Will Hitman 1 and 2 Be Free? The World of Assassination Explained
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Yes, in a sense, Hitman 1 and Hitman 2 became free for owners of Hitman 3 after January 26th, 2023. IO Interactive, the developer, implemented a significant change, rebranding Hitman 3 as Hitman: World of Assassination and including access to the base content from the first two games for existing Hitman 3 owners. However, it’s not as simple as just downloading Hitman 1 and 2 separately for free. Let’s delve into the details of how this works and what it means for players.
The Transition to Hitman: World of Assassination
The decision to rebrand and bundle the content was driven by a desire to streamline the player experience and address the fragmentation that existed across the trilogy. Previously, navigating the different versions and access passes could be confusing. By consolidating everything into a single package, IO Interactive aimed to make it easier for players to access and enjoy all the content.
The key takeaway is that if you owned Hitman 3 before January 26th, 2023, you received a free upgrade to Hitman: World of Assassination. This upgrade granted you access to the base game content from both Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) through the existing Access Pass system within Hitman: World of Assassination. This means you don’t download separate games; instead, the levels and missions from the first two games become playable within the Hitman: World of Assassination environment.
What’s Included and What’s Not
It’s crucial to understand exactly what’s included in this “free” access. You gain access to the base game campaigns of Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2. This means the core story missions and locations are available. However, DLC and expansion content from Hitman 2, such as the New York and Haven Island locations, are not included in the base upgrade.
To access this additional content, you need to purchase the Hitman World of Assassination Deluxe Pack. This pack includes the Hitman 2 Expansion Pass, along with other Hitman 3 Deluxe Pack content like the Deluxe Escalations and the Seven Deadly Sins collection. So, while the core content of Hitman 1 and 2 became accessible for free to existing Hitman 3 owners, the complete experience, including all DLC, still requires an additional purchase.
The Delisting of Hitman 1 and 2
As part of this transition, IO Interactive removed Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) as separate purchases from digital storefronts. This decision was a direct consequence of consolidating the content into Hitman: World of Assassination. The aim was to prevent further confusion and ensure that all new players purchased the unified package. If you previously owned Hitman (2016) or Hitman 2 (2018), you retained your ownership and could still access your games, but they were no longer available for new buyers as standalone products.
Benefits of the Change
This consolidation brought several benefits:
- Simplified purchasing: New players only need to buy Hitman: World of Assassination to access a vast amount of content.
- Streamlined experience: All content is accessible from a single game launcher, eliminating the need to switch between different games.
- Free upgrade for existing Hitman 3 owners: A significant bonus for players who had already invested in the latest installment.
- Unified progression: Progression and unlocks carry over across all the included content, creating a more cohesive experience.
However, there are also some potential downsides:
- DLC fragmentation: The need to purchase the Deluxe Pack to access all DLC content can be confusing for some players.
- Loss of standalone ownership: While existing owners retain access, the inability to purchase Hitman 1 and 2 separately might be disappointing for some.
Hitman: World of Assassination – A Comprehensive Package
Ultimately, the transition to Hitman: World of Assassination represented a significant shift in how IO Interactive approached the Hitman trilogy. By consolidating the content and offering a free upgrade to existing Hitman 3 owners, they created a more accessible and streamlined experience for players. While the DLC situation might require careful consideration, the overall package offers a tremendous amount of content for both new and existing fans of the series.
The implications of this strategy extend beyond just the Hitman franchise. It highlights the growing trend of games as a service, where developers focus on delivering a continuous stream of content and updates within a single, evolving platform. This approach allows for greater flexibility and potentially longer-term engagement with players. It’s a model we’re seeing more and more in the gaming industry, and the success of Hitman: World of Assassination could further solidify its appeal.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding Hitman 1, Hitman 2, and Hitman: World of Assassination:
Is Hitman 1 completely free for everyone now?
No. Hitman (2016) is not completely free for everyone. It was made available for free on the Epic Games Store for a limited time in the past. However, it is included in the Hitman: World of Assassination package, which is free for those who previously owned Hitman 3. New players will need to purchase Hitman: World of Assassination to access the content.
Can I still buy Hitman 1 and 2 separately?
No. As of January 26th, 2023, Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) are no longer available for purchase as standalone titles on digital storefronts. They are only accessible through Hitman: World of Assassination.
What happens if I already owned Hitman 1 and 2 before the change?
If you owned Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) before the transition, you retain your ownership. You can still access and play them, but they will now be accessed through the Hitman: World of Assassination launcher.
Do I need to own Hitman 3 to play Hitman 1 and 2?
Essentially, yes. To access the content from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) without owning them previously, you need to purchase Hitman: World of Assassination, which is essentially the rebranded Hitman 3 with the content of the first two games included.
Is all the DLC from Hitman 1 and 2 free as well?
No, only the base game content is free for Hitman 3 owners. DLC and expansion content, such as the New York and Haven Island locations from Hitman 2, require the purchase of the Hitman World of Assassination Deluxe Pack.
What is the Hitman World of Assassination Deluxe Pack?
The Hitman World of Assassination Deluxe Pack includes the Hitman 2 Expansion Pass (containing the New York and Haven Island locations), along with other Hitman 3 Deluxe Pack content, such as the Deluxe Escalations and the Seven Deadly Sins collection.
Why was Hitman 1 and 2 removed from stores?
The decision to remove Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) from stores was to simplify the purchasing process and avoid confusion. IO Interactive wanted to consolidate the entire trilogy into a single, unified package.
Is Hitman 3 now more expensive?
While the standalone Hitman 3 is no longer available, Hitman: World of Assassination has a price point. However, considering it includes the content of three games, many see it as offering greater value.
Will my progress from Hitman 1 and 2 carry over to Hitman: World of Assassination?
Yes, your progress from Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) should carry over to Hitman: World of Assassination, provided you are using the same IO Interactive account.
Can I still get a refund for Hitman 3 if I’m not happy with the changes?
Refund policies vary depending on the platform (e.g., Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store) and your purchase date. You should check the specific refund policy of the platform where you purchased the game.
Is Hitman: World of Assassination a subscription service?
No, Hitman: World of Assassination is not a subscription service. It is a one-time purchase that grants you access to the content of the entire trilogy.
What if I only want to play Hitman 1?
The only way to legitimately play Hitman (2016) now is through Hitman: World of Assassination. You cannot purchase it separately.
Is Hitman Go affected by these changes?
Yes, Hitman Go was delisted from storefronts and became inaccessible in January 2023, but it’s a completely separate game from the main Hitman trilogy and not related to the Hitman: World of Assassination changes.
Where can I find the Access Passes for Hitman 1 and 2 in Hitman: World of Assassination?
The Access Passes should be automatically applied to your account if you owned Hitman 3 before the change. If you encounter any issues, you may need to download and install the Access Passes through the in-game store or your platform’s store.
Is Hitman 2016 GOTY Edition free?
The Hitman 2016 GOTY Edition was offered for free for a limited time on the Epic Games Store. If you claimed it during that period, you own it. Otherwise, it is now only accessible via Hitman: World of Assassination.