Table of Contents

Does Hitman 2 Continue Hitman 1? A Deep Dive into the World of Assassination

Quick answer

This page answers Does Hitman 2 continue Hitman 1? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Yes, Hitman 2 directly continues the story that began in Hitman (2016). It’s the second installment in the rebooted World of Assassination trilogy, picking up immediately after the events of its predecessor. Agent 47’s hunt for the mysterious “Shadow Client” and his unraveling of the secrets of Providence, a shadowy organization manipulating global events, forms the central narrative thread. Understanding the events and characters introduced in Hitman (2016) is highly beneficial for fully appreciating the plot of Hitman 2.

The Narrative Bridge: Connecting the Games

Hitman 2 acts as a crucial narrative bridge, expanding on the lore established in the first game and setting the stage for the climactic events of Hitman 3. The levels in Hitman 2 are designed with a sense of continuity, often referencing past events and deepening the player’s understanding of the characters’ motivations.

A Seamless Transition (Mostly)

While the core gameplay mechanics remain largely consistent between Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2, certain refinements and additions make the latter a more polished experience. The absence of the episodic release format in Hitman 2 allows for a more cohesive and immersive narrative flow.

Legacy Content: Bringing the Past Forward

One of the most significant ways Hitman 2 continues Hitman (2016) is through the Legacy Pack. This downloadable content allows players who own Hitman (2016) to access and play all of the locations and missions from the first game within the Hitman 2 engine. This provides a unified gameplay experience and ensures that players can experience the entire narrative arc without switching between different games. Sadly, the PS4-exclusive Sarajevo Six missions did not make the transition.

Progression and Unlockables: A Fresh Start

It’s important to note that while the Legacy Pack brings the Hitman (2016) levels into Hitman 2, there is no direct progression transfer for challenges, unlocks, and mastery levels. Players essentially start fresh in Hitman 2, replaying the missions from the first game to unlock new gear and abilities. This design choice allows for a renewed sense of discovery and mastery within the enhanced Hitman 2 environment.

Gameplay Enhancements: Refinements and Additions

Hitman 2 introduces several gameplay enhancements that build upon the foundation laid by Hitman (2016). New items, gadgets, and mechanics provide players with more options for eliminating their targets and navigating the environments. The game’s AI is also refined, offering a more challenging and dynamic experience.

Storytelling Techniques

Hitman 2 refines the storytelling techniques used in its predecessor, providing more context and character development. The game’s cutscenes and in-game dialogue are more engaging, helping to deepen the player’s connection to the characters and the overall narrative.

The Complete World of Assassination

Ultimately, the launch of Hitman: World of Assassination consolidated the entire trilogy into a single, unified experience. This means that owning Hitman 3 grants access to all the levels from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2, effectively making them part of a single, seamless game. This approach underscores the importance of Hitman 2 as a crucial chapter in the overarching narrative. The Games Learning Society is a great resource if you want to explore how game design can enhance learning experiences.

Building on Success

In conclusion, Hitman 2 unequivocally continues the story of Hitman (2016). It expands on the established lore, refines the gameplay mechanics, and provides a crucial narrative bridge to Hitman 3. The Legacy Pack ensures that players can experience the entire World of Assassination in a cohesive and unified manner, making Hitman 2 an essential chapter in the Agent 47 saga.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2:

Is Hitman 1 and 2 the same game? No, they are separate games, but Hitman 2 directly continues the story of Hitman (2016). With Hitman: World of Assassination, you can access content from both games within Hitman 3.
Does Hitman 1 transfer to Hitman 2? Not directly. While you can play the levels from Hitman (2016) in Hitman 2 via the Legacy Pack, your progression (challenges, unlocks) doesn’t transfer.
Does Hitman 2 have Hitman 1 story? It continues the story. You’ll be following Agent 47 as he investigates the “Shadow Client” and his connection to Providence.
Does Hitman Trilogy include 1 and 2? Yes, Hitman Trilogy, and especially Hitman: World of Assassination, includes Hitman (2016), Hitman 2, and Hitman 3.
Which Hitman has all 3 games? Hitman 3, now known as Hitman: World of Assassination, provides access to all three games through the Access Pass system.
Is Hitman 3 connected to 1 and 2? Absolutely. Hitman 3 is the final chapter in the World of Assassination trilogy and directly continues the storylines established in the previous games.
Should I play Hitman 2 before 1? While you can play Hitman 2 first, it’s recommended to play Hitman (2016) first to understand the story’s context and character introductions.
Is Agent 47 a human? Agent 47 is a genetically engineered clone, designed to be superior to the average human.
Does Hitman 2 carry over to Hitman 3? Yes, there was a one-time carryover process allowing players to transfer their Hitman 2 progress (profile, XP, suits, items, and unlocks) to Hitman 3.
Do I need to keep Hitman 1 and 2 installed if I have the World of Assassination version? No, if you have the World of Assassination version (within Hitman 3), you don’t need to keep Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 installed separately.
Do you get Hitman 1 and 2 if you buy 3? Yes, purchasing Hitman 3 (now Hitman: World of Assassination) grants access to the levels from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 through the Access Pass system.
Is Hitman 2 or 3 better? This is subjective, but Hitman 3 is often considered the best due to its refined gameplay, more cinematic story, and the culmination of the trilogy’s narrative.
Is Hitman 2 a prequel? No, Hitman 2 is a direct sequel to Hitman (2016).
Can I play Hitman 3 without playing Hitman 1 and 2? While you can, it’s highly recommended to play Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 first to fully understand the story and character relationships.
What is the best Hitman game to start with? Many recommend either Hitman: Blood Money or Hitman (2016) as good starting points. If you’re interested in how games can be used for education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.