Friday, 26 Jul 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Hitman: Absolution

Agent 47 is not your average run-and-gun shooter character. To fully appreciate the intricacies of Hitman: Absolution, it’s crucial to approach the game with a strategic mindset. This beginner’s guide will provide you with spoiler-free tips to help elevate your gameplay from a trigger-happy goon to a master assassin.

Don’t Let Panic Guide Your Actions

In Hitman: Absolution, stealth is key. While the new Instinct ability enhances your ability to go unnoticed, it is essential not to panic when spotted by guards. You have a brief window of opportunity before their suspicion becomes a full-blown alert. Instead of immediately using your blend ability, try simple evasion tactics like turning a corner or ensuring the guard cannot see your face. Blending into a crowd of civilians is another effective way to divert unwanted attention, as long as you avoid running or brandishing a weapon.

Thou Shalt Not Kill (Too Much)

Unlike traditional action games, Hitman: Absolution rewards you for not killing enemies. In fact, you receive a score penalty for unnecessary killings. Utilize the subdue ability to neutralize enemies from behind while unarmed. The minor score penalty incurred by knocking out an NPC can be completely negated by hiding their body.

There may be occasions where you find yourself needing to eliminate a room full of guards. In such scenarios, make use of the point shooting ability. This feature allows you to slow down time and tag multiple enemies. By targeting headshots, you can minimize the score penalty associated with killing. Additionally, if you eliminate all nearby guards simultaneously, you eliminate the risk of backup being called. Remember to hide the corpses to further mitigate any negative impact on your score.

The Right Disguise Makes a Difference

Disguises play a crucial role in Absolution’s gameplay, just as in previous installments. Wearing the appropriate outfit can grant you access to restricted areas and allow you to carry weapons openly. However, disguises only raise suspicion among NPCs wearing the same uniform. For example, a guard won’t pay much attention if Agent 47 walks past in a janitor’s uniform, but other janitors may find it odd. Keep in mind that unique NPCs, such as a luchador or a mentally unstable plaintiff, may significantly alter the course of a level.

While there may be a score bonus for not switching disguises, it’s important to note that some levels become extremely challenging if you rely solely on Agent 47’s signature suit. To avoid frustration, vary your attire until you are familiar with every aspect of the level.

Master the Art of Distraction

Distractions are invaluable tools in Absolution’s stealth mechanics. When sneaking past unnoticed is impossible, distractions almost always work. Simply grab an object, such as a glass, wrench, or bible, and throw it in a strategic location away from your intended path. The AI will typically send only one guard to investigate, making it easier to incapacitate them quietly. It’s wise to carry an object specifically for distractions, with bricks and books being preferable due to their durability. Be cautious when using throwing weapons like knives, as the aiming reticle tends to snap to the closest enemy, potentially leading to accidental kills during tense moments.

Utilize Cover Effectively

Hitman: Absolution features a robust cover system that should be utilized at all times. Taking cover is more effective than simply crouching behind an object, and switching cover positions won’t alert guards. Duck-walking past a doorway, on the other hand, is likely to attract unwanted attention. You can eliminate enemies from behind cover, and sliding up to the edge of a wall provides a perfect vantage point to catch patrolling guards off guard. Crates and closets are also great hiding spots for disposing of bodies, as long as you enter discreetly.

Harness the Power of the Garrote Wire

The garrote wire is your most powerful weapon in Absolution. While it requires getting close to an enemy, it offers several advantages. It operates silently, has unlimited uses, and doesn’t leave behind blood pools that could be noticed by attentive guards. The garrote wire is also faster than snapping an enemy’s neck and allows you to instantly drag the body, which proves useful when time is of the essence. Equipping the garrote wire openly doesn’t raise suspicion, making it a versatile tool. However, be mindful not to forget you have it equipped, as accidentally using it on a guard instead of subduing them can have dire consequences.

Embrace the Art of Accidental Assassinations

Similar to previous Hitman games, Absolution presents a variety of environmental kills for eliminating your targets. While the garrote wire remains your safest bet, discovering and executing these unique assassination methods can be immensely satisfying. Environmental kills often make levels considerably easier, as guards will not be actively searching for a killer if they believe the incident was an accident. You won’t need to worry about hiding the body either, and the crowd that gathers around the scene provides a useful distraction for your escape.

Absolution’s challenges often revolve around these environmental kills and offer significant score bonuses upon successful execution. Observe your target’s behavior to identify potential opportunities. For example, a drug kingpin may frequently take a break underneath a precarious stack of sacks, or a peculiar nun might make regular trips to an unguarded espresso machine during her patrol route. Take the time to explore each environment thoroughly, as doing so not only helps you discover potential kill options but also assists in identifying the level’s checkpoints, which are location-based in Absolution.

FAQs

Q: Where can I find more information on Hitman: Absolution?
A: You can read our review of Hitman: Absolution on Wqaindia to gain further insights into the game. Additionally, you can watch gameplay footage in our Hitman Test Chamber to see the game in action.

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to excel in Hitman: Absolution. Remember to approach the game with a strategic mindset, utilize distractions and disguises effectively, and master the art of stealth and subterfuge. By adhering to these tactics, you will elevate your gameplay to that of a true master assassin. Happy hunting!

Note: This article has been rewritten and reinterpreted from the original content to provide a more constructive and informative perspective for interested readers, focusing on the reader’s intent.