Animals are distinct NPCs that are exclusively non-human and organic in nature. Animals have been used since the dawn of civilisation by humans for a variety of needs. Several species of animals have appeared throughout the series, with varying degrees of importance in their role. Most animals have been included as a means of decoration and environment aesthetic.
The main animals to appear in the Hitman series are the Rat, and the Dog, which have features as; pests and vermin, and aptly as pets, guard dogs and invariable threats to life and/or stealth, respectively.
The Animal icon featured on the Contracts in-game map.
The inclusion of Animals in the games adds a level of realism to each levels overall aesthetic, and can also offer a new range of obstacles to overcome and plan for.
In Hitman: Contracts, Animals are denoted on the in-game map as a yellow filled circle, and a small protruding line (their direction of sight). Killed animals are not differentiated, and prior deceased animals are not represented.
Interactive Types
There are two different interactive types of animal NPC encountered throughout the series; Hostile and Non-Hostile. There are far fewer hostiles than non-hostile animals; hostiles mainly include the Dogs featured in Contracts, and two dogs featured in Hitman: Blood Money, all of which are larger breeds, although there is an exception to this.
List of Animals
The following is a list of animals that have appeared since the start of the series, and in which missions they are featured. Some also have their own pages, which are linked.
Dogs (Guard)
Featured initially in the Hitman: Codename 47 mission Plutonium Runs Loose, Dogs have also proved a significant and dangerous hurdle in the Contracts mission Beldingford Manor. Guard Dogs have the ability to see through any disguise 47 wears, barking and alerting their handlers. If released, they are able to quickly track 47 down, bite as an attack, and move very quickly in circles around the player. When encountered in a group, the dogs can quickly kill 47 before the player is able to react. Guard Dogs also appear in the mission Deadly Cargo, in the same game, but these are unable to leave their kennels. Their barks can still alert nearby guards, however.
Guard dogs make a minor return in Blood Money, this time with only one dog, and owned privately as pets, specifically for their provided security. The first can be encountered during A New Life, where the target, Vinnie Sinistra, keeps a lone Alsatian in a fenced off area of his garden. It can be fed a poisoned sausage, or shot with tranquiliser rounds from the Air Gun, if the player needs to sneak past it. Like previous guard dogs, this one will also bite and attack the player. Another Alsatian can be found in the mission Till Death Do Us Part, performing a very similar role. Both dogs can see through 47's disguises.
Dogs (Pets)
A Guard Dog, featured in Beldingford Manor.
Pet Dogs make an appearance in Blood Money, as well as Hitman: Absolution, and one is mentioned in World of Assassination. These dogs are generally smaller breeds than guard dogs. The first pet dog is encountered in You Better Watch Out... owned by the main target, Lorne DeHavilland. The second appears in Amendment XXV, as the pet of the First Lady of the United States. Both dogs are unable to attack 47, but will alert their owners, and possibly nearby guards, to 47's presence.
Pet dogs are reintroduced in Absolution, with the inclusion of Flash, a guard bulldog that appears in Hitman: Absolution. Flash first appears behind a closed off chain-linked fence in Shaving Lenny. If 47 approaches the fence in any way, Flash will bark at him. Doing so causes one of the scrapyard mechanics to approach Flash to see why he is barking. He will approach a total of 3-4 times giving the playing an ample amount of time to subdue them. If the player wants Flash to stop barking all they'd have to do is use the dog bone and throw it over the fence, with the dog remaining calm for the rest mission.
Ken Morgan, a target in the World of Assassination mission Club 27 was the owner of a dog. One of his plea lines also mentioned it, by the name of Pickles. After Morgan's death, Don and Valentina Yates adopted his dog, but it died shortly afterward after being run over by a grape picker.
Target Alma Reynard in the mission Nightcall owns a large and dangerous dog of unknown breed named Max. Its destructive behavior is referred to several times in NPC dialogue, although it does not actually appear at any point.
Rattus Norvegicus, the common Brown Rat.
Rats
The Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the common rat, street rat, sewer rat, wharf rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat and Norwegian rat, is a widespread species of common rat that lives near human settlements, most often in areas of waste and refuse. Rats are mostly social animals and are omnivorous. Despite their status, rats can be quite intelligence and resourceful. Rats featured in the series pose no threat to the player, but can be killed. The Rat is unique in that it is the only animal NPC whose body can be dragged after death. Rats can be encountered in Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Blood Money, HITMAN™ and HITMAN™ 2. Rats are often considered pests as they tend to survive off discarded food and refuse. They can be located along sewer tunnels and in areas of a weathered and dilapidated condition.
Horses
The Horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus. The Horse as an Animal NPC has only been featured in Contracts mission Beldingford Manor, where they make a minor appearance as fox-hunting horses inside the stables of the Manor. Like guard dogs, horses will react to 47's presence and the noise they make can alert the guards. This can be negated by wearing the Stable Boy outfit, at which point they will no longer react to 47's presence. The Horses can also be pacified by adding weed killer to their water filter.
Pigs
The pig (Sus domesticus) is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus Sus. Pigs make an appearance as domesticated farm animals, and partially wild boar.
Sharks
Sharks are a type of carnivorous and large fish that present a threat to most seabourne life. They appear in the Blood Money mission A Dance With The Devil, where it can be used, and fattened up, as a body disposal by throwing bodies over the shark tank rail. They do not have the ability to harm the player.
Birds (Avian)
Pigeons
The Pigeon (Columba livia domestica or Columba livia forma urbana), also called feral pigeons, city doves, city pigeons, or street pigeons, are descendants of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) that have returned to the wild. They are small predatory birds that are often seen as pests. They appear in Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Blood Money, Hitman: Sniper Challenge, Hitman: Absolution and HITMAN™.
Crows
The American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) is a large passerine bird species of the family Corvidae. It is a common bird found throughout much of North America. When in a group, Crows collectively referred to as a Murder; a pun that would be utilised as a Hitman: Blood Money mission title. Crows make a symbolic cutscene appearances in several Hitman games, chiefly Blood Money. The Franchise-used assassination group "The Crows" have taken their name specifically from this animal, even dressing in full bodied black crow outfits during the aptly named mission The Murder of Crows.
Crows appear in the mission Death in the Family, where they are pests preventing the staff from completing funeral preparations. They are currently clustering around the graveyard area, generally making a nuisance of themselves. If the birds' nests, located in the tree, are destroyed with gunfire, the birds will disperse.
Seagulls
Gulls, or colloquially seagulls, are seabirds of the family Laridae in the suborder Lari. They are most closely related to the terns and skimmers and distantly related to auks, and even more distantly to waders. Seagulls make a minor appearance in the mission Death of a Showman, where they can be seen in a small group near the entrance gates of the park. They can be shot at, and will flee if the player gets too close.
Macaws
Macaws are a group of New World parrots that are long-tailed and often colorful, in the tribe Arini. They are popular in aviculture or as companion parrots, although there are conservation concerns about several species in the wild. Macaws can be encountered in Santa Fortuna, near the boathouse and bar. They are notable as they ricochet off surfaces they fly into. They can be killed when shot, but leave no corpse.
Fish
Assorted Fish of varying species appear throughout the Hitman series as decorative script. Assorted tropical fish are often featured in coastal areas or small areas with enclosed water, and can also be seen inside aquariums in high-class settings. They are also featured as types of food prepared in restaurant kitchens. The first instance of this can be seen in the second level of Silent Assassin, Anathema. The Fugu fish has featured in several Hitman games as an easy source of lethal poison. Such fish can be exploited in most Asian themed settings, and often as sushi. An unnamed generic Fish also appears as a usable item in the World of Assassination trilogy. They are found in kitchens, while live fish are occasionally found in shallow water. A fish can also be caught on the outside pier in the Safehouse level (Agent 47's secret hideout in Freelancer mode) by using the fishing pole, although not every attempt will catch a fish. It can be extracted for poison or brought on its own into missions.
Alligator
An alligator, or colloquially gator, is a large reptile in the genus Alligator of the family Alligatoridae of the order Crocodilia. The two extant species are the American alligator (A. mississippiensis), the same that appear in Hitman: Blood Money, and the Chinese alligator (A. sinensis). Alligators are animals that appear in the mission Till Death Do Us Part, where they are being shot at by the drunken wedding guests. They are also a useful tool for body disposal, but never attack 47. Inflatable crocodiles, similar to alligators, are featured in World of Assassination as a recurring and humorous in-game joke. They usually appear on maps located in a hot climate.
El Mijo, Ricardo Delgado's pet hippo.
Hippo
A Hippopotamus, named El Mijo, features in the mission Three Headed Serpent, as a pet of Rico Delgado. He can be found at the Hippo Enclosure of the Mansion.
Kraken
The Kraken, a mythical and legendary sea monster of enormous size, can be summoned as an easter egg in the level World of Tomorrow. Its etymology resembles something akin to a cephalopod, and said to appear in the sea between Norway and Iceland. It is believed that the legend of the Kraken may have originated from sightings of giant squid, which may grow to 12–15 m (40–50 feet) in length. The player can summon a Kraken by ringing the bells on a faraway sailboat, using a sniper rifle. Hitting the four bells in order from lowest to highest (notes, not height) with any sniper rifle causes tentacles to rise from the ocean and pull the sailboat underwater.
Frogs
Various species of Frogs (mostly derived of the Poison Dart Frog) appear throughout the World of Assassination trilogy as an interactive animal, and a source of varying poisons. These frogs must be caught before they quickly escape into nearby water. Once collected, 47 will receive a dose of the frog's corresponding poison. They can be shot and destroyed, which will remove them as a source of poison for the current playthrough.
Tezcatlipoca (Jaguar)
- "Not much is known about the jaguar on the footage. The Indians believe it is a god. They call it 'Tezcatlipoca'. The god of death. There are rumors of sacrifices being made to 'Tezcatlipoca'."
- ―Diana Burnwood, Controller, The Agency
Tezcatlipoca is an unusually large, and extremely fast jaguar worshiped by the U'wa tribe as their "God of Death". It can be encountered during the mission The Jungle God, where Agent 47 attempts to locate a secret passage to Pablo Ochoa's camp, but his path is blocked by the beast. A taxidermy bust of Tezcatlipoca can be seen as an easter egg during the Silent Assassin mission The Jacuzzi Job.
Cat
The cat (Felis catus), also referred to as domestic cat or house cat, is a small domesticated carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species of the family Felidae. Cats make a minor appearance in the beginning cinematic for Hitman 2: Silent Assassin. This cinematics assets were then reused for a cutscene in Deadly Cargo, where a cat in an alleyway is startled by a nuclear explosion (possibly caused by 47).
Mission Appearances
Hitman: Codename 47
- Tezcatlipoca is featured in Find the U'wa Tribe as the deity of the eponymous tribe. In order to get past it, 47 must hunt, kill and offer a pig to the jaguar.
- Guard Dogs are featured in Plutonium Runs Loose, where they can attack 47 directly.
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
- Pigeons and Pigs can be seen during the first level, The Gontranno Sanctuary, and on subsequent revisits. Neither reappear during the final mission Redemption at Gontranno.
- Several rats can be seen in the sewers of Saint Petersburg, during St. Petersberg Stakeout, Kirov Park Meeting, Tubeway Torpedo and St. Petersberg Revisited.
Hitman: Contracts
- Horses and Guard Dogs feature as interactive complications in Beldingford Manor. Only the dogs can attack 47 directly.
- Dogs feature again in Deadly Cargo, but these are locked in a kennel and are unable to attack 47. They can still alert nearby police to 47's presence however.
Hitman: Blood Money
- 47 owns a small canary that can be found in the Hideout. Several rats can also be found here, and are tied to an easter egg.
- Seagulls appear on the pier during Death of a Showman.
- Several species of wild animals can be heard in A Vintage Year.
- Pigeons can be found in the attic rafters during Curtains Down.
- A pet and guard dog named King can be encountered in A New Life.
- A small pet dog can be found following one of the targets in You Better Watch Out...
- Several alligators appear in Till Death Do Us Part, and are mentioned in Death on the Mississippi.
- Sharks appear as a special body container in the mission A Dance with the Devil.
- The First Lady of the United States has a small pet dog which will follow her loyally.
- Several groups of crows and other birds can be seen during the games inter-mission cutscenes.
Hitman: Absolution
- Pigeons play a central role to the character Birdie.
- A guard dog named Flash can be encountered in Shaving Lenny.
Environment and Aethethic
Several animals and their presence can be seen as non-interactive (but occasionally triggerable) location effects. In several disused or unused areas (such as attics, sewers and basements) players can occasionally find cobwebs, indicated the presence of Spiders. Bug zappers can also be found in kitchen areas, often with the characteristic cracking noises, implying the presence of Flies. Additionally, caves and other natural inlets can contain Bats, which swarm out of an entrance when the player nears. Santa Fortuna also contains flocks of Macaw, which fly off in the same direction if disturbed. These are not technically environmental effects as they can be shot down, and they can ricochet in different directions if a solid object is in their path.
Cut-Scene Only
Hitman: Codename 47
- A cat can be seen during a unique mission failure cutscene in Plutonium Runs Loose. This cat is a tuxedo cat, with black coat, and white mittens.
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
- A cat can be seen in an alleyway during this games opening cinematic. This cat has an all black coat.
Hitman: Contracts
- Another cat can be seen during a unique mission failure cutscene in Deadly Cargo; one remade of the Codename 47 mission Plutonium Runs Loose. This cat shares it's appearance with the cat from Silent Assassin.
Gallery
Dogs
Horses
Pigs
Sharks
Birds
Fish
Reptiles/Amphibians
Cats (Domestic and Wild)
Mythical
Trivia
- The pig (in Codename 47) and the rat (in Silent Assassin) are the only animals in the series that can be dragged after being killed.
- Insects can often appear as screen effects when the player is near bins or areas of refuse or some light sources.
- Similarly, although rats do not physically appear in Codename 47, a sound effect of their squeaks can be heard in various locations, such as the basement of the Asylum.
- Frogs appear for the first time as sources of varying poisons. They are unique in that they must be quickly captured before they hop into nearby water.