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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Hitman 3 earned strong reviews for its intricate stealth sandboxes, inventive ways to complete targets, and the discoveries that reward replay. The main caveats: it largely refines the recent trilogy’s formula, and its story may be confusing if you are new to the series. The game is now sold as HITMAN World of Assassination, so older reviews refer to the game at its original 2021 launch.
What did Hitman 3 reviews say?
The critical reception was strongly favorable, especially for the mission design and the freedom to approach an assassination in different ways. GameSpot reviewer Phil Hornshaw gave the game 9/10, praising its level design and the creativity, experimentation, and exploration it enables. GameSpot’s January 2021 review roundup also collected favorable commentary from other outlets.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Hitman 3 - PlayStation 4 Standard Edition | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
HITMAN World of Assassination (PS5) | $33.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Hitman: Absolution - Playstation 3 | $5.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Hitman Trilogy HD - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $65.66 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Hitman 3 - Xbox One Standard Edition | $65.88 | Buy on Amazon |
Metacritic’s PC critic-review page displayed an 87 Metascore and a “Generally Favorable” label when checked in 2026: 54 positive reviews (95%), 3 mixed (5%), and 0 negative among 66 listed reviews. That is a dated snapshot of the PC page, not a fixed launch tally or a score that necessarily applies to every platform. See the current PC critic-review listing.
What reviewers liked most
Levels built for experimentation
The central draw is the elaborate stealth sandbox: observe a location, find ways to reach a target, and decide how to exploit the people, objects, and routines around you. Reviews highlighted how exploration can reveal alternate routes and opportunities, making a mission feel different when approached with a new plan.
#1 Best Overall
- Campaign mode will take you on a globe-trotting adventure to sprawling sandbox locations and will deliver a dramatic conclusion to the world of assassination Trilogy.
- Elusive targets are the ultimate HITMAN challenge and are Designed to offer an exciting, pulse-pounding experience. You need to track down a unique target, with little-to-no help from the HUD or Instinct and hatch a plan to eliminate them on the fly.
- Expect your gameplay skills to be pushed to the Max in Escalation Contracts, as new elements are thrown at you in each stage of the contract. Disguise restrictions, added security cameras and other kinds of other complications will be thrown your way.
- Play HITMAN 3 in VR with a new first-person perspective and truly immerse yourself in the world of assassination (requires PSVR headset)
Replay that adds discoveries
Aaron Potter’s Den of Geek review describes six new featured sandboxes, mission-story prompts, escalating challenges, and permanent shortcuts that remain open on later visits. Those systems give repeat runs a practical purpose: you can use what you learned to move through a location differently or pursue another challenge, rather than simply repeating the same route.
What are the main drawbacks?
The story is a weak starting point for newcomers
Den of Geek characterized the narrative as bare-bones and potentially confusing for first-time players. That is a meaningful distinction if you are choosing the game for its plot: the favorable consensus is chiefly about the missions and stealth play, not a claim that the story works equally well for everyone.
Rank #2
- Quantity:1
- Package Quantity: 1
- Branded Merchandise
It is an evolution, not a reinvention
Returning players will recognize the modern Hitman approach. Den of Geek viewed the camera and permanent shortcuts as useful but limited additions, rather than a fundamental change to the formula. If you already enjoyed the previous games, the appeal is more refined opportunities and new locations than a wholly different kind of game.
Is Hitman 3 worth playing?
It is a strong choice if you want stealth missions that reward patience, curiosity, and trying different solutions. The reviews point to level design and replayability as the reasons to play; they offer less reassurance if you mainly want a clear, self-contained story or a major break from the prior games. A favorable aggregate score is useful context, but the strengths and caveats matter more to that decision.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- 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
Which Hitman should you buy?
Look for HITMAN World of Assassination in current listings: IO Interactive renamed Hitman 3 under that title effective January 26, 2023. In its January 3, 2023 announcement, the publisher said the base game would include Hitman 3 plus the Hitman 1 GOTY and Hitman 2 Standard Access Passes; additional content was offered separately as a Deluxe Pack. Those are the publisher’s 2023 package details, so check the live listing for your platform before buying to confirm current contents and price. Read IO Interactive’s announcement.
The original review coverage dates from the January 2021 release period. For current platform context, IO Interactive’s February 2026 announcement lists PlayStation 5 and 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, iPhone, iPad, and VR on PS VR2 and PC. Availability and editions can vary by platform; the publisher’s announcement is a platform overview, not a guarantee of a particular store listing. See the February 2026 platform announcement. Stadia appears in 2021 launch-era coverage but is historical: Google shut down the service in January 2023.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Campaign mode will take you on a globe-trotting adventure to sprawling sandbox locations and will deliver a dramatic conclusion to the world of assassination Trilogy.
- Elusive targets are the ultimate HITMAN challenge and are Designed to offer an exciting, pulse-pounding experience. You need to track down a unique target, with little-to-no help from the HUD or Instinct and hatch a plan to eliminate them on the fly.
- Expect your gameplay skills to be pushed to the Max in Escalation Contracts, as new elements are thrown at you in each stage of the contract. Disguise restrictions, added security cameras and other kinds of other complications will be thrown your way.
Rank #4
- 3 classic Hitman titles remastered in HD
- Hitman Contracts
- Hitman 2 Silent Assassin
- Hitman Blood Money
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.
