Is Hitman 1 Included in Hitman 3? The Definitive Answer & Comprehensive FAQ
The short answer is yes, with caveats. Owning Hitman 1 (2016) allows you to play its missions within Hitman 3. However, the process isn’t automatic and requires understanding how IO Interactive structured access across the World of Assassination trilogy. It’s less about “included” and more about “importing” or “accessing” content from previous games. Let’s break down the specifics and tackle some common questions.
Understanding the World of Assassination Trilogy
The World of Assassination is the umbrella term for Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021). IO Interactive designed the trilogy with the intent for players to experience all three games within the latest installment. This means locations, story missions, and unlocks from the previous games can, in most cases, be accessed within Hitman 3.
This was a bold move, allowing players to experience the complete narrative and gameplay enhancements in one unified experience. Think of it as consolidating your Agent 47 adventures into a single, polished platform.
How to Access Hitman 1 Content in Hitman 3
The process varies slightly depending on the platform and whether you own a digital or physical copy of Hitman 1. Here’s a general overview:
- Digital Ownership (Same Platform): If you own Hitman 1 digitally on the same platform as your Hitman 3, the process is usually straightforward. You’ll typically find an option within Hitman 3’s menu to import or redeem the Hitman 1 Access Pass. This pass grants you access to the Hitman 1 levels.
- Digital Ownership (Different Platforms): Transferring between different platforms (e.g., from PlayStation to Xbox or PC) might require a bit more effort, and in some cases might not even be possible due to platform restrictions. Always check IO Interactive’s official website for the most up-to-date information and guides.
- Physical Ownership: If you own a physical copy of Hitman 1, you will generally need to redeem a code that came with the game or purchase the Hitman 1 Access Pass separately.
- Hitman 1 GOTY Edition: Owning the Hitman 1 Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition simplifies things, as the Access Pass will include all GOTY content.
- Free Starter Pack: Sometimes, a Hitman 1 Free Starter Pack is available. This allows you to try the ICA Facility missions. While not the full Hitman 1 experience, it can be a taste of what’s to come.
What If I Don’t Own Hitman 1?
If you don’t own Hitman 1, you can purchase the Hitman 1 Access Pass for Hitman 3 separately. This essentially unlocks all the Hitman 1 content within Hitman 3, allowing you to experience the entire trilogy even without having owned the original games. However, purchasing this way might sometimes be more expensive than buying Hitman 1 during a sale, so it’s always worth comparing prices.
Understanding Access Passes
Access Passes are the key to unlocking content from previous Hitman games within Hitman 3. These passes essentially verify that you own the content and grant you access to it within the new game engine. The specific name of the Access Pass will depend on which game’s content it unlocks (e.g., Hitman 1 Access Pass, Hitman 2 Access Pass).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to download Hitman 1 separately after getting the Access Pass?
No. You do not need to download Hitman 1 separately. The Access Pass unlocks the content within Hitman 3. All the levels are integrated into the Hitman 3 game engine.
Q2: What happens if I own Hitman 1 and Hitman 2, but not Hitman 3?
You will not be able to play Hitman 1 or Hitman 2 within the Hitman 3 environment. The Access Passes only work within Hitman 3. To experience the unified World of Assassination, you need to own Hitman 3.
Q3: Is the Hitman 1 Access Pass free if I already own Hitman 1?
In most cases, yes. If you own Hitman 1 digitally on the same platform as Hitman 3, you should be able to redeem the Access Pass for free. However, always check platform-specific instructions, as there might be occasional exceptions or temporary issues.
Q4: Can I transfer my progress from Hitman 1 to Hitman 3?
Yes, a one-time carryover process was available at the launch of Hitman 3. This allowed you to transfer your player profile, unlocks, and progress from Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 to Hitman 3. However, this process might not be available anymore, depending on the platform. Check IO Interactive’s support page for details.
Q5: What if I played Hitman 1 on PlayStation and now have Hitman 3 on Xbox? Can I still access the Hitman 1 content?
This is where things get tricky. Generally, transferring content between different platforms is not possible due to platform restrictions and licensing agreements. You will likely need to purchase the Hitman 1 Access Pass for the Xbox version of Hitman 3.
Q6: Does the Hitman 1 Access Pass include all the DLC and bonus missions from Hitman 1 GOTY Edition?
Yes, the Hitman 1 Access Pass typically includes all the content from the Hitman 1 Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition, including bonus missions and escalations.
Q7: How do I redeem the Hitman 1 Access Pass on PC (Steam/Epic Games Store)?
The redemption process varies slightly depending on which storefront you use. Generally, you’ll need to link your IO Interactive account to your platform account and then follow the instructions provided within Hitman 3’s menu or on IO Interactive’s website. The Epic Games Store and Steam both have methods for verifying your ownership.
Q8: Are there any graphical or gameplay enhancements to the Hitman 1 levels when played in Hitman 3?
Yes. Playing the Hitman 1 levels within Hitman 3 benefits from the graphical and gameplay improvements of the Hitman 3 engine. This includes better lighting, textures, and some gameplay tweaks. It provides a more consistent experience across the entire World of Assassination trilogy.
Q9: What if I purchased Hitman 1 on disc?
If you purchased Hitman 1 on disc, you’ll likely need to redeem a code that came with the game or purchase the Hitman 1 Access Pass separately. The disc itself doesn’t automatically grant access within Hitman 3.
Q10: I’m having trouble redeeming my Hitman 1 Access Pass. Where can I get help?
The best place to get help is IO Interactive’s official support website. They have detailed guides and FAQs on redeeming Access Passes and troubleshooting common issues. You can also check the forums for your specific platform for community support.
Q11: If I buy the Hitman World of Assassination bundle, does it include Hitman 1?
Yes, the Hitman World of Assassination bundle generally includes content from all three games, including Hitman 1. This is often the most cost-effective way to experience the entire trilogy.
Q12: Will my Hitman 1 save data transfer to Hitman 3?
The one-time carryover process allowed for progress to be transferred. However, this process might not be available now. Check IO Interactive’s support page for current details.
Q13: Can I play Hitman 1 levels offline in Hitman 3?
The Hitman games, including Hitman 3, generally require an online connection for progression and some features. While you might be able to play some levels offline, you might miss out on certain challenges and unlocks.
Q14: Is there a discount on the Hitman 1 Access Pass if I already own Hitman 1?
Generally, you shouldn’t need to purchase the Access Pass if you already own Hitman 1 digitally on the same platform. However, if you need to purchase it (e.g., different platforms or physical copy), keep an eye out for sales and discounts on your platform’s store.
Q15: Where can I learn more about the design and learning opportunities presented within games like Hitman?
The world of gaming offers countless avenues for learning and skill development! I highly recommend checking out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games and education, offering valuable insights into how games can be used for learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Conclusion
Navigating the World of Assassination trilogy can seem a little complex at first, but the core principle is that Hitman 3 aims to be the central hub for experiencing all three games. Owning Hitman 1 grants you access to its levels within Hitman 3, but understanding the Access Pass system and platform-specific nuances is crucial for a smooth experience. Enjoy your journey as Agent 47!