The Hitman franchise stands as a cornerstone in the stealth gaming genre. With the iconic agent known as Agent 47 leading the charge, this series has garnered a cult following thanks to its unique blend of cold precision and a fascinating array of disguises that the protagonist utilizes effortlessly.
Since its inception in 2000, the series has consistently innovated, introducing players to diverse global locales like Paris, Dubai, Miami, and even the picturesque Maldives. Each installment has progressively refined gameplay mechanics while enhancing the depth and intricacy of mission objectives.
The series has had its ups and downs, with periods of decline followed by triumphant revivals, each time leveraging advancements in technology to elevate the experience within the World of Assassination. In this article, we will chronologically rank the mainline Hitman games, excluding mobile spin-offs which do not measure up in quality or scope.
8 Hitman: Codename 47
Even though it feels dated in comparison to its successors, Hitman: Codename 47 marked an innovative start for the series in 2000. Players stepped into the shoes of a genetically-engineered assassin, embracing a brutal gameplay style devoid of non-lethal options, which simplified the missions. Much like future installments, the original offered multiple paths to complete each task, skillfully blending stealth and violence, all while maintaining a distinct sense of humor that persists throughout the franchise.
7 Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin expanded the series in ambitious ways, introducing refined gameplay elements such as the ability to spy through keyholes and switch perspectives to first-person mode. Set in captivating locations like Soviet-era Saint Petersburg and bustling Afghan bazaars, it offered players diverse scenarios for target elimination.
While the AI may not meet modern standards—often exhibiting erratic behavior—it nonetheless provided an engaging experience for players of its time. Although it struggles to compete with more recent titles, Silent Assassin remains a respectable entry.
6 Hitman: Absolution
Perhaps the most contentious title in the Hitman lineup, Hitman: Absolution polarized fans upon release. While some embraced its narrative-driven approach and linear design, others found it less appealing. The story, while intriguing, didn’t resonate with everyone, but the game introduced fresh creative kills and environmental challenges, making it worth a play.
With a new cover system and the ability to dual-wield weapons, Absolution infused the franchise with combat-focused gameplay, enabling intense firefights that diverged from the traditional stealth mechanics. Nevertheless, subsequent entries enhanced these stealth components significantly.
5 Hitman: Contracts
Continuing the momentum from its predecessors, Hitman: Contracts takes a more haunting direction, characterized by its eerie atmosphere. Enthusiasts of the franchise may hold a nostalgic fondness for this installment, despite its brevity—taking approximately six hours to complete and featuring remakes of older missions.
Although it might not offer as extensive an experience, Contracts provides insights into Agent 47’s backstory and is recommended for series aficionados looking to delve deeper into the lore.
4 Hitman: Blood Money
Regarded as a high point in level design within the series, Hitman: Blood Money offers a grittier atmosphere as compared to its contemporaries, adding a touch of Mafia-like intrigue to its missions. Released in 2006, it refined gameplay mechanics significantly, providing a fuller Hitman experience than earlier games like Contracts and Absolution.
This title is often seen as one of the best, managing to hold its ground against newer entries in the franchise, particularly with mission preparation and stealth execution.
3 Hitman 3
Hitman 3 marks a spectacular conclusion to the trilogy, featuring innovative levels such as the Berlin nightclub and the architectural grandeur of Dubai. The mission designs vary greatly, from intricate infiltration tasks in Chongqing to a murder mystery in a rural manor.
Even though it offers breathtaking and complex settings, some players felt let down by the limited number of five missions, with the final mission being seen as a linear anticlimax. The Berlin assignment, with its thrilling twist of Agent 47 becoming the hunted, stands out as a highlight of the entire series.
2 Hitman (2016)
Few anticipated the resurgence of the series in Hitman (2016), which took significant strides forward compared to Absolution and Silent Assassin. With stunning locations like the Paris fashion show and the mafia-dominated Sapienza, this game attracted many new fans and redefined expectations.
Even years after its release, it remains a standout entry, cleverly weaving narrative elements into gameplay, making it an excellent starting point for newcomers to the series.
1 Hitman 2
Building upon the innovations of Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 is celebrated for its superior map design and variety. Although core gameplay mechanics have not drastically changed in the trilogy, the expansive environments in Hitman 2 clearly elevate the player experience.
With diverse settings—from the suburban charm of Whittleton Creek to the high-speed action of the Miami Grand Prix—each mission provides unparalleled replay value. Renowned locations like Mumbai and the mysterious Isle of Sgail showcase the game’s versatility, enriched by regular updates keeping the content engaging long after release.
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