HomeFeatures

Every level from Hitman 1, 2 and 3 rankedAround the world in 80 slays

Around the world in 80 slays

At last! A ranking of all 21Hitmanlevels from the World of Assassination trilogy. Did you ask for it? No. Did the editors ask for it? Also, no. But what’s more Hitman than waiting for a loud distraction - the recent redesign of RPS - and using the confusion to slip you something unexpected. Of course, I hope this list doesn’t prove to be an emetic. That’s what Graham likes to call a website ‘no no’.

That I enjoy ranking (and endlessly re-ranking) Hitman levels is due to the decision to import and update previous locations in each iteration of the game. It isn’t a series that suffers from quality gulfs between installments. Yes, there are themes -Hitman2 is big, bright and barmy compared toHitman 3’smore melancholy mooching - but generally the 21 main levels (including two DLC stages) feel of a piece.

Watch on YouTube

Cover image for YouTube video

My criteria for quality? I enjoy the escapism of Hitman’s world travel, so some of the list doubles as dream holiday destinations. But I’m mostly drawn to levels that make specific use of qualities inherent to that place (so, not just dropping another chandelier on someone), that bring together individual targets into grand acts of chaos, and that let David Bateson deliver lots of arch line readings. Mendoza ranks highly purely for letting him describe wine as only a serial killer would. Oh, and levels that don’t over-egg the pudding with non-murder objectives. You know the ones.

21. Carpathian Mountains (Hitman 3)

Ian Hitman is crouched on top of an icy train moving through a dark forested landscape, in the Carpathian Mountains level - the final of the trilogy.

20. Colorado (Hitman 1)

Agent 47 stands in a tower overlooking a slightly sus looking farm in the Colorado level. It is evident that he is in a sniper’s nest.

19. Santa Fortuna (Hitman 2)

Ian Hitman in the Santa Fortuna level of Hitman 2. He is wearing camouflage combats and a balaclava, and is in a small town square in front of a stage, surrounded by jungle plants.

18. Hawke’s Bay (Hitman 2)

A screenshot of Ian Hitman standing on the beach at Hawke’s Beach, looking towards the modern seaside home, at night.

17. Bangkok (Hitman 1)

16. Chongqing (Hitman 3)

A screenshot of the Chongquin level of Hitman, a narrow street lit by bright neon signs.

15. Marrakesh (Hitman 1)

A screenshot of Ian Hitman approaching the Swiss consulate in Marrakesh, moving past an angry crowd outside the glass front doors

14. ICA Training Facility (Hitman 1-3)

Ian Hitman is in disguise as a mechanic in the ICA training facility. He is in front of a jet, but the jet is fake and unpainted, and the walls of the hanger are made of plywood

13. Dubai (Hitman 3)

Agent 47 stands discreetly in the main mingling area of the Dubai skyscraper level of Hitman 3. There is a lot of glass and sunlight.

12. Whittleton Creek (Hitman 2)

Ian Hitman stands looking at a muffin stall in the Whittleton Creek level. He is probably going to poison a muffin.

11. New York (Hitman 2 DLC)

A screenshot showing the bank in the New York level of Hitman 2, where Ian Hitman stands in a beige trenchcoat and looks at the secure teller area.

10. Berlin (Hitman 3)

A screenshot of Ian Hitman approaching the nightclub dance floor in the Berlin level of Hitman 3

9. Dartmoor (Hitman 3)

Ian Hitman watches a man play piano in a swanky, old-money dining room in the Dartmoor mansion level.

8. Mumbai (Hitman 2)

Ian Hitman stands on the street in Mumbai, looking past parked cars and pedestrians towards a busy market street

7. Isle of Sgail (Hitman 2)

Ian Hitman attends a party at the Isle of Sgail level. The whole thing has an Eyes Wide Shut vibe.

6. Haven Island (Hitman 2 DLC)

Ian Hitman stands in a pool in front of a swanky pool bar. He’s wearing shorts and a white shirt, and looks like he might be on a normal holiday, almost.

5. Sapienza (Hitman 1)

A screenshot showing the Sapienza level of Hitman 2. Ian Hitman is standing on a jetty by a speedboat, looking at a lovely little beach and a quiet town in the sunshine.

4. Paris (Hitman 1)

A screenshot of the Paris level, showing Ian Hitman standing at the end of a long, sleek, fashion runway, watching from the crowd as models walk down.

3. Mendoza (Hitman 3)

Ian hitman, in white tie, approaches the stars down to the swanky party in the Mendoza level - an outdoor drinks party under white umbrellas.

2. Miami (Hitman 2)

1. Hokkaido (Hitman 1)

Ian Hitman stands on a bridge in the Hokkaido level. Behind him, the glass walls and soft lights of the posh mountain spa contrast with the dark rock of the mountain around it.