locations, such as a bustling Dubai skyscraper or a rainy English manor, where Agent 47 must eliminate one or more targets while blending in and avoiding detection. Players can adopt disguises by subduing and swapping clothes with NPCs, enabling access to restricted areas and interactions that facilitate kills, such as poisoning drinks or staging accidents with environmental hazards like exploding barrels or falling chandeliers. Non-lethal options, including tranquilizer darts or knockout sedatives, allow for incapacitating guards without raising alarms, emphasizing strategic planning over direct confrontation. The game's progression system revolves around mastery levels, which reward repeated playthroughs of each mission by unlocking new content. As players earn experience points through successful objectives and challenges, they advance in mastery tiers—ranging from Level 1 to 20 per location—gaining access to additional starting positions closer to targets, hidden weapons stashes, and unique opportunities like explosive golf balls or remote-controlled devices tailored to the level's theme. This encourages experimentation and replayability, as higher mastery reveals shortcuts, such as vent access points or disguise availability, without altering the core mission structure. Stealth and combat mechanics prioritize subtlety, with silent melee takedowns allowing Agent 47 to subdue enemies from behind using bare hands or improvised objects, followed by hiding bodies in containers like closets or dumpsters to prevent discovery. Instinct mode, activated briefly, highlights interactive elements in blue—such as ledges for climbing or points of interest for assassinations—while outlining guards and civilians in red and white, respectively, to aid navigation in crowded spaces without revealing Agent 47's position. Combat escalates if stealth fails, enabling firearms use, but it carries high risk due to limited ammo and aggressive AI responses. Key tools enhance tactical depth, including the iconic fiber wire for garroting targets silently from afar, throwable coins to lure NPCs into isolated spots for distractions or ambushes, and level-specific improvised weapons like screwdrivers in a factory or ceremonial daggers in a cult compound. These items, often found organically in the environment, promote emergent gameplay where players improvise based on surroundings rather than relying on an extensive inventory.Game modes
Hitman 3 features a single-player campaign mode that serves as the narrative core of the game, consisting of a prologue tutorial mission set in the ICA Facility to introduce basic mechanics, followed by six main missions across diverse global locations including Dubai, Dartmoor, Berlin, Chongqing, Mendoza, and Carpathian Mountains.[7][8] These missions emphasize Agent 47's pursuit of high-profile targets, allowing players to explore expansive sandbox environments with opportunities for stealth, combat, or creative problem-solving. The campaign integrates seamlessly with the broader World of Assassination trilogy, enabling access to locations from prior games via optional content packs.[3] Escalation mode extends replayability by presenting a series of chained challenges within existing levels, where players must assassinate the same target across multiple escalating segments with progressively stricter conditions, such as added security measures, restricted disguises, or new complications like surveillance cameras.[9] Each Escalation contract builds in difficulty, requiring adaptation of core mechanics like infiltration and elimination strategies to achieve higher scores and unlocks.[10] Contracts mode empowers players to generate and share custom assassination scenarios using in-game tools, selecting targets, kill conditions, and complications before uploading them for community competition on leaderboards.[9] Enhanced search features and curated community highlights facilitate discovery, fostering ongoing interaction as players attempt to outperform others in efficiency and style.[10] Elusive Targets mode introduces time-limited missions against unique, non-respawning NPCs, enforcing permadeath rules where failure or capture results in permanent loss of the opportunity, heightening tension without HUD or Instinct aids in some variants.[9] These rotating challenges, often featuring celebrity likenesses or story-tied characters, encourage repeated playthroughs of levels under high-stakes conditions. A post-launch Elusive Target Arcade variant, introduced in January 2022, allows practice replays of past targets in themed multi-level contracts, preserving the mode's intensity while enabling mastery without time pressure.[11] Freelancer mode, added as a free post-launch update in January 2023, offers a roguelike campaign experience where players manage a persistent safehouse, select gear with limited capacity, and undertake procedurally generated missions against syndicate targets scattered across maps.[12] Emphasizing strategic planning over scripted aids, it incorporates randomized elements like target placements and risks of gear loss upon failure, promoting long-term progression through campaign syndicates and emergent gameplay.[13]Story
Plot summary
Hitman 3 serves as the concluding chapter of the World of Assassination trilogy, where the genetically engineered assassin Agent 47, guided by his handler Diana Burnwood, embarks on a mission to dismantle the secretive organization Providence by targeting its elite partners across the globe.[2] The narrative unfolds as a globe-trotting pursuit, emphasizing themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the unraveling of a vast international conspiracy that has manipulated world events from the shadows.[14] This overarching story ties together the trilogy's arc, building on prior revelations about Providence's influence while delivering a sense of finality to Agent 47's campaign against hidden power structures.[15] The campaign adopts an episodic structure, with six self-contained missions that each propel the central plot forward through interconnected objectives, while offering players flexible, sandbox-style approaches to completion.[16] It opens with an infiltration at a opulent gala atop the Burj Al-Ghazali skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the unveiling of the world's tallest building, where Agent 47 navigates lavish interiors and precarious heights to reach his marks.[17] The journey then shifts to Thornbridge Manor in Dartmoor, England, for an investigative assignment laced with a classic murder mystery, requiring Agent 47 to impersonate a private detective amid the estate's gothic halls and foggy grounds.[16] Subsequent beats escalate the tension in Berlin, Germany, at Club Hölle—a pulsating nightclub housed in a derelict nuclear power plant surrounded by dense woods—demanding a direct confrontation amid the rave's chaotic energy and hidden bunkers.[17] In Chongqing, China, the focus turns to a high-stakes data extraction within a neon-drenched megacity hub of narrow alleys, bustling markets, and towering corporate facilities.[16] The penultimate mission unfolds in Mendoza, Argentina, involving sabotage at a sprawling winery estate nestled in the Andean foothills, blending serene vineyards with underlying peril.[17] The trilogy culminates in a climactic showdown aboard a speeding train through the stormy Carpathian Mountains in Romania, Agent 47's birthplace, where the conspiracy's threads converge in a relentless, motion-bound finale.[16]Characters
Agent 47 is the central protagonist of Hitman 3, a genetically engineered superhuman assassin designed for precision and efficiency. Bald with a barcode tattoo on the back of his head, he wears a signature black suit and red tie, embodying an emotionless demeanor that masks a subtle curiosity about his existence and humanity. Created in a secret laboratory, 47 operates under a strict personal code, eliminating only those deemed deserving, and serves as a contract killer for the International Contract Agency (ICA). In the game, he pursues a globe-trotting mission to dismantle a shadowy conspiracy, leveraging his unparalleled stealth, disguise, and combat skills in sandbox environments.[18][19][20] Diana Burnwood acts as 47's primary handler within the ICA, delivering mission intelligence, objectives, and real-time guidance through earpiece communication. Portrayed as sophisticated and unflappably composed, she possesses nerves of steel and a strategic mind honed by years of managing high-stakes operations. Her relationship with 47 evolves from professional detachment to a deeper, almost maternal care, influenced by her own hidden backstory tied to family tragedy and opposition to the game's central antagonists. In Hitman 3, Diana's presence becomes more tangible, highlighting her role in nurturing 47's path toward self-determination.[21][20] Lucas Grey, also known as Subject 6, is 47's longtime ally and fellow lab-engineered assassin from their shared childhood in the same facility. Driven by a quest for autonomy after years under control, Grey partners with 47 to target the elusive Providence organization, bringing his own expertise in covert operations and tactical planning to their joint efforts.[21] Olivia Hall supports 47 and Grey as a brilliant hacker specializing in digital infiltration and evasion tactics. Operating from hidden safehouses, she provides technical aid, such as smuggling equipment and disrupting enemy surveillance, proving essential to their off-grid campaign against Providence.[21] The primary antagonists in Hitman 3 are key figures within Providence, a secretive cabal manipulating global events. Carl Ingram serves as a trusted advisor to the group's inner circle, embodying quiet dominance and sharp intellect as an old-money elite. Alexa Carlisle is a founding partner and de facto leader, known for her regal poise, blunt demeanor, and unyielding control over family legacies. Tamara Vidal functions as a security chief, handling enforcement with ruthless efficiency. Marcus Stuyvesant, a young heir to vast fortunes, represents the next generation of Providence's influence. Overseeing them is the Constant, Arthur Edwards, a manipulative operative who maintains the organization's stability through cunning and loyalty. Supporting roles include minor targets such as tech executives Hush (a shadowy operative) and Imogen Royce (a corporate innovator), whose eliminations advance the protagonists' objectives in specific missions.Development
Conception and early design
Following its separation from Square Enix in June 2017, IO Interactive transitioned to independence through a management buyout, retaining full ownership of the Hitman intellectual property and enabling the studio to self-publish future titles while prioritizing the completion of Agent 47's narrative arc against the shadowy organization Providence.[22] This newfound autonomy allowed IO Interactive to refine its vision for the World of Assassination trilogy, originally conceived in 2015 as an ever-expanding live service game but adapted into a three-part structure after the episodic format of Hitman (2016) underperformed commercially.[23] With Hitman 2's full upfront release in November 2018—marking a deliberate shift away from the prior episodic model—IO Interactive positioned the series as a connected trilogy, setting the stage for Hitman 3 as its conclusive chapter, officially announced in June 2020.[24] The studio's self-publishing of Hitman 3, launched in January 2021, fulfilled this plan by integrating all prior trilogy content into a single executable, ensuring seamless access to the evolving story without additional barriers.[25] Early design goals for Hitman 3 emphasized crafting larger, more interconnected sandbox levels to heighten player agency and environmental interaction, building on the trilogy's foundation of non-linear assassination opportunities.[23] Deeper narrative integration was a core focus, with story elements woven directly into level designs to provide closure for the Providence conflict while maintaining the series' emphasis on emergent gameplay.[23] To improve accessibility for newcomers, IO Interactive incorporated features like a free starter pack and streamlined progression systems, allowing players to unlock legacy content progressively without prior purchases.[23] Fan feedback from Hitman 2 significantly shaped these priorities, with IO Interactive responding to community demands for enhanced replayability by expanding live updates and escalation contracts that encouraged diverse, improvised approaches over scripted paths.[23] This iterative process reinforced emergent gameplay as the trilogy's hallmark, where player-driven discoveries in dense, reactive worlds took precedence, fostering long-term engagement beyond linear storytelling.[23]Level and story development
The level design process for Hitman 3 involved crafting six diverse sandbox locations—Dubai's opulent skyscrapers, Dartmoor's gothic manor, Berlin's underground rave, Chongqing's neon-lit streets, Mendoza's vineyard estate, and the Carpathian Mountains' train—each hand-built to evoke specific emotional tones and support narrative progression.[26] Under game director Mattias Engström, developers at IO Interactive utilized modular building techniques for environments and AI behaviors, enabling scalable player interactions and emergent gameplay moments, such as dynamic trespassing zones that lead to humorous or chaotic outcomes.[26] Across these levels, numerous unique opportunities for assassinations were integrated, including creative kills like ringing a church bell or using an explosive golf ball, to emphasize player freedom while tying into mission objectives.[27] Story scripting centered on a collaborative effort among IO Interactive's writers to conclude the World of Assassination trilogy by unraveling the Providence conspiracy, incorporating callbacks to prior games like Agent 47's engineered origins and alliances with Lucas Grey.[28] This narrative arc explored themes of free will and empowerment for 47, with mission-specific stories enhancing immersion, such as the murder mystery in Dartmoor where players impersonate a detective to investigate clues and accuse suspects before eliminating the target.[26] Voice acting played a key role, with David Bateson reprising his role as Agent 47 and Jane Perry as Diana Burnwood, delivering performances that deepened character dynamics in scripted cutscenes and dialogues, including the tango sequence in Mendoza's "The Farewell" mission.[18] Iteration focused on synergizing gameplay and story through extensive playtesting, ensuring emergent narratives arose from player choices while guiding progression, as seen in Berlin's "Apex Predator" where 47 operates without intel, forcing independent target identification among 11 hitmen.[29] Developers refined levels from initial prototypes—described as "crap" until functional—by incorporating feedback to support multiple completion paths, reducing guided mission stories to about three per level for deeper integration rather than exhaustive lists.[29][28] Challenges arose in balancing sandbox freedom with linear plot elements, such as the final "Untouchable" mission's train setting, which prioritized narrative closure over open exploration but allowed varied approaches like stealth or combat.[18] IO Interactive addressed this through rigorous playtesting to mitigate risks of player frustration, ensuring story beats like 47's character revelations felt earned without restricting creative assassinations, ultimately fostering replayability across 20-30 discarded ideas per level.[26][29]Technology and production
Hitman 3 was developed using an updated version of IO Interactive's proprietary Glacier Engine, which had powered the previous two entries in the World of Assassination trilogy.[30] The engine supported dynamic AI behaviors for responsive non-player characters (NPCs), including bodyguards and civilians that react to environmental changes and player actions in real-time.[31] Physics-based interactions were enhanced, such as cloth simulations for dynamic elements like curtains and clothing, contributing to more immersive environmental responses.[30] Glacier also handled large-scale crowds, enabling up to 300 active NPCs in a single location, as demonstrated in levels like Chongqing, where dense urban simulations maintained performance across platforms.[32] Development spanned from 2017 to late 2020, aligning with IO Interactive's commitment to the trilogy following the 2016 reboot's episodic rollout and Hitman 2's 2018 release.[33] The project involved over 200 staff members across the company's studios in Copenhagen (headquarters) and Malmö (established in 2019 to bolster production capacity).[34] Audio featured context-aware scripted NPC conversations to enhance immersion.[35] Visually, the engine incorporated motion capture for realistic animations, capturing performances to refine Agent 47's movements and interactions.[36] Next-generation consoles received ray-tracing support as a planned post-launch feature, with IO Interactive confirming integration for Xbox Series X/S alongside PC updates to improve lighting and reflections.[37] The COVID-19 pandemic overlapped with the final production phase in 2020, prompting IO Interactive to shift to remote work across studios to maintain progress without delays.[38] This approach allowed for continued polish and testing, enabling the game to launch on schedule in January 2021 while avoiding crunch periods, as emphasized by studio leadership's focus on sustainable development practices.[39]Release
Announcement and marketing
Hitman 3 was publicly revealed on June 11, 2020, during Sony's PlayStation 5 Future of Gaming digital event, marking the first major showcase for the console. The announcement trailer introduced the game's debut level set in a towering skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, emphasizing expansive verticality, intricate layouts, and multiple assassination opportunities. IO Interactive positioned the title as the climactic finale to the World of Assassination trilogy, promising a narrative resolution for Agent 47 while expanding on the series' sandbox stealth gameplay.[40] The marketing campaign built pre-launch excitement through targeted reveals and community engagement. In August 2020, a location trailer unveiled Dartmoor, England, highlighting its gothic manor house and a central murder mystery objective that encouraged detective-style play. Subsequent trailers focused on gameplay mechanics, such as improved crowd AI and new gadgets, while developer livestreams provided deeper insights into level design. To generate buzz, IO Interactive partnered with influencers and content creators for challenge runs, where participants demonstrated creative kills and speedruns in preview builds. In early January 2021, select media outlets and streamers received hands-on access to the Dartmoor mission, fostering viral videos and discussions on social platforms ahead of the January 20 launch.[41][42] The game launched in two main editions to cater to different player preferences. The Standard Edition, priced at $59.99 USD, included the core campaign across six locations and access to online modes like Contracts. The Deluxe Edition, at $79.99 USD, added premium content such as six Deluxe Escalation contracts, exclusive suits and items including the Iceland suit and Bartoli Woods suit, the digital soundtrack, a making-of documentary, and a digital artbook. Pre-orders across both editions granted the Trinity Pack, featuring cosmetic items—a white suit, red pistol, and gold-embossed briefcase inspired by Hitman (2016); a red suit, black pistol, and silver briefcase from Hitman 2; and a black suit, white pistol, and black briefcase for Hitman 3—celebrating the trilogy's interconnected legacy.[43] IO Interactive's decision to self-publish Hitman 3 represented a pivotal shift, allowing full creative and commercial control following their independence from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. This enabled strategic digital storefront exclusives, notably a one-year PC launch window on the Epic Games Store, which included bonuses like free access to the original Hitman (2016) for pre-orders. The campaign leveraged the Hitman franchise's 20th anniversary in November 2020—commemorating the 2000 release of the first game—for cross-promotions, such as highlighting legacy content integration and encouraging players to import progress from prior titles into Hitman 3's unified platform.[44][45][46]Launch platforms and dates
Hitman 3 was released worldwide on January 20, 2021, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Google Stadia, and PC via the Epic Games Store, marking IO Interactive's first self-published title as an independent studio.[47] The PC version was initially exclusive to the Epic Games Store, with a Steam release following on January 20, 2022.[48] Unlike the episodic release models of Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2, which delivered content in installments, Hitman 3 provided full day-one access to all six core missions and locations upon launch.[49] Players could import their progression from previous entries for seamless continuity, including XP, suits, items, unlocks, and mastery levels from Hitman 2 via IO Interactive's official carryover system, which required linking an IOI Account.[50] This feature allowed owners of prior games to access imported locations and maintain their Agent 47 profile without restarting, enhancing the trilogy's interconnected narrative.[51] The launch was entirely digital across all platforms, with IO Interactive prioritizing server infrastructure to handle online features like multiplayer contracts and progression syncing.[52] However, high player demand led to temporary server overloads, particularly affecting progression imports and connections, which the developer addressed through rapid patches in the days following release.[53] Initial pricing included a Standard Edition at $59.99, offering the base game with all core content, and a Deluxe Edition at $79.99, which bundled additional cosmetic items, six exclusive Escalation contracts, a digital art book, soundtrack, and making-of video.[47] Pre-order bundles on consoles and PC also featured the Trinity Pack, granting early access to three unique suits and items inspired by the series' first two games.[54]Post-release
Rebranding and game integrations
In January 2023, IO Interactive announced the rebranding of Hitman 3 to Hitman: World of Assassination, effective January 26, 2023, transforming the title into the central hub for the entire World of Assassination trilogy by integrating content from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2.[55] This unification allows all trilogy locations to be accessible within a single game environment, streamlining the experience for players across platforms.[56] Existing owners of Hitman 3 received a free upgrade to the rebranded version, which automatically included the HITMAN 1 GOTY Access Pass and HITMAN 2 Standard Access Pass, providing permanent access to all locations, missions, and related content from the prior installments without additional purchases.[55] For new players seeking the full trilogy, the structure requires purchasing the base Hitman: World of Assassination game alongside the separate access passes for Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 content, while standalone editions of the earlier games were delisted from digital storefronts to consolidate sales under the new model.[57] The rebranding incorporates integration mechanics that enable players to import locations, items, unlocks, and progression data from previous games via the IO Interactive account system, creating a unified menu interface and shared progression tracking across the trilogy for seamless continuity.[50] This setup preserves veteran players' achievements, such as mastery levels and cosmetic items, while allowing newcomers to engage with the complete narrative from a single entry point. Prior to the rebranding, legacy content from Hitman 3's Year 1 post-launch season— including free updates like new missions and events—was available at no extra cost to base game owners until the season concluded in January 2022, after which IO Interactive shifted to a paid expansion model to fund ongoing support and future developments.[58] The changes have simplified access for newcomers by packaging the trilogy cohesively, while maintaining legacy support for long-time players through carried-over progress, thereby broadening the series' appeal and ensuring sustained player engagement.[55]DLC and seasonal content
Following the launch of Hitman 3, IO Interactive outlined a Year 1 content plan in 2021 that delivered free updates alongside premium expansions, including a series of limited-time Elusive Targets such as The Collector in Dartmoor and The Politician in Hawke's Bay, which introduced new assassination opportunities and unlockable suits upon completion.[59] These targets rotated through existing levels, emphasizing replayability with one-shot mechanics and fresh challenges. Complementing the free roadmap, the Seven Deadly Sins expansion served as a paid seven-part DLC series, each act themed around a sin and featuring bespoke Escalation contracts set in levels like Sapienza for Greed and Dartmoor for Wrath, alongside unique items like the Temper Suit and visually distinct missions exploring Agent 47's psyche in a mansion-like narrative framework.[60] Year 2 in 2022 shifted focus to innovative gameplay modes, launching the free Freelancer roguelike system in early 2023, where players manage a safehouse, undertake procedurally generated campaigns against crime syndicates, and risk permanent losses on failed missions, integrating reworked story missions for non-linear progression.[61] Additional free content included seasonal events like holiday-themed Escalations and returning Elusive Targets with Year 2 variants, such as updated versions of prior targets for broader accessibility, while non-canon experiments like train-based contracts tested dynamic environments without altering the core storyline.[62] Extending into Year 3 from 2023 onward, content evolved into themed seasons under the rebranded HITMAN World of Assassination, enabling sustained free updates across the trilogy. Notable 2025 seasons included the Season of the Dragon, featuring a limited-time Bruce Lee Elusive Target "The Infiltrator" in Chongqing with martial arts-inspired kills and a paid Lee Pack DLC for exclusive items, available only until late November.[63] The Season of the High Stakes introduced the James Bond-themed Banker Pack in June, starring Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre in a casino infiltration in Paris at the Casino Monarchique, complete with bespoke weapons like a silenced pistol and poker chip distractions, alongside free Elusive Target runs and challenges.[64] Other Year 3 updates encompassed free Elusive Target rotations like The Gunrunner and seasonal events with Twitch drops, while paid packs such as the Celebrity Pack bundled prior celebrity cameos and suits for enhanced customization.[65] This hybrid model provided core roadmap elements at no cost, with premium DLC offering narrative depth and cosmetics.Ports and new features
Following its initial release, Hitman 3 received a dedicated virtual reality adaptation titled Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded, launched exclusively for the Meta Quest 3 on September 5, 2024.[66] Developed by XR Games and published by R Games, this version rebuilds core missions from the game with full motion controls, dual-wielding mechanics, and immersive first-person interactions tailored for VR, while maintaining the sandbox assassination gameplay.[67] In September 2025, a free VR update was released for PC players of HITMAN World of Assassination, adding VR support to the main game.[68] In 2025, Hitman World of Assassination—encompassing Hitman 3 and its predecessors—expanded to additional platforms. The iOS and iPadOS port arrived on August 27, 2025, delivering the complete sandbox experience with all missions and locations optimized for Apple devices via touch controls and cloud integration; it is available for free play until November 20, 2025. It launched as a Nintendo Switch 2 title on June 5, 2025, under the Signature Edition, supporting the console's launch lineup with enhanced portability and performance adjustments for handheld play.[69] A macOS version for Apple silicon is slated for release later in 2025, extending accessibility to Mac users with native optimizations. A major upcoming post-launch feature is the Stone & Knight co-op mode, announced at the IO Interactive Showcase on June 6, 2025. This mode will introduce two-player cooperative missions where players control the legacy ICA agents Stone and Knight—originally from Hitman: Contracts—to tackle shared targets in existing Hitman 3 levels, emphasizing synchronized stealth and assassination strategies.[70] It will include drop-in co-op functionality for seamless joining in main campaign levels, broadening replayability without altering solo experiences. Ongoing updates focused on stability and refinements, with patch 3.240 released on September 25, 2025, as part of the Season of the Dragon roadmap, addressing bugs, improving performance across platforms, and adding minor content tweaks like quality-of-life adjustments. These ports and features fully support the game's seasonal DLC content, ensuring consistent updates and mission access.Reception
Critical reception
Hitman 3 received generally positive critical reception, earning aggregate scores of 87/100 on Metacritic for the PC version based on 57 critic reviews and 84/100 for the PlayStation 5 version based on 36 reviews.[71][72] Critics widely praised the game's innovative sandbox level design and high replayability, which encouraged multiple approaches to assassination contracts. For instance, the Berlin level was highlighted for its exceptional player freedom, featuring a crowded nightclub environment with multiple targets, disorienting lighting, and no mission handler, creating a sense of vulnerability and improvisation.[73] The title was commended for providing satisfying story closure to the World of Assassination trilogy, emphasizing Agent 47's character development and the narrative's emotional depth.[73] IGN awarded Hitman 3 a 9/10, describing it as a superb installment with rich, rewarding stealth gameplay.[74] Similarly, GameSpot gave it a 9/10, lauding the refined level design and the trilogy's cohesive conclusion.[75] Accessibility options, including colorblind modes, remappable controls, and adjustable difficulty settings, were also appreciated for making the game more approachable without compromising its core challenge.[76] Despite the acclaim, some critics noted the core gameplay loop felt repetitive, relying on familiar mechanics like disguises and environmental kills without significant innovation.[75] Launch technical issues, such as server instability that hindered progress transfers from previous games and multiplayer connections, frustrated reviewers and players alike.[52] The PC version's year-long exclusivity to the Epic Games Store sparked backlash over limited platform options and integration challenges with Steam users' libraries.[77] Additionally, the campaign's six main levels were criticized as shorter than anticipated compared to the broader scope of Hitman 2.[78] Reception evolved positively with post-launch updates, as Year 1 content expansions addressed some launch shortcomings and enhanced replayability. The 2023 introduction of Freelancer mode, a free roguelike campaign featuring procedurally generated syndicates and persistent progression, was lauded for adding substantial depth and replay value to the experience.[79]Commercial performance
Hitman 3 achieved strong launch sales, outperforming its predecessor by 300% and recouping its full development costs within the first week.[80][81] This success was bolstered by positive critical reception, which helped drive initial player interest and contributed to the game's market momentum.[82] Under the rebranding to Hitman: World of Assassination, the title has seen sustained commercial growth, reaching 25 million units sold and 80 million players worldwide by June 2025.[83][84] It maintained robust engagement with 1 million active players in December 2024, supported by ongoing updates that introduced new content and features throughout 2025.[85][86] Revenue streams have been diversified through DLC packs and access passes, which have provided consistent income beyond the base game sales.[87] The game's strong performance across PC and consoles was further enhanced by the self-publishing model adopted by IO Interactive, allowing greater control over distribution and monetization strategies.[23][88]Awards and nominations
Hitman 3 garnered recognition from various industry awards bodies, earning praise for its stealth mechanics, level design, and overall culmination of the World of Assassination trilogy. The game won PC Game of the Year at the 2021 Golden Joystick Awards, as voted by the public.[89] It was also named Best Stealth Game of 2021 by PC Gamer, highlighting its social stealth systems and sandbox creativity.[90]| Award Ceremony | Category | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Joystick Awards 2021 | PC Game of the Year | Won | GamesRadar |
| PC Gamer Awards 2021 | Best Stealth Game | Won | PC Gamer |
| The Game Awards 2021 | Best VR/AR Game | Nominated | IGN |
| BAFTA Games Awards 2022 | Technical Achievement | Nominated | IGN |
| Game Developers Choice Awards 2022 | Best Visual Art | Nominated | Hollywood Reporter |
| Spilprisen 2022 | Game of the Year | Won | Input |