Combining Hitman 1 and 3: A Master Assassin’s Guide

The definitive way to combine Hitman 1 and 3 is through the Access Pass system within Hitman 3, which has been rebranded as Hitman World of Assassination. If you own Hitman 3 or Hitman World of Assassination, you should automatically have access to the Hitman 1 levels, assuming you previously owned Hitman 1 and properly unlocked the Legacy Pack. The key is to ensure you’ve acquired the appropriate Access Passes. This essentially turns Hitman 3 into a central hub for the entire World of Assassination trilogy, allowing you to play all locations from all three games within a single game client.

Unlocking the World of Assassination: Access Passes Explained

The transition from separate games to the unified Hitman World of Assassination was a pivotal moment for the franchise. It streamlined the experience, removing the need to switch between games and manage multiple installations. The Access Pass system is the bridge that connects your previous purchases to this unified platform.

Access Pass Acquisition: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Automatic Upgrade (If Applicable): If you owned Hitman 3 before the World of Assassination update, you should have automatically received the upgrade. This upgrade includes access to Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 content, provided you owned them previously.

2. Check Your Game Library: Verify that you own Hitman 1 either digitally or on disc. If you own it digitally, the Access Pass should be automatically granted. If you own it on disc, you might need to redeem a code or unlock the Legacy Pack as mentioned below.

3. Hitman 2 as a Bridge (If Necessary): If you originally owned Hitman 1 on disc, you may have to import it into Hitman 2 first by redeeming the Legacy Pack. This essentially verifies your ownership and transfers the entitlement to Hitman 3.

4. Claiming Access Passes in the Store: In Hitman 3, navigate to the in-game store. Look for the Hitman 1 GOTY Access Pass. If you owned Hitman 1, this should be available for free. Claim it.

5. Downloading Content: After claiming the Access Pass, the Hitman 1 levels will be available for download within Hitman 3. Ensure you have sufficient storage space.

Troubleshooting Common Access Pass Issues

Sometimes, the Access Pass system can be a bit finicky. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Access Pass Not Appearing as Free: This usually occurs if the game doesn’t recognize your ownership of Hitman 1. Ensure you’re logged into the correct account on the platform where you own the game. Restarting the game or platform can sometimes resolve the issue.

• Inability to Download Levels: Check your internet connection. Also, verify that you have enough storage space on your hard drive. Corrupted game files can also prevent downloads; try verifying the integrity of the game files through your platform’s launcher (e.g., Steam, Epic Games Store).

• Disc Ownership Verification: If you own Hitman 1 on disc and haven’t imported it into Hitman 2, this is likely the cause. Follow the in-game prompts in Hitman 1 to unlock the Legacy Pack in Hitman 2, which will then unlock the Access Pass in Hitman 3.

Why Combine? The Benefits of a Unified Experience

Combining Hitman 1 and Hitman 3 (through the World of Assassination) offers several compelling benefits:

• Unified Progression: All your progress, unlocks, and achievements are consolidated into a single game. This eliminates the need to grind through multiple games to access your favorite weapons and gear.

• Improved Graphics and Performance: Playing Hitman 1 levels within Hitman 3 leverages the latter’s enhanced engine, resulting in improved visuals, smoother performance, and potentially shorter loading times.

• Streamlined Experience: Having all the levels in one place simplifies the overall gaming experience. No more switching between games; everything is accessible from a single menu.

• Complete Story Arc: Playing through all the levels in chronological order allows you to fully appreciate the narrative arc of the World of Assassination trilogy. Understanding the characters’ motivations and the unfolding plot is much easier when everything is seamlessly integrated.

FAQs: Mastering the World of Assassination

1. Do I need to keep Hitman 1 or 2 installed to play their levels in Hitman 3?

No. Once you’ve claimed the Access Passes and downloaded the content within Hitman 3, you can uninstall Hitman 1 and Hitman 2. The levels are included within the Hitman 3 installation.

2. What if I own Hitman 1 and 2 on different platforms? Can I still play them in Hitman 3 on one platform?

This depends on the platform’s ecosystem. Generally, Access Passes are tied to the platform on which you own the games. So, if you own Hitman 1 on PlayStation and Hitman 2 on PC, you’ll need to claim the respective Access Passes on each platform and play Hitman 3 on those platforms to access the content. Cross-platform entitlements are generally not supported.

3. I bought Hitman 3 after the World of Assassination update. Do I automatically get Hitman 1 and 2?

Yes, if you purchased Hitman 3 after the World of Assassination update, you essentially purchased the entire trilogy. You should have access to Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 content without needing to purchase separate Access Passes.

4. Can I transfer my progress from Hitman 2 to Hitman 3?

Yes, you can perform a one-time carryover of your progress from Hitman 2 to Hitman 3. To do so, go to the official IOI website for progress carryover and follow the instructions. You’ll need to link your accounts to your IOI account.

5. Why is Hitman 1 content showing as locked in Hitman 3, even though I own Hitman 1?

Ensure you’ve claimed the Hitman 1 GOTY Access Pass in the Hitman 3 in-game store. Also, verify that you’re logged into the correct account on the platform where you own Hitman 1.

6. Is the Hitman Trilogy (including 1, 2, and 3) available on Xbox Game Pass?

Yes, the Hitman Trilogy has been available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easier than ever to experience the entire World of Assassination. However, its availability on Game Pass might vary depending on the region and current agreements.

7. What’s the best order to play the Hitman games for the story?

The best order is Hitman (2016), then Hitman 2, and finally Hitman 3 (World of Assassination). This allows you to experience the narrative as intended by the developers.

8. Can I play Hitman 1 levels with Hitman 3 graphics?

Yes. Playing Hitman 1 levels within Hitman 3 utilizes the Hitman 3 engine, providing improved graphics and performance compared to playing the original Hitman 1.

9. What is the Legacy Pack?

The Legacy Pack is essentially a compatibility pack that allows you to play Hitman 1 levels within Hitman 2. It’s often a necessary step for owners of physical copies of Hitman 1 to then gain access to the content in Hitman 3.

10. I’m new to the Hitman series. Should I start with Hitman 1, 2, or 3?

It’s recommended to start with Hitman (2016). This will introduce you to the gameplay mechanics, the story, and the characters in a logical progression.

11. Why did Hitman leave Steam for a while?

The decision to delist Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 as standalone titles was part of IO Interactive’s strategy to unify the experience under Hitman 3 (World of Assassination). The goal was to streamline the franchise and offer a single entry point.

12. Is Hitman World of Assassination the last Hitman game?

No. IO Interactive has confirmed that they will be making additional Hitman games in the future, although Hitman 3 (World of Assassination) concludes the World of Assassination trilogy.

13. I have a disc copy of Hitman 2. What do I need to do to play those levels in Hitman 3?

Ensure you’ve redeemed any codes included with your disc copy to unlock the Hitman 2 Access Pass. Once redeemed, you can download the Hitman 2 levels within Hitman 3.

14. Why is Hitman 3 much smaller in file size than Hitman 2?

Hitman 3 utilizes more efficient compression techniques, such as LZ4 compression, which significantly reduces the game’s file size without sacrificing visual quality.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and the educational aspects of gaming?

You can find valuable resources and information about game design and the impact of games on learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to get information on the educational side of gaming.

By following these steps and addressing these FAQs, you should be well on your way to seamlessly combining Hitman 1 and 3 and experiencing the complete World of Assassination trilogy in all its glory. Now, go forth and execute those contracts, Agent 47!

This unification of the Hitman experience, while initially confusing for some, ultimately benefits players by providing a centralized platform for all their assassinating needs.