A defensible Metacritic ranking of every mainline Hitman game cannot be made from the verified scores available here: several entries lack a confirmed platform-specific score. The figures that are established show Hitman (2016) at 84 on PlayStation 4, Hitman 2 at 82, and Hitman 3 with scores ranging from 70 to 87 across listed platforms. Because Metascores belong to specific platform versions, those numbers do not establish a complete series order.
Why there is no complete ranking here
A Metacritic score is an aggregate for a particular platform and version, not a universal score for a game. The available verified figures do not establish a consistent platform selection and score for every mainline entry, including the earliest games and Hitman: Absolution. Publishing an ordered list anyway would require guessing at missing scores or mixing unlike versions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
HITMAN: World of Assassination - PlayStation 5 | $29.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
HITMAN World of Assassination (PS5) | $33.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hitman: World of Assassination Anniversary Edition - PlayStation 5 | $40.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The confirmed examples show why that distinction matters. Metacritic’s IO Interactive catalog lists Hitman 3 at 87 on PC and Xbox Series X, 85 on PlayStation 4, 84 on PlayStation 5, and 70 for the Switch cloud version. Those are separate platform entries, not competing measurements of one identical release. Metacritic’s IO Interactive catalog
Verified Metacritic scores
| Game and version | Metascore | Critic reviews | What the figure establishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hitman (2016), PlayStation 4 | 84 | 40 | Metacritic’s PS4 score, based on 40 critic reviews. |
| Hitman 2 | 82 | 70 | The game’s Metacritic page lists an 82 based on 70 critic reviews; the page gives a release date of November 9, 2018. |
| Hitman 3, PC | 87 | Not stated | Platform-specific score listed in the publisher catalog. |
| Hitman 3, PlayStation 4 | 85 | Not stated | Platform-specific score listed in the publisher catalog. |
| Hitman 3, PlayStation 5 | 84 | Not stated | Platform-specific score listed in the publisher catalog. |
| Hitman 3, Xbox Series X | 87 | Not stated | Platform-specific score listed in the publisher catalog. |
| Hitman 3, Switch cloud version | 70 | Not stated | Cloud version’s separate platform score, not a score for other releases. |
Sources: Metacritic’s Hitman (2016) page, Metacritic’s Hitman 2 page, Metacritic’s Hitman 3 page, and the IO Interactive catalog.
#1 Best Overall
- 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, escalations, elusive target arcades and featured live content.
- 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.
- HITMAN FREELANCER - A new way to play on your own terms, that combines rogue-like elements and deep strategic planning with a persistent and infinitely replayable gameplay experience.
What critics praised and questioned
Hitman (2016)
The Guardian’s review excerpt on Metacritic calls it “unquestionably the finest game in the series” and says it “might be one of the best stealth games ever made.” That is the reviewer’s judgment, not a conclusion shared by every critic or player. The page’s 84 is the PS4 aggregate, supported by 40 critic reviews.
Hitman 2
Metacritic’s excerpts reflect both praise for its stealth and criticism that the sequel’s identity and level design felt too familiar. Its 82 aggregate summarizes its 70 critic reviews; it does not settle whether players will prefer its approach to the 2016 game.
Rank #2
- Quantity:1
- Package Quantity: 1
- Branded Merchandise
Hitman 3
Critic excerpts emphasize mission freedom and the series’ sandbox strengths. Its platform spread—from 70 for the Switch cloud version to 87 on PC and Xbox Series X—makes a single unqualified score especially misleading.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which versions belong in a mainline ranking?
The IO Interactive catalog also lists Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition for Nintendo Switch 2 at 77 and Hitman: World of Assassination Part One VR Edition for PlayStation 5 at 82. These are distinct editions, not additional mainline games to insert as separate entries. A series list needs to define whether it ranks original releases or later editions, and then apply that rule consistently.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
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.
How to read a future full ranking
- Check the platform and release version attached to each Metascore.
- Use one stated platform-selection rule across the series; if platform scores differ, show the alternatives rather than treating them as interchangeable.
- Include the critic-review count when Metacritic provides it, since scores with different review totals are not identical evidence.
- Do not treat a later edition or VR release as a separate mainline game unless the list explicitly defines its scope that way.
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.
