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What Does Perfect Shooter Mean in Hitman? A Deep Dive into a Tricky Objective

The term “Perfect Shooter” in the context of Hitman, particularly within the Freelancer mode, refers to a specific objective that demands extreme precision and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. Simply put, a perfect shooter objective means that you must not miss a shot on a human target. Any bullet fired that doesn’t impact a human NPC will result in an instant mission failure. This seemingly simple rule carries significant weight, transforming how players approach engagements and making every trigger pull a calculated decision.

Understanding the Nuances of Perfect Shooter

The core challenge of the Perfect Shooter objective stems from the fact that it only accounts for shots hitting humans. The game’s sophisticated AI means that every environment contains a myriad of objects. Previously, even hitting inanimate objects like walls or, even worse, a discarded bottle, would lead to a failed objective. This initially led to a lot of frustration. Thankfully, developers implemented a small but significant tweak.

The Camera Exception

One of the most critical modifications to the Perfect Shooter objective is the exception made for security cameras and recorders. Initially, shooting cameras would also trigger a failure, making certain strategies very difficult to execute. This led to widespread confusion, as players were accustomed to disabling cameras with a well-placed shot. However, the updated rule allows you to shoot these devices without penalty, offering more flexibility in level navigation and target manipulation.

The Fine Line of Misses

The concept of a “miss” in Hitman is rather specific in the context of Perfect Shooter. A shot that hits a wall, a door, a piece of furniture, an object, a non-human entity, and even a security camera used to count as a miss. Now, only the non-human criteria applies for miss status, and only in cases of human target objectives. If you have an objective of shooting a certain object, such as a security camera, and you miss, that objective will fail, but not your human target “Perfect Shooter” objective.

This distinction forces players to be incredibly methodical in their actions. Rushing shots, relying on sprays, or attempting to clear a room by blindly firing becomes disastrously risky, as any stray bullet will lead to mission failure. Players need to be patient, utilize cover effectively, and aim with an acute level of precision.

Strategic Implications of the Perfect Shooter Objective

The Perfect Shooter objective is more than just a restriction; it is a challenge that encourages strategic gameplay. It pushes players to consider alternatives to direct confrontations and to use the environment to their advantage. Some of the ways players adapt to the Perfect Shooter objective include:

Close-Quarters Combat: Engaging targets at close range to ensure shots are accurate.
Environmental Kills: Using environmental hazards or objects to eliminate targets, reducing the need for direct shooting.
Disguises and Stealth: Relying more heavily on disguises and silent takedowns to avoid open conflict, where the risk of a stray bullet is heightened.
Distractions: Utilizing distractions to isolate targets and minimize the possibility of other characters being caught in the crossfire.
Non-Lethal Solutions: Employing non-lethal weapons or distractions to neutralize or isolate targets instead of using firearms, in instances where the Perfect Shooter objective is not the primary objective.

How Perfect Shooter Impacts Freelancer Mode

In the Freelancer mode, the Perfect Shooter objective often adds significant tension to the gameplay experience. Here are ways it impacts the mode:

Increased Risk: With all the risks associated with Freelancer already, Perfect Shooter adds a new level of risk. Failure means losing hard-earned gear and a portion of your funds.
Strategic Planning: You can’t just barge into a room guns blazing. Players must develop detailed plans for each mission, considering enemy placements and potential escape routes.
Weapon Selection: Players tend to favor accurate weapons, such as silenced pistols, over less precise options.
Adaptation: Players need to quickly adapt to unpredictable situations, as targets in Freelancer are randomly generated and often surrounded by crowds.

The Perfect Shooter objective is a testament to Hitman’s commitment to complexity and challenge. It tests players’ abilities to blend tactical planning, environmental awareness, and precise execution into a single cohesive style. It pushes players to move away from reckless behavior, towards more methodical and thoughtful solutions. It also introduces a level of tension that can turn a routine mission into a high-stakes affair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Perfect Shooter

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the nuances of the Perfect Shooter objective in Hitman:

1. What happens if I shoot an object that isn’t a person when attempting a perfect shooter objective?

If your shot hits an inanimate object, wall, door, or anything non-human, you will fail the objective. The exception is a security camera or recorder. These can be destroyed without penalty to the Perfect Shooter objective. This does not affect the object based mission if you miss your target object.

2. Does a dart gun shot count as a miss if I don’t hit a human?

Yes, a dart gun will count as a miss if it does not hit a human when the Perfect Shooter objective is active, and thus cause a failed mission objective. This includes dart gun shots that hit walls, objects, or the environment.

3. If I’m aiming for a target and hit an innocent bystander by mistake, will the mission fail?

Yes, absolutely. The Perfect Shooter objective is not just about hitting a target, but only hitting a target. Any stray bullet will trigger a failure. It’s not just “don’t miss,” it’s “only hit what you mean to hit,” and what you mean to hit must be a target.

4. Does a non-lethal shot still count as a shot for Perfect Shooter?

Yes. Whether the shot is lethal or non-lethal, if it is aimed at a human and hits, it counts. This means you can use non-lethal means of knocking out enemies without breaking the objective rules. However, be very careful to not hit anything you are not aiming for.

5. Is there any way to get around the Perfect Shooter objective other than not shooting?

No. The Perfect Shooter objective requires you to make only hits on human targets if you use a firearm. Therefore, you should rely on stealth, environmental kills, non-lethal solutions, and careful planning.

6. Are some weapons more suitable for a Perfect Shooter run?

Yes. Weapons with high accuracy, low recoil, and potentially a silencer are preferred for the Perfect Shooter objective. Silenced pistols, sniper rifles, and other accurate weapons can help mitigate the risk of stray bullets.

7. If I complete the mission objective, but failed a Perfect Shooter objective, do I still complete the mission?

No. The Perfect Shooter objective, when active, is a core part of the mission parameters. If you fail it, you automatically fail the mission overall and suffer the repercussions of mission failure.

8. Can I restart the mission if I fail a Perfect Shooter objective?

In Freelancer mode, you do not get the option to restart the mission. A mission failure means loss of gear, a penalty in Mercers, and having to start the campaign over.

9. Is the Perfect Shooter objective included in every Hitman level?

No. The Perfect Shooter objective is not active in the entire game. It is mostly a Freelancer mode objective. It can occasionally appear in Contracts mode, but not as often as it does in Freelancer.

10. Does the Perfect Shooter objective apply if the primary objective is to shoot an object, such as a surveillance camera?

No. While you can fail an objective to destroy a camera by missing it, if the Perfect Shooter objective is active, it only matters for shots meant for human targets. As long as your shots are accurate on your object objective, and on human targets, you’ll be fine.

11. What happens if I use a shotgun, which shoots multiple projectiles?

Shotguns are incredibly risky under a Perfect Shooter objective. Each projectile is counted independently. If a single projectile misses, it can lead to mission failure. Thus, they are not recommended in this mode.

12. What happens to my gear if I fail a perfect shooter mission?

If you fail a mission in Freelancer, you will lose all the weapons and gear you had brought with you on the mission and half of your Mercers.

13. Does the “do not get spotted” objective cancel out the perfect shooter objective?

No. A “do not get spotted” objective is completely separate from the perfect shooter objective. You can fail either one independently.

14. Do thrown weapons count towards the perfect shooter objective?

No. Thrown melee objects, like knives, do not count for or against the Perfect Shooter objective, as these are not classified as firearms.

15. How do you train your skills to achieve the perfect shooter objectives consistently?

Practice, patience, and planning are key. Use training maps to work on your accuracy, use the environment strategically, and consider all possible outcomes before you engage. Experience is the best teacher.

What does perfect shooter mean in Hitman?