No. You can start HITMAN 3 without playing the first two games. For the clearest story order, play HITMAN (2016), HITMAN 2, then HITMAN 3—and you can access the trilogy’s core campaigns through the current HITMAN World of Assassination offering rather than tracking down three separate releases.
What order should you play the HITMAN trilogy in?
- HITMAN (2016)
- HITMAN 2
- HITMAN 3
This is the chronological order for the World of Assassination story. IO Interactive describes HITMAN 3 as the trilogy’s final chapter. IO Interactive’s announcement called it “the final chapter of the World of Assassination trilogy.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
HITMAN World of Assassination (PS5) | $33.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Hitman: World of Assassination Signature Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 | $39.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hitman: World of Assassination Anniversary Edition - PlayStation 5 | $40.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Videogioco Solutions2Go Hitman World Of Assassination | $54.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Hitman: Absolution | $25.59 | Buy on Amazon |
Can you play the earlier campaigns without buying the old standalone games?
Yes. IO Interactive’s February 6, 2026 edition guide describes HITMAN World of Assassination as the current base offering. It includes HITMAN 3, the HITMAN 1 GOTY Access Pass, and the HITMAN 2 Standard Access Pass, covering the core trilogy campaigns. The old standalone games remain accessible to people who already own them, according to IOI’s Access Pass guide.
IOI says location importing ended on January 26, 2023, when the content was brought under World of Assassination. Existing HITMAN 3 owners were automatically given access to HITMAN 1 GOTY, HITMAN 2 Standard, and HITMAN 3 Standard. That is why older instructions about importing locations or buying separate games may no longer apply.
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Is the Deluxe Pack necessary to follow the story?
No. It adds DLC; it is not a required step in the basic campaign order. IOI lists these contents for the Deluxe Pack:
- HITMAN 3 Deluxe Pack
- Seven Deadly Sins Collection
- HITMAN 2 Expansion Access Pass
Check the edition details for your platform and region before purchasing, since prices and store listings can change. The official edition guide distinguishes the base offering from the Deluxe Pack.
Rank #2
- BECOME AGENT 47 - Suit up for a spy-thriller adventure where all your deadly abilities are put to the test across more than 20 locations.
- FREEDOM OF APPROACH - Your deadliest weapon is creativity. Unlock new gear and up your game on highly replayable missions
- WORLD OF ASSASSINATION - Travel in a living, breathing world, filled with intriguing characters and lethal opportunities.
Can you try the trilogy before buying?
IOI’s free demo permanently includes access to the ICA Facility, which the studio describes as the trilogy’s start. Other locations may be available during periodic free-access promotions. The February 2026 support page lists PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Epic PC; check the demo information for current availability on your device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if you already own HITMAN 1 or 2 on another platform?
IOI announced cross-progression on January 20, 2026. On supported linked platforms, it can share experience, level, challenges, location mastery, unlocks and inventory, achievements or trophies, Freelancer progress, and campaign story progress. Game and DLC licenses do not transfer: you still need to own the relevant content on each platform where you want to play it. IOI also closed the older HITMAN 2-to-HITMAN 3 progression carryover after February 3, 2026. See the studio’s cross-progression announcement for details.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Contracts Mode-Create your own custom hits by choosing the level, targets, weapons and the rules of assassination in an innovative new online mode where created contracts can be shared and the money that you earn will unlock weapons, upgrades and disguises
- Freedom of Choice - Stalk from the shadows or rush in guns blazing thanks to fully-evolved game mechanics and a sophisticated AI-System that responds realistically to every tactic you employ
- Experience a Living, Breathing World - Robust and memorable characters spring to life on the screen with an outstanding cast of Hollywood performers, ensuring every moment becomes a story in HITMAN: ABSOLUTION
- Disguises - A huge variety of disguises, you can impersonate your victims and blend into the world around you, affording you new actions, options, and the element of surprise
- Instinct Mode - Predict enemy patrols, identify weapons and escape routes, and temporarily enhance your disguise--even engage in “Point-Shooting,” making full use of your skills as an expert marksman to clear entire rooms with stylish efficiency
Rank #4
- German packaging. German instructions. German playable.
Rank #3
- ENTER THE WORLD OF THE ULTIMATE ASSASSIN: HITMAN World of Assassination brings together the best of HITMAN, HITMAN 2 and HITMAN 3 including the main campaign, Contracts mode, Escalation, Elusive Target arcades, featured live content andand the roguelike inspired game mode HITMAN: Freelancer.
- BECOME AGENT 47: Suit up for a spy-thriller adventure where all your deadly abilities are put to the test across more than 20 locations.
- FREEDOM OF APPROACH: Your deadliest weapon is creativity. Unlock new gear and up your game on highly replayable missions.
- WORLD OF ASSASSINATION: Travel a living, breathing world, filled with intriguing characters and lethal opportunities.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
