Hitman 3 Walkthrough — Start to Endgame

Hitman 3 (now called Hitman: World of Assassination) is the culmination of IO Interactive's trilogy of sandbox assassination games. Each level is a massive, densely packed environment with hundreds of NPCs, multiple target kill methods, and near-infinite replayability. The disguise system lets you impersonate anyone whose outfit you acquire, and Mission Stories guide you through elaborate assassination setups. With all three games' levels available in one package, there are over 20 sandbox maps to master. The game rewards creative problem-solving and patient observation.

This walkthrough takes you from your first session to endgame content. Each phase has specific goals, priorities, and milestones. Follow this path to avoid common traps that stall most players.

Quick Progression Summary

Phase 1: Getting Started — Dubai (On Top of the World)

A towering skyscraper during its inauguration ceremony. Two targets mingle among VIP guests on the upper floors. Verticality defines this map — parachute exits, window washing platforms, and penthouse access. The Art Installation assassination is a standout Mission Story.

Level/Difficulty: Mission 1 Key Rewards: Story introduction, Mastery unlocks, guided Mission Stories for learning

What to Do in Dubai (On Top of the World)

1. Learn sandbox assassination. Each map contains 2-3 targets with dozens of kill methods: poison their drink, sabotage their equipment, push them off a balcony, disguise as their doctor and inject them. Spend your first session getting comfortable with this.
2. Pick Suit Only Runner as your starting role. It's the most forgiving option.
3. Lethal poison in food or drink is always classified as an accident kill — targets eat/drink, collapse, and no one suspects foul play. Silent Assassin guaranteed.
4. Acquire your first weapons upgrade — Fiber Wire or whatever's available.
5. Clear all main content before moving on.

Phase 1 Checklist

• Understand sandbox assassination fundamentals
• Suit Only Runner selected and functional
• Dubai (On Top of the World) main content cleared
• Ready for Dartmoor (Death in the Family)

Phase 2: Early Game — Dartmoor (Death in the Family)

A sprawling English manor where one target hosts a family gathering. Contains a unique murder mystery side mission where 47 disguises as a detective and solves a separate killing. Widely considered the best level in the trilogy.

Level/Difficulty: Mission 2 Key Rewards: Detective disguise storyline, manor exploration, multiple unique kills

What to Do in Dartmoor (Death in the Family)

1. Work on disguise system. Knock out or eliminate any NPC to take their outfit. This system becomes critical from here on.
2. Farm for Fiber Wire if you haven't already. It's the key upgrade for this phase.
3. The Sieker dart causes vomiting — shoot a target, follow them to the bathroom, Fiber Wire them alone. This works on almost every target in the game.
4. Complete all objectives before pushing to Berlin (Apex Predator).
5. Consider whether Silent Assassin might suit your playstyle better than Suit Only Runner.

Phase 2 Checklist

• disguise system integrated into gameplay
• Fiber Wire acquired
• Dartmoor (Death in the Family) fully cleared
• Ready for Berlin (Apex Predator)

Phase 3: Mid Game — Berlin (Apex Predator)

A nightclub rave where 47 must identify and eliminate ICA agents hunting him. Unique because you choose which 5 of 11 agents to kill, and there are no Mission Stories — pure sandbox. The techno soundtrack and industrial setting are iconic.

Level/Difficulty: Mission 3 Key Rewards: Freeform target selection, club atmosphere, advanced sandbox gameplay

What to Do in Berlin (Apex Predator)

1. Master mission stories. Guided assassination opportunities that set up elaborate kills. This unlocks a new layer of gameplay.
2. Start working toward Silverballer Pistol. It's the best weapon and becomes accessible around now.
3. Briefcases can carry any illegal item through frisking checkpoints. Put your sniper rifle or explosive in a briefcase and walk past guards.
4. This area is the main skill check. If you can clear it, you're ready for late game.
5. Start investing in mastery progression for the tactical depth you'll need going forward.

Phase 3 Checklist

• mission stories mastered
• Silverballer Pistol acquired or in progress
• Berlin (Apex Predator) fully cleared
• Ready for Chongqing (End of an Era)

Phase 4: Late Game — Chongqing (End of an Era)

A rain-soaked Chinese city with a secret underground data facility. Two targets in very different environments — one in the neon-lit streets above, one in the sterile lab below. The Homeless Man disguise provides surprising access.

Level/Difficulty: Mission 4 Key Rewards: Dual-environment design, underground facility infiltration, rain atmosphere

What to Do in Chongqing (End of an Era)

1. Finalize your build. You should be running Silent Assassin or Suit Only Runner with optimized gear.
2. Silverballer Pistol should be your primary. If you don't have it yet, prioritize getting it.
3. Throwing a coin creates a noise distraction. Throw one near a guard's patrol route to lure them away from doors, targets, or cameras for 10 seconds.
4. escalation contracts optimization starts here. Small improvements compound into massive advantages.
5. Farm this area for the resources needed to push into Mendoza (The Farewell).

Phase 4 Checklist

• Build fully optimized
• Silverballer Pistol upgraded to max
• Chongqing (End of an Era) fully cleared
• Ready for Mendoza (The Farewell)

Phase 5: Endgame — Mendoza (The Farewell)

An Argentine vineyard and villa hosting a wine-tasting gala. The largest Hitman 3 map with outdoor vineyards, underground wine caves, and a luxurious villa. Diana Burnwood appears as an NPC, adding story weight to every decision.

Level/Difficulty: Mission 5 Key Rewards: Largest map, wine-tasting poison opportunities, Diana story beats

What to Do in Mendoza (The Farewell)

1. Mendoza (The Farewell) tests everything. Come prepared with your best build and gear.
2. Emetic rat poison (found in most maps) can be placed in drinks or food. Non-lethal but isolates the target in a bathroom for a private kill.
3. The endgame loop: run Mendoza (The Farewell), optimize gear, push harder content.
4. Experiment with Chaos Agent for a fresh take once you've mastered the standard builds.
5. This is where escalation contracts mastery separates good players from great ones.

Phase 5 Checklist

• Endgame content on farm
• Best-in-slot gear acquired
• Mendoza (The Farewell) fully cleared
• Ready for challenge content

Common Progression Mistakes

• Rushing through levels instead of observing NPC patrol patterns — Hitman rewards patience, and most failed runs result from impatience.
• Killing non-target NPCs unnecessarily — each non-target kill reduces your score and voids Silent Assassin. Subdue and hide instead.
• Ignoring Mission Stories on first playthrough — they're designed to teach you how each map works and showcase creative kill methods.
• Not saving before risky actions — the manual save system exists specifically for experimentation. Quicksave before trying anything novel.
• Carrying illegal items (weapons, poison) while disguised as civilian staff — guards frisk you at checkpoints and will find prohibited items.

Key Tips for Smooth Progression

1. Lethal poison in food or drink is always classified as an accident kill — targets eat/drink, collapse, and no one suspects foul play. Silent Assassin guaranteed.
2. The Sieker dart causes vomiting — shoot a target, follow them to the bathroom, Fiber Wire them alone. This works on almost every target in the game.
3. Briefcases can carry any illegal item through frisking checkpoints. Put your sniper rifle or explosive in a briefcase and walk past guards.
4. Throwing a coin creates a noise distraction. Throw one near a guard's patrol route to lure them away from doors, targets, or cameras for 10 seconds.
5. Emetic rat poison (found in most maps) can be placed in drinks or food. Non-lethal but isolates the target in a bathroom for a private kill.

For detailed build optimization, see Hitman 3 builds. For quick wins, check tips & tricks.