IO Interactive have detailed the game modes coming to Hitman 3, including the return of Elusive Targets and Contracts Mode [1, 2].
Along with the returning campaign mode acting as the conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy, the game will have Elusive Targets, Escalations, Contracts Mode, and Sniper Assassin- all returning modes.
Elusive Targets involves tracking down a target, with no aid from the HUD or Instinct. There will be changes made to the mode compared to prior games, to be revealed at a later date.
Escalations involves repeatedly killing the same target, but with additional challenges added each round. These include needing to wear a specific disguise, or extra security cameras to make detection more likely.
Contracts Mode allows players to choose their targets, and their own limitations. When completed, this challenge can then be shared online for others to try and compete on a leaderboard. Players can also search for challenges that meat their criteria to try. IO Interactive will also select Featured Contracts to showcase from the community.
Sniper Assassin is focused on long-range kills, without raising the alarm and completing other challenges to multiply your final score. These can be played in single player on Hitman 3 maps, as the Hitman 2 co-op servers are retired before the launch of Hitman 3. A timeline and multiplayer trophies will be discussed at a later date.
Finally, it was revealed that Ghost Mode (a 1v1 competitive mode) would not be returning in Hitman 3, and would have its servers in Hitman 2 shut down on August 31st, 2020. IO Interactive explain “we have learnt a hell of a lot from Ghost Mode over the last two years and we’ll be taking all of those learnings onboard for what we do in the future with regards to multiplayer.”
As a thanks to the fans who supported the mode, The Phantom Suit (which is unlocked in Ghost Mode) can still be unlocked in Hitman 3.
You can find the full rundown (via the official website) below.
HITMAN 3 is the dramatic conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy
Death Awaits
Agent 47 returns as a ruthless professional in HITMAN 3 for the most important contracts of his entire career. Embark on an intimate journey of darkness and hope in the dramatic conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy. Death awaits.
Play Your Way
Experience a globetrotting adventure and visit exotic locations that are meticulously detailed and packed full of creative opportunities. IOI’s award-winning Glacier technology powers HITMAN 3’s tactile and immersive game world to offer unparalleled player choice and replayability.
A World of Assassination
HITMAN 3 is the best place to play every game in the World of Assassination trilogy. All locations from HITMAN 1 and HITMAN 2 can be imported and played within HITMAN 3 at no additional cost for existing owners – plus progression from HITMAN 2 is directly carried over into HITMAN 3 at launch.
Play the entire World of Assassination trilogy in VR
Hitman 3 launches January 2021 for Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.