Hitman Games in order According Release Date

Confused about tackling the Hitman series without missing key entries? Fans often wonder where to start for the full Agent 47 experience.

This guide lists all mainline Hitman games in order by release date up to 2026. Play chronologically to follow the evolving story and mechanics. You will discover Hitman Games in order. Learn release years, innovations, and why each matters. The series began in 2000 with stealth assassinations. IO Interactive refined sandbox freedom over time. Classic era built foundations. World of Assassination trilogy (2016-2021) peaked popularity.

In 2026, access classics via Steam, GOG, or HD collections. Modern titles bundle in Hitman World of Assassination. Hitman Games in order reveal 47’s growth from clone to legend. No new mainline yet Hitman 4 teased. Master disguises and accidents sequentially.

Hitman Games in Order (Release Date)

Playing Hitman Games in order unlocks the full narrative arc and game play evolution. This 2026 list covers all eight mainline titles chronologically. From gritty origins to sandbox mastery, each builds on the last.

Expect stealth, creative kills, and escalating freedom. Available on PC, consoles many via bundles or remasters.

1. Hitman: Codename 47 (2000)

Hitman: Codename 47 launched the franchise on November 21, 2000, for PC. Players control Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin escaping his creators. Missions span hotels, embassies, and rigs with basic stealth tools like disguises and silenced pistols. Rag-doll physics added realism to kills. Controls challenged newcomers, but innovative level design hooked fans.

Mixed reviews praised atmosphere yet critiqued AI and difficulty. Sold over 500,000 copies, establishing IO Interactive’s signature. In 2025, grab it via GOG for nostalgia runs. Essential Hitman Games in order starter revealing 47’s barcode origins.

2. Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002)

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin arrived in October 2002 across PC, PS2, Xbox, and later GameCube. 47 retires to a church but returns for revenge against his former agency. Expanded stealth emphasized non-lethal takedowns, first-person view, and moral choices affecting endings. Larger maps encouraged multiple paths.

Generally positive reception hailed improvements, selling 3.7 million units. Soundtrack by Jesper Kyd became iconic. Playable on modern PCs through Steam. Second in Hitman Games in order, it refined core loop for broader appeal.

Also know: Best Naruto Online Games in 2026

3. Hitman: Contracts (2004)

Released April 2004 for PC, PS2, and Xbox, Hitman: Contracts blends sequel and remake. 47 survives a shootout, reliving past missions remastered from Codename 47 plus new ones. Darker tone, enhanced graphics, and smarter AI deepened immersion. New contracts explored ICA dealings. Positive reviews noted atmosphere but minor innovations.

Sold around 2 million. Available in HD collections today. Midway Hitman Games in order entry bridges early entries smoothly.

4. Hitman: Blood Money (2006)

Hitman: Blood Money dropped May 2006 on PC, PS2, Xbox, and Xbox 360. 47 infiltrates U.S. crime syndicates amid agency threats. Fame system impacted notoriety, blending stealth with consequences. Iconic accidents like chandelier drops shone. Improved level design and AI made it a cult classic. Positive scores, over 2.1 million sold.

Remastered in 2019 HD pack, mobile Reprisal (2023), Switch (2024). Pinnacle of originals in Hitman Games in order.

5. Hitman: Absolution (2012)

Hitman: Absolution hit November 20, 2012, for PC, Mac, PS3, Xbox 360. 47 protects genetic clone Diana’s niece from agency hunters. Cinematic story, Instinct mode highlighted targets, cover system aided action-stealth hybrid. Point-shoot and adaptive difficulty broadened access. Mixed-positive reviews lauded visuals but linearity divided purists.

Sold 4.5-5 million. HD port 2019. Transitional Hitman Games in order piece.

6. Hitman (2016)

Hitman (2016) premiered March 2016 episodically for PC, PS4, Xbox One. Soft reboot: 47 executes ICA contracts in Paris, Sapienza, and more. Sandbox mastery with Elusive Targets, Escalations, user Contracts mode. Live Service added replayability. Positive reviews praised freedom despite online needs. Gained 13 million players.

Integrated into World of Assassination. Reboot start in Hitman Games in order.

7. Hitman 2 (2018)

Hitman 2 launched November 13, 2018, for PC, PS4, Xbox One. Expands locations like Miami races, Mumbai slums. Import 2016 levels, Ghost Mode multiplayer. Deeper customization, larger maps. Positive acclaim for refinements.

Commercial hit. Fully accessible via trilogy bundle. Builds momentum in Hitman Games in order.

Also know: Souls Games in Order by Release Date in 2026

8. Hitman 3 (2021)

Hitman 3 released January 20, 2021, across PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series, Stadia, Switch cloud. Climax: 47 dismantles Providence shadow network in Dubai, Dartmoor, Berlin. VR support, Freelancer mode later. Highest reviews, fastest seller. Rebranded World of Assassination (2023) merges trilogy 50 million players. iOS 2025.

Finale caps Hitman Games in order.

These Hitman Games in order span 25 years of assassinations.

Conclusion

All Hitman Games in order trace Agent 47 from Codename 47’s origins through Blood Money’s peaks, Absolution’s pivot, to World of Assassination’s sandbox triumphs. Classics built stealth foundations. Modern trilogy offers endless creativity.

Start with Hitman: Codename 47 for authentic beginnings, then bundle the reboot via World of Assassination.

Which Hitman Games in order entry is your favorite? Share playthrough tips or predictions for Hitman 4 in comments.

Bookmark this timeline for series dives, and share with stealth enthusiasts.

Amanda Starc

Amanda is a dedicated technical web content writer with a passion for transforming complex ideas into compelling and accessible online narratives. With a background in web development, and digital Marketing I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and creative storytelling to the digital domain.