5 Years Later, Hitman 3 Has Become One of the Best Live-Service Games

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I’ll admit, I used to be really wary of ‘live service’ games. So many of them feel designed to just constantly ask for more money, with endless updates chasing trends and relying on things like fear of missing out. But Hitman is different. It’s one of the few that actually got it right. And after five years, Hitman 3 – now called Hitman World of Assassination – has become a shining example of how these kinds of games should be made. It really shows everyone else how it’s done!

It’s interesting that Hitman 3 did so well by refusing to simply copy other popular games. As a focused, single-player stealth experience, it carved out its own niche. Instead of trying to be a battle royale or extraction shooter, IO Interactive built on their decades of experience to create something truly unique – something no other game offers. This originality is especially important in the world of live-service games. Rather than directly trying to beat the most popular games in a genre, it’s much smarter – and more successful – to simply offer something different.

IO Interactive surprised everyone by releasing the complete Hitman trilogy as a single package without charging players extra. This generous, player-focused decision was a refreshing change of pace. Unlike many modern games that constantly ask for more money, IO Interactive chose to give players two full games for free, which is a welcome break from that trend.

Hitman 3 Has Only Grown

Hitman 3 kept expanding in a unique way, moving away from the usual ‘live service’ game model. While some premium downloadable content was available, the game primarily focused on player-created contracts, seasonal events, and challenging ‘Elusive Target’ missions. These additions, though small, really enhance Hitman’s appeal. The series is so enjoyable because of its flexibility, and these variations encourage players to experiment and find new ways to approach each mission. The open-ended sandbox design means that constantly changing the rules and adding new elements stays fresh and exciting.

The game’s Elusive Targets are consistently a highlight, and they’ve become even more exciting with the addition of well-known actors. Over the past few years, IO Interactive has introduced characters like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Bruce Lee (who players must actually protect!), Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre, and Eminem. Milla Jovovich is also planned to appear in a future update. These targets often feature unique and elaborate scenarios that fit their personalities, offering a fun change of pace from the regular missions. While the standard targets are still engaging, the celebrity additions undeniably add extra appeal. The Elusive Target Arcade mode is a welcome addition, letting players practice these special missions without facing harsh penalties for failure.

Hitman’s New Modes Have Been Fantastic

While contracts and special missions keep Hitman going, it’s the VR and Freelancer modes that have really made the game shine. The initial VR release wasn’t smooth; the PlayStation VR, PC, and Quest versions all launched separately and were criticized for either awkward controls, poor graphics, or both.

I honestly didn’t get VR gaming until the PSVR2 add-on came out in 2025. That’s when the developers really figured out how to bring their amazing franchise into virtual reality. The graphics were finally sharp and clear, and the controls just felt right – like they always should have! Things that were already cool in the game, like throwing fire extinguishers or taking down enemies, felt so much more immersive in VR. It was a whole new level of experience! The best part? IO Interactive didn’t just leave it at PSVR2 – they updated the PC VR version too, so even more of us could enjoy this incredible way to play.

The Freelancer mode was a standout addition, effectively turning Hitman into a roguelike game. This works well because Hitman naturally lends itself to the genre – roguelikes need variety to stay engaging. When a game involves repeated playthroughs, it’s important to change things up enough so it doesn’t feel repetitive.

Hitman excels at offering incredible variety with its huge selection of tools, targets, locations, and challenges, creating a consistently unpredictable and satisfying experience. There’s real consequence to failure – dying means losing money, equipment, and progress – maintaining the tension of the Elusive Targets, but in a new way. The ability to build and customize a base, collect weapons, and embark on diverse missions gives this mode lasting appeal and feels like the core essence of what makes Hitman great. IO Interactive even enhanced it with VR support, making this endlessly replayable mode even more immersive.

The road to success wasn’t easy for Hitman 3. Its initial release on the Epic Games Store caused problems for PC players, especially regarding access to older Hitman games. Adding to those difficulties, IO Interactive released downloadable content shortly after launch that wasn’t included in the more expensive versions of the game. However, a free map, new game modes, and a release on Steam helped turn things around, allowing the game’s quality to truly stand out. Hitman 3 remains one of the best stealth games available, offering incredible replay value. It’s a unique experience, which explains why it’s thrived for five years and is likely to remain popular for years to come.

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2026-01-22 03:12