Does Hitman Have Different Endings? Unveiling the Multiple Conclusions of Agent 47’s Saga
Yes, the Hitman series, particularly the World of Assassination trilogy, features multiple endings. While the older games in the franchise largely offered linear conclusions, Hitman 3 significantly expands on this, presenting players with both traditional and secret endings that depend on their choices during the final mission. This adds a layer of replayability and moral complexity to Agent 47’s journey.
Delving into the Endings of Hitman 3
The Standard Endings
Hitman 3 traditionally features two primary endings. These endings are achieved by completing the main objective of the final mission, which involves confronting Arthur Edwards, also known as The Constant. The choice you make regarding Edwards’ fate dictates which of the two main endings you receive. One path involves eliminating The Constant, upholding Agent 47’s professional code and maintaining the established order. The other ending sees Diana becoming The Constant, a shocking twist that reshapes the power dynamics within the Hitman universe.
The Secret Ending: A Memory-Wiping Choice
The truly intriguing aspect of Hitman 3 lies in its secret ending. This ending is not explicitly presented and requires a specific action during the final confrontation. Instead of eliminating The Constant, players have the option to inject themselves with a serum that erases Agent 47’s memories.
What Happens When Agent 47 Takes the Serum?
Choosing to inject Agent 47 with the serum results in him losing his memories. He wakes up in a padded cell, effectively reverting him to a blank slate. The Constant then implies he will now control Agent 47, turning him back into a mere tool. This ending is a stark contrast to the others, offering a bleak conclusion where Agent 47’s agency is stripped away. It’s a disturbing but thought-provoking commentary on free will and control.
The Significance of Multiple Endings
The inclusion of multiple endings in Hitman 3 marks a departure from the series’ traditional narrative structure. It provides players with agency and allows them to shape the conclusion of Agent 47’s story in a meaningful way. The secret ending, in particular, sparks debate and discussion, adding depth to the game’s themes and overall impact. This choice reinforces the idea that player agency can profoundly affect the narrative’s outcome, a principle valued in the study of game-based learning, as evidenced by the research supported by the Games Learning Society. More information can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hitman Endings
1. Does Hitman: World of Assassination have multiple endings?
Yes, Hitman 3, the final game in the World of Assassination trilogy, features multiple endings. The first two games in the trilogy, Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018), do not have branching endings in the same way, though their narratives set the stage for the choices available in Hitman 3.
2. How do I unlock the secret ending in Hitman 3?
To unlock the secret ending, you must refrain from killing The Constant during the final mission. Instead, locate the serum on the desk, equip it, and wait for The Constant to speak for about a minute. A prompt will then appear allowing you to inject yourself with the serum.
3. What are the consequences of taking the serum in Hitman 3?
Injecting the serum wipes Agent 47’s memory, effectively resetting him to a blank slate. He awakens in a padded room, implying he will be controlled by The Constant.
4. Is Hitman 3 the end of Agent 47’s story?
While Hitman 3 concludes the World of Assassination trilogy, it doesn’t necessarily mark the absolute end of Agent 47’s story. The ending you choose can significantly impact the perceived future of the character. IO Interactive is currently developing a new James Bond game, and hasn’t ruled out future Hitman projects, but Hitman 3 is the conclusion of the trilogy.
5. Does Diana betray Agent 47?
In Hitman 3, Diana’s apparent betrayal is a complex plot point. While she appears to betray 47 by injecting him with a serum, her ultimate goal is more nuanced and tied to her own ambitions within Providence.
6. What is the hardest mission in the Hitman series?
The difficulty of missions in the Hitman series is subjective and depends on playstyle. However, some missions are considered particularly challenging, such as “Untouchable” from Hitman 3 due to its unique constraints and narrative tension.
7. Can I carry over my unlocks from Hitman 2 to Hitman 3?
Yes, Hitman 3 allows players to perform a one-time carryover of their progression from Hitman 2, including suits, items, and unlocks.
8. What happens if I kill non-targets in Hitman?
Killing non-targets in Hitman results in point deductions and can negatively impact your mission rating. It’s generally best to avoid unnecessary casualties.
9. Is Agent 47 a clone?
Yes, Agent 47 is a cloned human, designed to be genetically superior to the average human, but also to blend in seamlessly.
10. Why was Hitman: Absolution banned in some countries?
Hitman: Absolution was banned in some countries due to its violent content and potentially controversial themes.
11. How does Agent 47 age in the Hitman series?
Agent 47 visibly ages throughout the Hitman series, with added wrinkles and signs of wear in later games, particularly in Hitman: Absolution.
12. Does Agent 47 have regrets about killing his targets?
Agent 47’s emotional state is often ambiguous. While he is portrayed as a highly efficient and professional assassin, there are moments that hint at a deeper internal conflict.
13. Who is The Constant in Hitman?
The Constant is a title held by the leader of Providence, a powerful and secretive organization that plays a central role in the World of Assassination trilogy. In Hitman 3, Arthur Edwards is The Constant.
14. How many Hitman games are there?
There are eight main installments in the Hitman video game series.
15. What is the best Hitman game to start with?
Hitman (2016) is generally considered a good starting point, as it reboots the series and offers a modern gameplay experience within the World of Assassination trilogy. Alternatively, starting with Hitman 3 gives you access to all three games in the trilogy through the access pass system.