How Disguises Work in Hitman: Absolution: A Comprehensive Guide

In Hitman: Absolution, disguises are a crucial gameplay mechanic that allows Agent 47 to infiltrate restricted areas and get close to his targets. Unlike some other stealth games, the disguise system in Absolution is nuanced and requires careful consideration of both visual and behavioral aspects. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how disguises function in the game:

At its core, wearing a disguise in Hitman: Absolution is about misleading non-player characters (NPCs) into thinking you belong in a particular environment. By donning the clothes of a guard, a chef, or any other character in the level, Agent 47 attempts to blend into the background, thereby avoiding immediate suspicion. However, it’s not as simple as just slapping on any old uniform.

The Nuances of Disguise

The disguise system in Hitman: Absolution is more complex than in previous entries in the series. Key things to know are:

• Specific Disguises: There are 52 obtainable disguises in the game, plus an additional 4 available as DLCs, and Agent 47’s suit. Each disguise is linked to a specific NPC role or position, and thus allows Agent 47 access to that NPC’s designated areas.
• Suspicion: Not all NPCs are easily fooled. If Agent 47 wears the disguise of a guard, other guards within the same area or with the same rank will be more suspicious of him. These NPCs are referred to as “enforcers”. They’ll scrutinize him more closely and can quickly detect that he is not one of them.
• Face Covering: 47 can cover his face while disguised to reduce the suspicion of enforcers, especially when disguised as a guard. Covering his face comes at the cost of some of his Instinct, a valuable ability in the game, however. This makes a calculated risk. Do you risk being discovered or use some of your Instinct?
• Behavior: Acting suspiciously will blow your cover just as fast as walking up to a patrolling enforcer. Running, being somewhere you shouldn’t, and using weapons or Instinct in restricted areas will quickly raise suspicion levels.
• Escaping Detection: If Agent 47’s disguise is compromised, he does not immediately fail the level. He needs to quickly evade the sight of the NPC who is aware of his deception, before that NPC’s suspicion gets more serious and they start attacking or call for backup. This requires a quick retreat and hiding until the threat subsides.
• Changing Outfits: You cannot freely change disguises at any time. You can only change disguises after you’ve taken one. If you change outfits in a kitchen, for example, you must go back to that exact kitchen to change back to your suit, or another disguise if available in the area. You are also stuck with your current disguise once you’ve left one section of a level. This means you can’t revert to your suit or another disguise without finding one in the current section.

Obtaining Disguises

There are two main ways to acquire a disguise in Hitman: Absolution:

• Subduing NPCs: You can take disguises from unconscious or dead characters. Find your target, neutralize them (either by using stealth takedowns or other means), and then quickly grab their outfit.
• Located Outfits: Some disguises are found hanging in specific areas, like security lockers, kitchens, or maintenance rooms. These areas should be used with caution, as other NPCs can wander into these rooms, especially in higher security areas.

Choosing the Right Disguise

Knowing when to change your disguise is key to success. The “best” disguise will vary depending on your current objective and location. Some disguises offer more freedom of movement, while others might grant you access to crucial areas.

• High Security: In areas with heavy security, a security uniform, if possible, is vital. This means you should take out a security guard to obtain this.
• Lower Security: In areas with fewer enforcers, you have a greater freedom of choice.
• Target Access: Some disguises will allow you to access specific areas vital to your goal. A chef disguise will most likely get you to a kitchen and close to a target, for example.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many disguises are in Hitman: Absolution?

There are a total of 57 disguises in Hitman: Absolution. This includes 52 obtainable disguises in the main game, 4 additional disguises available as DLC, and Agent 47’s default suit.

2. How do I know if an NPC is suspicious of my disguise?

If an NPC is suspicious, they will scrutinize you more intently. This can include stopping you, staring longer, or making small moves, as if on edge. If you have your Instinct ability available, use it to see how close you are to having your disguise blown.

3. Can I change disguises at any point in the game?

No, you cannot freely change disguises. If you change outfits in a specific location (like a kitchen), you must return to that same location to change back. You also can’t change disguise between level sections without acquiring a new one within that section.

4. Does covering my face with my disguise always work?

Covering your face will lessen suspicion from enforcers, but it is not a guarantee that you will pass unnoticed. The closer you are to another enforcer, the less this will work. It also uses your Instinct.

5. What happens if I am spotted in a restricted area while disguised?

If you are spotted, quickly leave the line of sight of the NPC who spotted you. If you can do this before their suspicion becomes more severe, your disguise is still viable, and the situation returns to normal.

6. Are all disguises equal?

No, not all disguises are equal. Some disguises grant access to specific areas, while others offer less freedom. Some disguises are also more recognizable to enforcers than others.

7. Can I use disguises to lure out targets?

Yes, disguises can sometimes be used to lure targets. If you are disguised as a character that the target would normally approach, you can use this to your advantage.

8. What is the best disguise in the game?

There is no single “best” disguise. The effectiveness of a disguise depends on the situation and your objectives. Experimenting with different disguises is key to mastering the game.

9. Do guards react differently to different disguises?

Yes, guards will react differently to different disguises. Enforcers will always scrutinize you when you are wearing their own or an equivalent type of disguise, whereas non-enforcers may not pay any special attention.

10. Can I switch back to my suit in the middle of a level?

No, you cannot switch back to your suit once you have changed disguises unless you return to the exact spot where you initially changed.

11. Does the game punish me for being spotted in a disguise?

The game does not punish you directly for being spotted. However, being spotted in a disguise increases your risk of being discovered and could lead to a failed mission.

12. Can I get spotted if I’m using my Instinct ability?

Yes, using your Instinct ability in a restricted area or near enforcers can still lead to being spotted and having your disguise compromised. You have to be strategic with both your Instinct and Disguise.

13. How do I get the special DLC disguises?

The four additional DLC disguises can be acquired through specific downloadable content packs, which are sometimes available to purchase as a set or individually.

14. Does my disguise affect my ability to use weapons?

Using weapons or other abilities within view of other NPCs will most likely result in your disguise being compromised. Use weapons only when you are alone.

15. Is Hitman: Absolution a good game in the Hitman series?

Hitman: Absolution is often a point of debate among fans of the series. Some praise it for its more focused storyline and unique stealth gameplay elements, while others criticize its linearity and deviations from core Hitman gameplay mechanics. However, it remains a popular game, with a positive user review rating, even today.