Hitman series

Hitman series explained

The Hitman series is a stealth-action game franchise developed by IO Interactive. It follows the story of Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin who works for the International Contract Agency (ICA). Known for his barcode tattoo, bald head, and deadly efficiency, Agent 47 takes on missions across the globe, eliminating targets in creative and often unpredictable ways.

The games are known for their open-ended level design, where players can choose how to approach each mission, whether by sneaking in unnoticed, using disguises, or setting up elaborate traps. A hallmark of the franchise is its emphasis on player choice, replayability, and dark humor.

When did Hitman come out?

The first game, Hitman: Codename 47, was released in 2000 for PC, introducing players to a new kind of stealth gameplay. Since then, the Hitman game franchise has grown into one of the most respected and long-running stealth series, spanning over two decades and multiple reboots.

The most recent entries form the World of Assassination trilogy, starting in 2016 and concluding with Hitman 3 (2021), now rebranded under one unified platform simply called Hitman: World of Assassination.

How many Hitman games are there?

There are eight main games in the Hitman game series, along with several spin-offs and remastered collections. Here’s the full Hitman series in order of release:

1. Hitman: Codename 47 (2000)
2. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002)
3. Hitman: Contracts (2004)
4. Hitman: Blood Money (2006)
5. Hitman: Absolution (2012)
6. Hitman (2016) – Reboot, World of Assassination Part 1
7. Hitman 2 (2018) – World of Assassination Part 2
8. Hitman 3 (2021) – World of Assassination Part 3 (now merged with the previous two games)

There are also mobile and spin-off games like Hitman GO and Hitman: Sniper, but the main timeline centers around Agent 47’s core adventures.

Chronological Hitman game series in order:

If you’re new to the Hitman game franchise, the best way to experience the series is by playing the World of Assassination trilogy (2016–2021), which modernized the gameplay and brought the story into sharper focus. These three games are now bundled together as Hitman: World of Assassination.

However, if you want to explore the entire Hitman timeline in chronological order, here’s how the core story plays out:

1. Hitman: Codename 47 – Introduces Agent 47’s origin and first contracts
2. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin – 47 comes out of retirement after a betrayal
3. Hitman: Contracts – A retelling of missions from Codename 47, plus new ones
4. Hitman: Blood Money – 47 faces off against a rival agency while rising in notoriety
5. Hitman: Absolution – A more personal story with 47 protecting a young girl from powerful enemies
6. Hitman (2016) – Start of the World of Assassination trilogy, uncovering a global conspiracy
7. Hitman 2 (2018) – Continuation of the Shadow Client storyline
8. Hitman 3 (2021) – The conclusion of the trilogy, where 47 targets the powerful Providence organization

Note: The newer trilogy is designed for newcomers, so you don’t need to play the older titles first, but longtime fans will appreciate the callbacks and character evolution.

The best Hitman games

Fans and critics alike often cite Hitman: Blood Money (2006) as one of the best Hitman games, thanks to its creative level design and sandbox gameplay. The World of Assassination trilogy has also been praised, with Hitman 3 (2021) offering refined mechanics, brilliant locations, and a satisfying narrative payoff.

Hitman 2 (2018) stands out for its excellent mission variety, including the highly acclaimed “Whittleton Creek” and “Mumbai” levels. Hitman (2016) reintroduced the franchise with a new episodic format and brought in a new generation of fans.

Who are the most iconic Hitman characters?

The most iconic Hitman character in the series is, without question, Agent 47. Cold, calculated, and efficient, he is the face of the franchise, silent but deadly in every sense.

Other key characters include Diana Burnwood, Agent 47’s longtime handler and one of the few people he trusts. Lucas Grey (aka the Shadow Client) becomes a major character in the World of Assassination trilogy, with his ties to 47’s mysterious past.

Recurring enemies like The Constant (head of Providence) and various ICA agents appear throughout the newer games, adding more depth to the Hitman game timeline.

What’s next for the Hitman game series?

IO Interactive has confirmed that the Hitman game franchise is entering a new phase. While there are no plans for a full Hitman 4 just yet, the World of Assassination platform will continue to evolve. IO has shifted focus to developing Project 007, a James Bond game, but the studio reassured fans that Hitman isn’t going away. New content updates, elusive targets, and VR support for Hitman: World of Assassination continue to roll out.