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Ranking hitman games by difficulty: whatโ€™s your take?

Ranking Hitman Games | Difficulty Ratings Spark Debate Among Gamers

By

Tina Li

Jul 4, 2025, 02:46 PM

Edited By

Leo Zhang

3 minutes of duration

A collage of various Hitman game covers showcasing characters and settings from the franchise
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A lively conversation has emerged within gaming forums regarding the difficulty levels of the beloved Hitman series, with players sharing their personal rankings. Debate centers on how each game challenges players as fans argue over which iteration deserves the top spot. According to many, Hitman: World of Assassination stands out for its accessibility, igniting a mix of nostalgia and strategic advice among users.

Players Weigh In on the Hardest and Easiest Games

The recent discussion has shed light on the distinctive styles of the Hitman games. Players are ranking the series from easiest to hardest:

  1. Hitman: World of Assassination (WoA): Commonly seen as the easiest, players highlight its supportive features like mission stories and gadget access. One player noted, "Hitman WoA holds your hand, making it quite accessible."

  2. Hitman: Absolution: This installment is considered linear, offering fewer opportunities for creative gameplay. A commenter pointed out it isnโ€™t particularly challenging, stating, "only a couple difficult moments."

  3. Hitman: Blood Money: Seen as fair but rewarding players for clean kills. One fan claimed, "Blood Money is fun, but can be tough if youโ€™re sloppy."

  4. Hitman: Contracts: Similar to Blood Money but a bit more challenging due to its design.

  5. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin: Recognized for its tedious mechanics, the stealth features make it notably difficult. Players caution, "The final missions can be hell on higher difficulties."

  6. Hitman: Codename 47: Last among well-known titles, this game lacks the nuance in difficulty that fans recognize in others.

"In general, Hitman games have become easier over the years," remarked one player, emphasizing a widespread sentiment in the community.

Key Quotes Reflecting Player Sentiment

Comments reflect a mix of positive and negative sentiments about the game's evolution:

  • "The ideal level of difficulty is Blood Money or Contracts."

  • "If you turn off all the hand-holding in WoA, it's among the hardest."

  • "Silent Assassin is very hard due to poor stealth mechanics."

Summary of Insights

  • Easy to Hard Ranking: WoA, Blood Money, Absolution, Contracts, Silent Assassin, Codename 47.

  • Community Perspective: Majority feel recent games favor accessibility over challenge, impacting overall experience.

  • Challenge Levels: Players yearn for a balance where games remain difficult yet rewarding, pushing for a return to roots found in earlier titles like Blood Money.

The ongoing debate reveals not just individual preferences but a broader discussion on gameplay mechanics and the trends in game development over the years. Can the Hitman series navigate these shifting expectations in future releases? Time will tell.

Future Gaming Landscape

As the Hitman series continues to evolve, thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will shift focus toward balancing accessibility and challenge. Given the current player sentiment, experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that upcoming titles will prioritize gameplay complexity while also catering to newer fans. This could mean a return to roots for Hitman, perhaps reviving classic mechanics from earlier games, notably Blood Money, to satisfy veteran players. By integrating feedback from forums, developers might create adaptive difficulty settings that dynamically adjust to a playerโ€™s style, ensuring that both newcomers and veterans find a suitable challenge.

A Lesson from the World of Toys

In a way, this debate echoes the evolution of toys over the years, particularly with brands like Lego. In its early days, Lego offered simple bricks that encouraged creativity and complex builds. As time passed, the focus shifted toward themed sets that guided children through specific projects, often sacrificing open-ended play. However, Lego's recent return to simpler concepts shows a keen awareness of the balance needed to retain its loyal fanbase while engaging new users. Just as Lego reembraced creativity, the Hitman franchise might well rediscover the intricate balance between challenging gameplay and enjoyability that originally captured the hearts of players.