InHitman 2, Agent 47 has a lot on his plate. In the second entry ofIO Interactive’s rebooted franchise, 47 embarks upon a quest to discover the identity of the enigmatic Shadow Client. Of course, there’s no shortage of shady individuals for him to dispatch along the way.

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Hitman 2gives players a large amount of creative freedom in how they approach their assassinations. The game isn’t terribly difficult, but there are a handful of cardinal rules that fans should keep in mind throughout a playthrough. For players wishing to take their skills to the next level, these tips should come in handy.

6Do A Practice Run & Study The Map

It’s only natural for fans to want to jump head-first into a game likeHitman 2. Each level incorporates a detailed sandbox where a wealth of opportunities and strategies await. At first, it can all seem a bit overwhelming. Furthermore, it will take some time for players to get the proper lay of the land.

One helpful strategy is to perform a practice run on any given level. Don’t worry about completing objectives orgoing straight for the target. Players, particularly beginners, should take their time to explore their surroundings. That way, fans can get a sense of where key objects/items are located, the location of the targets, hidden paths, escape routes, etc. Once players know the map, the actual work of assassination can begin properly by restarting the level.

Agent 47 sets a mechanic on fire using a red barrel on the Miami level of Hitman 2

5Replay Missions To Hone Your Skills

Missions in therebootedHitmantrilogyaren’t meant to be played only once. Each level contains a variety of methods to assassinate a target, some more difficult than others. Luckily, the game organizes this information quite well so players know what most of their options are before a run.

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The Global Innovation Race from the Miami level of Hitman 2. Racecars drive past crowds.

It’s highly recommended to complete missions multiple times, not only to gain experience points and Mastery levels but to hone one’s skills as well. Most Challenges incorporate some creative way to assassinate a target. Players can learn the nuances of the game fairly quickly by experimenting with different methods of assassination, thereby becoming more adaptable in the process. New starting locations, weapons, and items can also be progressively unlocked by replaying a level several times.

4Grab Disguises By Observing Patterns

Although “Suit-Only” runs are possible on any given map, grabbing a disguise is often the smarter (and easier) option. Nevertheless, disguises aren’t one-size-fits-all. Agent 47 will typically need to switch clothes to gain access to different areas of the map. As fans likely already know, getting the requisite disguise isn’t always a simple matter.

The game, however, does give options to observant players. Patience, unsurprisingly, is key. It’s highly useful to observe guard patrol patterns to see where their path takes them. They may stroll by a secluded spot where they can be knocked out with ease. In addition, static guards can sometimes be lured away from their posts by environmental distractions, which leads to the next point……

Hitman-Athena-Defenestration From Hitman 2

3Don’t Be Afraid To Cause Distractions

In a stealth game, it might strike players as counterintuitive tocause a ruckus and draw attentionto the protagonist. However, distractions can work wonders……assuming players are in a favorable position where they won’t be seen.Hitman 2is filled with objects that can be used as a distraction. Just be sure to stay out of sight when a guard investigates, then make your move!

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Hitman-Drown-in-Toilet From Hitman 2

When environmental disturbances fail to do the trick, there’s always Agent 47’s trusty Coin. In fact, experienced players can often “cheese” guards away from their posts by a well-timed coin flip. In short, there’s no such thing as beingtooobservant in aHitmangame.

2Leave The Firearms At Home…For Now

LongtimeHitmanfans know that Agent 47’ssignature weapons are his dual Silverballers. Using firearms inHitman 2is a viable strategy, to be sure. However, a lighter touch is often recommended, especially for newer players. In fact, many levels contain security checkpoints, complete with metal detectors, that will flag 47 as a threat if he’s carrying lethal weaponry.

Naturally, there are ways to get around these obstacles and still keep 47’s firearms. However, it’s usually a better idea to pack just the basic essentials:Lockpick, Fiber Wire, Poison, Coins, etc. Stealth items won’t trigger alarms, granting 47 a wider degree of movement. Once players have completed a particular mission as stealthily as possible a few times, breaking out the guns becomes a little easier in future runs.

Agent 47 aims using the ICA19 Silverballer pistol in the video game Hitman

1Consider Alternative Routes

InHitman 2, sometimes the most obvious route to the target is also the most dangerous. Agent 47 is effective because he (and the player by extension) thinks outside the box. There’s always more than one way to gain access to an area. The trick, of course, is finding them.

That’s why the first point on this list regarding exploration is so important. Traveling secret and unguarded routes is preferable. More specifically, look for opportunities to traverse the map vertically. Agent 47 is less likely to be spotted when progressing via rooftops, drain pipes, and elevator shafts. Taking the path less traveled can sometimes yield additional benefits, such as stumbling upon a security room where cameras can be disabled.

Hitman 2’s Agent 47 hangs from a ledge outside an old castle on Isle of Sgail

Hitman 2is currently available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Stadia.

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