Weapons are a main feature in all Hitman games. Their primary use is the injuring or killing of another person. Technically, a weapon can be any object that is used in-line with the aforementioned definition. There are many types of weapons featured throughout each game, and certain weapons have since become a cultural staple of the series. All weapons vary in damage, range, usefulness and ammunition, although some may share one or more attributes of others.
"The professional uses close hand combat with minimal noise and when dealing with unforeseen circumstances." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
Unarmed Combat was originally meant to appear in Hitman: Codename 47 and Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, but was scrapped in both cases. The feature can be reactivated in Silent Assassin using cheats, although this version of melee is overpowered and only has one animation. The original punch attack performed similarly to the Pistol Whip, taking 3-4 hits to knock out an average NPC, and 5-6 for a guard. Pistol Whipping is the default close proximity action 47 will perform in Silent Assassin and Hitman: Contracts, so long as a firearm is equipped. Unarmed combat is a fully functioning combat feature in Hitman: Blood Money, and is later reworked as a button combo quick time event in Hitman: Absolution and World of Assassination.
In Blood Money, 47 will usually use an initial headbutt, before delivering a final left and right hook. The attack can work on most NPCs, but if 47 is directly facing an armed NPC whilst initiating unarmed combat he will disarm them and take their weapon, leaving them momentarily dazed. This may cause the gun to go off during the altercation which, while not damaging 47, can alert anyone nearby.
Various objects appear throughout the series which can be used as weaponry. The majority of objects are used for Melee attacks, and are more common in later games. Most of these objects can also be used as distractions against NPCs. Not all objects can be used as offensive weaponry, however.
Firearms[]
Pistols and Handguns[]
"The professional opts for the pistol and handgun for their power and size. Pistols and Handguns are easily concealed, and once silenced become a highly effective means of eliminating the mark. The professional uses these weapons only in close proximity to the mark, since they offer limited clip capacity and accuracy over long distances." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
Pistols and Handguns are typically low to high caliber firearms that can be held with one hand, and can offer a range of over 30 meters. They are usually either designed as box magazine blowback (typically with a slide); or single/double action revolving cylinder handguns. Most weapons of this class are chambered in the ubiquitous Pistol Ammo. Some games directly refer to ammunition by caliber, such as the 9mm or .38 Caliber, although some have notably different and occasionally unique ammunition such as .22, .40, and .45, which all vary in damage output, noise, and range. The most famous handguns in the series are Agent 47's signature pair of nickel finished, .45 calibre Silverballers, ostensibly based on the AMT Hardballers.
Some handguns have the ability to be equipped with, or already appear with a sound suppressor, which largely reduces the noise made when firing the weapon. These silenced variants give the player the ability to fire the weapon without alerting nearby enemies.
In some games, handguns can be dual wielded. These usually involve 47 pulling both triggers at the same time, rather than alternating, shooting two rounds at a time. This doubles the damage of each "shot", so long as both hit the target.
Each game tends to have its own generic commonplace handgun, one used by guards, police and NPCs alike. This handgun often also has a silence variant. The Beretta 92 along with a silenced variant appears in Codename 47 and Silent Assassin. Contracts featured the GK17 as a generic handgun, and the SG.220 as the only other silenced handgun. Blood Money featured the SLP.40, a handgun based on the Heckler and Koch USP, along with a silenced variant. The World of Assassination trilogy features the Bartoli 75R, Bartoli 75S, Hackl 9R, and Hackl 9S. Of these 4 pistols, only the Hackl 9S has a silenced version, and all four of the pistols function almost identically.
Sub-Machine Guns[]
"The sub-machine gun offers the professional a high rate of fire lightweight maneuvourability when in close proximity to the mark. The sub-machine gun is the least subtle choice when on a job and doesn't offer the accuracy or anonymity of a silenced weapon" - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
Sub-Machine Guns and Machine Pistols can be either small; in similar size to Pistols, or similar to a medium length rifle. They are often low calibered, and some can be held with one hand. SMGs can offer a generic range of over 30 meters, but accuracy varies widely between models. They are designed as a box magazine blowback (typically with a slide) pistols and rifles with high rates of fire and with at least 20 rounds held. Most weapons of this class are chambered in the ubiquitous SMG Ammunition. Some games directly refer to their ammunition by caliber, such as the 9mm, which appears consistent throughout the series. Whereas 47 rarely uses Sub-Machine guns, when needed, he tends to prefer the MP5 model. The ICA are known to have several Sub-Machine Gun variants. SMGs such as the Uzi, MP7, MP9, and custom variants have appeared throughout the series.
Shotguns[]
"Shotguns are typically semi-automatic rifles that are specifically loaded with shells. Most shotguns are incredibly loud, and very powerful at close range. Shotguns are generally loaded with Buckshot, which suffers poor accuracy at range. They are good for quick clearing of enemies, so long as stealth isn't a factor." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
47 wielding a shotgun in Hitman: Blood Money
Generally, shotguns are a poor choice of weapon for most situations, and are practically useless in circumstances that require stealth or public visibility. Most victims of a close range shotgun blast will be knocked across the room, and such blasts inflict very high damage when used against both 47 and NPCs.
Most shotguns featured are semi-automatic, but Pump Shotguns as well as break barrels also feature occasionally. The Sawn Off Shotgun also makes an appearance in Codename 47, Silent Assassin and Contracts. The latter also featured a dual wield variant, which is as overpowered as it is rare.
A possible SPAS12 Custom option, along with the silenced Enram and its variants are the only instances of silenced shotguns in the entire series.
The SPAS12 is the most commonly shotgun in the series, appearing four times overall. It is often either paired with a pump-action or double barreled shotgun. Most classic games only have two shotgun rifles, although multiple variants are available in the World of Assassination trilogy. It also appeared as one of five customizable weapons in Blood Money.
Sniper Rifles[]
"The professional's choice, the sniper rifle is the most powerful and accurate means of eliminating the mark. This weapon can be silenced and used long distance from a safe vantage point, then broken down into a concealed suitcase." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
Sniper rifles are often large, high calibered rifles designed for use at long ranges. Their accuracy, type, and features depend on each weapon. All snipers are generally equipped with an optic scope, which also varies by model. Despite mostly fitting the description above, the types of Sniper Rifles featured can widely vary. The Air Rifle, a .22 pellet gun features as a sniper rifle in Blood Money, despite its lack of power and practicality. it is also only able to pacify NPCs, rather than killing them. Silent Assassin featured the MI95 Sniper, arguably the most powerful sniper in the series, designed to fire anti-material rounds. It was also capable of attracting the attention of nearby NPCs.
47's choice of sniper is famous; the Walter WA2000 (stylized in-game as the W2000 or Sieger 300). The modular rifle has since become well known to the series, along with its additional carry case. In Codename 47 and Silent Assassin, the W2000 had a less prominent role compared to the R93; something followed by the films. The WA2000 is rare in real life, and is known to be rather delicate for a sniper rifle; a fitting addition to 47's personal arsenal.
Explosives[]
"The remote bomb is another useful tool which the professional can plant in a mark's room and then detonate from a safe distance. The professional uses explosives intelligently and strategically to eliminate the mark." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
Explosives initially featured as car bombs and other remotely detonated explosives in Codename 47, Silent Assassin and Contracts. Their visual effects were inconsistent, and the mechanics (beyond scripted instances) were unpolished. The bombs could be used to eliminate a room full of guards when detonated, often without alerting others. Some were able to be armed, dropped, and detonated at will, whereas others only worked with direct interactions. Some missions require the player to use explosives to complete non-assassination objects.
Blood Money introduced the concept of a plantable explosive device, also remote activated. It initially had a limited range, but this could be upgraded at a cost.
World of Assassination introduced Grenades with varying types and damage, whilst expanding other explosives in design and trigger type. Some explosives can now be remote triggered, proximity based or even otherwise triggered, with varying results. Grenades can now be lethal (fragmentation, explosive) and non-lethal (concussive, stun, emetic).
Explosive damage of any kind is detrimental to 47, often killing him instantly. Due to this, it is advised to stay away from your own bombs during missions.
Poisons[]
Emetic Rat Poison, a common poison found in the World of Assassination trilogy. It should be noted that this particular poison is non-lethal
"The professional often studies behavioural patterns, then uses poison to eliminate the mark with clinical precision from a safe distance." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
A poison is any substance that can cause injury or death when consumed. Items like Rat Poison and misused medical vials appear early as unique ways to assassinate targets. Silent Assassin introduced the concept of Sedative poisons with the Anaesthetic, which would render NPCs unconscious for a few minutes. The concept was followed in Contracts with the Syringe, filled with a fluorescent green sedative. Both versions could only be used against NPCs as stealth attacks, and had fleeting effects. Blood Money introduced the Sedative and Poison syringes equipped by default. They could also be used to poison foods and drink. As of World of Assassination, there are 3 main types of poison; Lethal, Sedative, and Emetic, the latter of which was introduced in the same game.
Environment[]
"The professional has an eye for ingenious ways of dressing a hit as an accident." - The Professional's Methodology; Theory and Execution, Hitman: Blood Money Manual
Each can have variants of Environmental damage against NPCs, ie any deaths caused by an environmental accident. Chandelier, Piano, Gas Tank. Whereas most instances of environmental damage and accidents in Codename 47, Silent Assassin and Contracts is exclusive to scripted spots. In Blood Money onwards, accidents are more commonplace, better scripted, and often offer an easy way of eliminating a target without raising suspicion. Target bodies killed in accidents are not seen as suspicious, but can count in Body Count, depending on the game. In the World of Assassination trilogy, some accidents must first be set up to create the danger, i.e an extension cord must be loosened, and a water cooler must be damaged.
Rare environmental hazards pose a unique and direct threat to 47, often leaving NPCs unaffected, despite the obvious. The Bjarkhov Bomb features an area infused with nuclear radiation, which can cause damage to 47 if he is not wearing a Radiation Suit. World of Tomorrow featured a mobile biohazard laboratory, which could damage the player through asphyxiation if they are not wearing the right outfit. In the latter instance, NPCs and targets can also be killed by asphyxiation.
Gallery[]
The Fiber Wire, a melee weapon as it appears in Hitman: Contracts
The Combat Knife, a lethal melee weapon featured here in HITMAN 3.
47's dual AMT Hardballers, often dubbed Silverballers. They have since become a staple to the series.
The MP9, a niche SMG that appears in Contracts and Blood Money.
The Air Rifle, an air powered pellet gun, and one of many seemingly useless weapons featured with hidden purposes.
Hitman Absolution - Glass Floor Accident Death Factory-0
47 with Dual Suppressed Silverballers equipped in Hitman: Absolution.
Trivia[]
Despite appearing in several promotional materials, the Toaster and its electrocution potential, has never been featured in any of the Hitman games.
The Cardboard Tube is the only weapon in the entire series that is intended to be unlocked by using cheats.
The Silverballers have appeared in every Hitman game (including the silly one), and are one of few weapons to have done so.
The R93 was originally 47's weapon of choice, but the W2000 was given the main role from Hitman: Contracts onward. The same game is also coincidentally marks the final appearance of the R93 rifle.
