All Hitman Games, Ranked

Hitman is a cornerstone of assassination games. In this post, we have ranked each Hitman game from least to best.

Agent 47, the ruthless assassin (Image via IO Interactive A/S)
Agent 47, the ruthless hitman (Image via IO Interactive A/S)

The Hitman series has been a massive part of stealth gaming for more than twenty years, allowing players to experience the excitement of becoming the iconic assassin, Agent 47. Since its launch with Hitman: Codename 47 in 2000, the franchise has undergone a significant amount of change, enhancing its stealth mechanics, level design, and narrative depth.

Each installment has introduced fresh elements of assassination, evolving from the earlier experimental games to the latest World of Assassination trilogy. With so many outstanding titles, which ones are the best for you to play? Let’s explore the Hitman games, ranked from least to best.

5) Hitman: Codename 47

The oldest of the Hitman franchise (Image via IO Interactive A/S)
The oldest of the Hitman franchise (Image via IO Interactive A/S)

The game that started it all but didn’t age well. Codename 47 had key stealth elements like disguises, fiber wire assassinations, and multiple approaches to taking down targets. However, the clunky AI, lack of a save system, and brutal trial-and-error mechanics make it a frustrating experience today. It’s an important piece of gaming history, but only hardcore fans will have the patience to play through it now. Despite its rank, it laid the groundwork for one of gaming’s most beloved stealth franchises.

4) Hitman: Absolution

This Hitman game took a different approach (Image via IO Interactive A/S)
This Hitman game took a different approach (Image via IO Interactive A/S)

Absolution tried to take the Hitman franchise in a more cinematic direction, introducing linear levels, a cover system, and scripted set pieces. While it wasn’t a bad game in itself, it abandoned many of the series’ signature elements. The point-based system discouraged experimentation, and many levels felt like action sequences rather than assassination sandboxes. Still, some missions like King of Chinatown gave a glimpse of the classic Hitman formula. It remains the most restrictive game in the franchise, with fans either appreciating its narrative or grieving over its lack of freedom.

3) Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

It was good, just not the best (Image via IO Interactive A/S)
It was good, just not the best (Image via IO Interactive A/S)

The first true Hitman game in terms of stealth mechanics, Silent Assassin refined the core formula, introducing the rating system and rewarding true silent playstyles. Missions like Anathema and Basement Killing are classics, but the AI and controls are still stiff by modern standards. While revolutionary at the time, it’s more of a stepping stone to later, better games. It marked the moment Hitman became a proper stealth series, but it needed a few more refinements to become truly legendary.

2) Hitman: Blood Money

Blood Money had it right, yet something felt amiss (Image via IO Interactive A/S)
Blood Money had it right, yet something felt amiss (Image via IO Interactive A/S)

For many, Blood Money is the definitive Hitman game, and for good reason. It introduced accidental kills, the notoriety system, and improved AI, making each assassination feel more natural. Levels like A New Life and Curtains Down are some of the most beloved in the franchise. However, while still a fantastic game, its clunky movement and AI make it feel slightly dated compared to modern entries.

Despite that, its open-ended design and creative kill opportunities ensure its place among the greats. This game had it all nailed down perfectly, yet it doesn’t compare to the latest title. And that is why Blood Money is not ranked the best Hitman game.

1) Hitman World of Assassination

Truly the best Hitman game ever made (Image via IO Interactive A/S)
Truly the best Hitman game ever made (Image via IO Interactive A/S)

Originally Hitman 3, World of Assassination combined all three modern games into a single, massive sandbox. With every mission from Hitman (2016), Hitman 2, and Hitman 3 in one package, this is the ultimate way to experience modern Hitman. It also gives the player the freedom to carry out missions any way they want, giving them the ultimate replayability experience.

The addition of Freelancer mode pushed its replayability even further, ensuring that no two assassination runs are ever the same. If you want the definitive Hitman experience, this is it—nothing else comes close. Therefore, all of these qualities make this title rank the highest among all the Hitman games.


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