Does Hitman 3 have Hitman 1 and 2?
The short answer to this question is yes. Hitman 3: World of Assassination comes with a significant twist in its naming convention and bundling. In a radical move, IO Interactive is simplifying the purchasing mechanism for the Hitman franchise, and Hitman 1 and 2 will be available for free through the Access Pass system. But what exactly does this mean, and how does it affect new and existing players?
Hitman 3 Redefined
With the tagline "Hitman World of Assassination", Io Interactive has revamped the experience, bringing all three mainline games into one neatly packaged deal. This doesn’t mean the individual titles will disappear, but rather Hitman 1, 2, and 3 will become part of a larger whole, forming a comprehensive assassin’s trilogy.
Free Access with Hitman 3: World of Assassination
When you purchase Hitman 3, you’re not just buying a third installment; you’re investing in a collection of HITMAN experiences. Currently, all HITMAN access passes are bundled with HTM 3, bringing the total to 41 levels across all three installments. This means that even if you’re new to the series, you still get access to the preceding games, minus any unique DLCs or expansions.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Level | Game Name | Platform | Access? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Hitman | Hitman 1 | ⏫ Included |
| 18 | Hitman 2 | Hitman 2 | Included |
| 2 (6 episodes) | HITMAN 3 | **Hitman 3 (World of Assassination) | Included |
Hitman 1 and 2 Included for Free
Before we dive into the full implications, it’s vital to clarify that IO Interactive will include Hitman 1 and 2 with Hitman 3, for free through the Access Pass system. This means existing players without the original titles can dive into the franchise without feeling left out.
Important Notes:
- Availability of HITMAN 2 levels through HITMAN 3 may depend on when you redeem your Access Pass.
- The bundled HITMAN 1 levels will provide a separate, exclusive experience alongside the other 40 combined levels.
Hitman 3 vs. its Predecessors
From a technical perspective, Io Interactive has reworked much of the infrastructure to house the combined library. Notably, the in-game menus, UI and some levels may have modified appearances or have new sections to better integrate HITMAN 3’s visuals and gameplay. This minor revamp might lead you to ask, "Would I need to play every level?" Our answer?
A Refreshed Yet Familiar Experience
- HITMAN 1 contains 21 levels, so you can skip these should you not feel the same excitement as playing the prequels.
- On the other hand, players who’ve experienced HITMAN 2’s 18 levels will discover new experiences in HITMAN 3, especially given the vastly improved visuals and gameplay engine.
Will I See a Notable Difference playing Hitman 3 First?
Not necessarily – Hitman 1 and 2’s reworked graphics and physics engine, combined with the streamlined experience, shouldn’t disrupt your immersion much. With the mainline trilogy as a contiguous narrative, playing HITMAN 3 first won’t leave you confused or unfamiliar with the lore.
What’s Next for Hitman Fans?
Hitman 3’s World of Assassination will continue delivering new levels, modes and experiences to keep thrill-seekers engaged long after the initial release buzz fades. In an industry where so many series come and go, Hitman’s legacy endures – and at this pace, it wouldn’t surprise us if Ion Interactive has some more announcements up their sleeves.
Here’s the revised article following the new content structure for better readability:
TL;DR: Hitman 3 comes with HTM 1 and HTM 2, offered for free through the access pass system, providing one comprehensive HITMAN experience consisting of 41 levels overall.