Skip to Content

Do You Need To Play Previous Hitman Games Before Hitman 3?

Do You Need To Play Previous Hitman Games Before Hitman 3?

Hitman 3 is the latest game in the Hitman trilogy. This game series follows the story of Agent 47. an exceptionally skilled assassin known for his skill and ability to hide in plain sight. If you’re thinking of picking up Hitman 3, you might wonder if you need to play the previous games.

You do not need to play the previous games to play Hitman 3. The third game in the trilogy provides a short recap of all the significant events of the earlier games. So playing through the others is not necessary.

The Hitman franchise is one of the most successful and long-running video game series ever. The character of Agent 47 is legendary, and the story of the trilogy is quite interesting as well. If you wish to learn more about this series then continue reading this article!

Related: How to get a Sniper Rifle in Hitman 3 (3 Ways)

Should I Play the Other Hitman Games Before Hitman 3?

In-game Screenshot - Hitman 3
In-game Screenshot – Hitman 3

The Hitman franchise has had many releases, with some of them being exceptional games that stand the test of time to others being far less popular. Recently, however, the story of the Hitman series had been rebooted. This gave rise to the Hitman Reboot Trilogy. The first game was released in 2016.

However, despite this brand new series story, you do not need to play Hitman (2016) or Hitman 2 (2018) to understand the events in Hitman 3 (2021). There are a few reasons for this, but the main reason is that Hitman 3 provides a brief recap of both the previous games when you start the third game in the installment.

This recap doesn’t just go over all of the significant events that occurred in the previous two games. But additionally provides information about all of the major characters that featured heavily in the previous games. This completely catches new or returning players up with the story, and you can enjoy the third installment to the fullest.

Finally, the story of the Hitman franchise has never been too complicated. The games have always had a straightforward plot that allowed them to explain why Agent 47 had to make the next few kills. And if I’m being completely honest that’s good enough for most of us.

Related: Hogwarts Legacy Crucio Quest Not Showing Up (Here’s Why)

Hitman Trilogy Story Summary

If you feel convinced that you do not need to play the previous games. But want to have a bare-bones idea of the prior games before you start the third. Then we’ve got you covered because in this section we’ll discuss the story of the prior 2 games. And essentially give you a run down of all that transpired and has led to the third installment of the trilogy.

Hitman (2016)

Promotional Image - Hitman (2016)
Promotional Image – Hitman (2016)

The first game of the rebooted Hitman franchise. It was released in 2016 and if you wish to know a little bit about its story then I’ll discuss it in this section. In the game, Agent 47, is an assassin working for the ICA. The ICA is a secretive organization that carries out high-profile assassinations.

As Agent 47 you take on various targets with varying security. However, there seems to be a pattern to these killings, and the last leads to the next. As you draw close to the last main mission, you uncover a web that links all the targets together. Someone has been manipulating you for their own goals.

It is at this realization that the original game ends.

Related: Is Hitman 2 Worth It?

Hitman 2 (2018)

Hitman 2 Trailer Thumbnail
Hitman 2 Trailer Thumbnail

The second game’s story picks up right after the conclusion of the first. Agent 47 and his handler, Dianna, are on the hunt for their mystery client who had been providing them with manipulated targets to be killed. We find out about the entity called Providence.

The Providence is a group of the most powerful people in the world. The mystery client is revealed to be a former ICA agent, who is standing against Providence. By the end of the game, the group has captured the Leader of Providence and has established plans to take the organization down internally.

The third game will follow the aftermath and the execution of the plans drafted by the former ICA member, Aget 47 and Dianna.


If you’re hoping that you don’t have to play the other Hitman games to play Hitman 3. Then you’re in luck because you simply do not have to. The game’s storyline is pretty straightforward. And even the small recap at the start of the game tells you everything that you need to know.

If you still find trouble understanding the story. Then I hope my little summary helped you in getting a clearer picture. Especially if you plan on starting Hitman 3. For more articles about Hitman check out Game Voyagers. Stay vigilant, Agent 47!