The Deadly Art of Assassination: What Poison Kills in Hitman?

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The Hitman franchise is renowned for its intricate level design, diverse gameplay options, and the freedom it gives players to eliminate targets in creative and often darkly humorous ways. Among Agent 47’s tools of the trade, poison stands out as a particularly effective and subtle method. So, what poison actually kills in Hitman? The answer is straightforward: Lethal poison is the type of poison that directly results in the death of a target within the World of Assassination trilogy (and earlier installments). While other types of poison exist, like emetic and sedative poisons, only the lethal variety leads to a fatal outcome. Importantly, using lethal poison is considered an accident kill, preserving the coveted Silent Assassin rating, provided the body isn’t discovered before it can be considered an accident.

Understanding Poison Types in Hitman

While lethal poison is the only type that kills outright, understanding the different types of poison is crucial for mastering the art of assassination. Here’s a breakdown:

Lethal Poison: The Silent Killer

• Function: This type of poison, as the name implies, is designed to kill. When a target ingests it, they will eventually succumb to its effects, resulting in their death.
• Accident Kill: Crucially, deaths caused by lethal poison are classified as accidents. This means that even if the target’s body is discovered, the player’s Silent Assassin rating will not be compromised, as long as the circumstances surrounding the death appear accidental. This allows for a clean and efficient kill.
• Administration: Lethal poison can be administered in various ways, including:
  • Syringes: Injecting the target directly.
  • Food and Drinks: Adding it to their meals or beverages.
  • Other Means: Some missions offer unique opportunities to poison targets in specific ways.

Emetic Poison: The Distraction Tool

• Function: Emetic poison induces nausea and vomiting in the target. It does not kill.
• Tactical Advantage: The primary purpose of emetic poison is to create a distraction. When a target is affected by emetic poison, they will seek out the nearest restroom, providing Agent 47 with an opportunity to isolate them, subdue them, or even administer lethal poison.
• Duration: The effects of emetic poison typically last for about a minute, followed by a short period where the target recovers.
• Agent 47 Immunity: Agent 47 is immune to the effects of emetic poison, a handy trait for navigating areas where it may be present.

Sedative Poison: The Subduing Agent

• Function: Sedative poison renders the target unconscious. It does not kill.
• Tactical Advantage: Similar to emetic poison, sedative poison is useful for incapacitating targets without causing immediate death. This can be helpful for completing specific objectives or creating opportunities for other elimination methods.
• Subdual Opportunity: Once unconscious, the target can be subdued, their disguise stolen, or moved to a more discreet location.
• Less Common: Sedative poisons are less commonly found in the World of Assassination trilogy compared to lethal and emetic poisons.

Mastering the Art of Poisoning

Successfully using poison in Hitman requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips:

• Observe Target Routines: Pay close attention to the target’s daily routine to identify opportunities to administer the poison. Note their preferred food, drinks, and resting places.
• Find and Acquire Poison: Explore the environment thoroughly to locate poison vials or other means of administering poison.
• Avoid Detection: Be extremely cautious when poisoning food or drinks. NPCs are suspicious of anyone tampering with consumables, and being seen can compromise your mission.
• Use Disguises: Disguises can provide access to restricted areas and make it easier to approach targets without raising suspicion.
• Exploit Environmental Opportunities: Use the environment to your advantage. For example, tampering with a target’s favorite drink or meal can provide a perfect opportunity to administer poison.
• Dispose of Bodies: While lethal poison kills are considered accidents, it is still important to dispose of bodies discreetly to avoid raising alarms. A good approach after emetic poison forces a target to the bathroom is to drown the incapacitated individual in the toilet.
• Timing is Key: Time the administration of the poison carefully to ensure that the target is alone and that there are no witnesses.

Poison is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled assassin. By understanding the different types of poison and mastering the art of administering them, players can achieve the ultimate goal: eliminating their targets silently and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Poison in Hitman

1. Does emetic poison kill in Hitman? No, emetic poison does not kill in Hitman. It only induces nausea and vomiting, causing the target to seek out a restroom.

2. Is poison an accident kill in Hitman 3? Yes, a kill by lethal poison in Hitman 3 (and the World of Assassination trilogy in general) is considered an accident.

3. How do you poison food in Hitman? Approach the food item, ensure the prompt appears, and press the appropriate button (usually R1 on PlayStation or RB on Xbox) to administer the poison. Be discreet to avoid detection.

4. Does emetic poison wear off in Hitman? Yes, the effects of emetic poison typically last for about one minute, followed by a short recovery period.

5. What does emetic poison do? Emetic poison causes the target to experience nausea and vomiting, prompting them to seek out a restroom.

6. How long does poison last in Hitman? Emetic poison lasts for approximately one minute followed by a short recovery period. The effect of lethal poison is more prolonged, eventually leading to death.

7. How do you poison Alexa Carlisle in Hitman 3: Dartmoor? One method involves repairing Emma’s Distillation Kit with a Wrench (found near the fountain) and letting her create a lethal poison. You can then spike a drink that Alexa will consume.

8. Is the rat poison lethal in HITMAN? No, rat poison in Hitman is not lethal. It’s emetic, causing the target to become sick.

9. Does poison kill in Hitman 2? Only lethal poison kills in Hitman 2. The outcome is classified as an accident kill.

10. Does rat poison kill in Hitman 3? No, rat poison in Hitman 3 is also emetic, not lethal.

11. Is drowning in a toilet an accident in Hitman? Yes, drowning a target in a toilet after they have been affected by emetic poison is generally considered an accident kill.

12. Is Agent 47 immune to poison? Agent 47 is immune to emetic poison.

13. Can you poison the wine in Hitman 3: Paris (The Showstopper)? Yes, there are multiple glasses of red wine in the bar area that can be poisoned.

14. Who poisoned Alexa Carlisle in Hitman 3: Dartmoor? Emma Carlisle, Alexa’s daughter-in-law, is the one who administers the lethal poison, should the player allow her to complete that action.

15. Which glass do you poison to kill Knight in Hitman: Miami? Poison the left glass, as that is the glass Knight will drink from. Be careful and do it when no one is looking.

The Hitman series offers a complex and rewarding experience for players who enjoy stealth and strategic gameplay. The use of poison adds another layer of depth, allowing for creative and often darkly humorous assassinations. The tactical elements of the game are something that educators are increasingly implementing into their educational approaches, to allow the students to be more engaged. More can be read about such approaches at GamesLearningSociety.org.