The Hitman franchise is one of gaming’s most iconic stealth series, featuring the enigmatic Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin with unparalleled skills. This guide explores the full story of Hitman, from its origins to the latest games, covering major characters, conspiracies, and the shadowy organizations that shape 47’s deadly career.
🔫 Who Is Agent 47?
Agent 47 is a cloned assassin created through the Project ICA, a secretive experiment designed to produce the perfect killer. Key traits:
- Bald, bar-coded (640509-040147)
- Genetically enhanced (strength, intelligence, stealth)
- Emotionally detached, but develops humanity over time
📜 The Origins: Project ICA & Dr. Ort-Meyer
The story begins in Romania, where Dr. Otto Wolfgang Ort-Meyer conducts illegal human cloning experiments.
Key Events:
- Subject 47 escapes a mental asylum with help from an unknown doctor (later revealed to be Ort-Meyer himself).
- Diana Burnwood, an ICA handler, recruits 47 after witnessing his skills.
- ICA (International Contract Agency) – A secretive organization that handles high-profile assassinations.
Hitman: Codename 47 (2000) – The First Missions
47’s initial targets are four crime lords:
- Lee Hong (Hong Kong)
- Pablo Belisario Ochoa (Colombia)
- Frantz Fuchs (Austria)
- Arkadij Jegorov (Russia)
Shocking Twist: These men funded Ort-Meyer’s experiments—47 is cloned from their DNA!
- Final Mission: 47 returns to Ort-Meyer’s asylum, kills him, and destroys the lab.
🌍 Hitman 2: Silent Assassin (2002) – A Killer’s Redemption
After retiring to a Sicilian church, 47 is pulled back into the life when his friend Father Vittorio is kidnapped.
Key Plot Points:
- New Antagonist: Russian crime lord Sergei Zavorotko seeks revenge for his brother’s death.
- Nuclear Threat: Sergei plans to sell warheads to terrorists.
- 47’s Dilemma: Struggles between faith and his violent nature.
Ending: 47 saves Vittorio but realizes he can’t escape his destiny.
💰 Hitman: Contracts (2004) – A Dark Reflection
A wounded 47 relives past missions in a non-linear narrative.
Notable Missions:
- The Meat King’s Party (One of the series’ darkest levels)
- Assassinating a corrupt SWAT team
Theme: Explores 47’s lack of emotions and the brutality of his work.
🩸 Hitman: Blood Money (2006) – The ICA’s Downfall
A rival agency, The Franchise, tries to eliminate the ICA.
Major Events:
- Diana fakes 47’s death using a serum that mimics death.
- The Franchise’s Plan: Replace the U.S. President with a clone.
- Final Mission: 47 wakes up at his own funeral and kills Franchise leaders.
Ending: 47 returns to work, now fully embracing his identity.
🔄 Hitman: Absolution (2012) – A Personal Vendetta
47 disobeys the ICA to protect Victoria, a genetically engineered girl.
Key Story Beats:
- Diana is “killed” (later revealed to be alive).
- 47 vs. The ICA – He takes down corrupt ICA members.
- Victoria’s Fate: Saved and given a new life.
Controversy: More linear than previous games, but deepens 47’s character.
🌐 Hitman (2016) & Hitman 2 (2018) – The World of Assassination
A soft reboot, introducing episodic missions and a new conspiracy.
Main Antagonists:
- Providence – A secret society controlling world events.
- The Shadow Client – A rogue operative manipulating 47.
Big Reveal: The Shadow Client is Lucas Grey, another clone from Project ICA!
🔥 Hitman 3 (2021) – The Final Reckoning
47 and Diana take down Providence’s leaders:
- The Constant (Mastermind behind Providence)
- The Partners (Three powerful figures funding the organization)
Ending:
- Diana and 47 destroy Providence.
- 47 finally gains true freedom.
🎮 Gameplay Evolution
| Game | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Codename 47 | Basic stealth, limited disguises |
| Silent Assassin | Improved AI, dual pistols |
| Blood Money | Customizable weapons, accident kills |
| Absolution | Instinct mode, linear levels |
| Hitman (2016+) | Open-ended sandbox, Elusive Targets |
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Agent 47 a villain?
No—he’s a professional assassin with a moral code. He avoids unnecessary kills.
2. Who is Diana Burnwood?
47’s handler at ICA, later becomes his ally against Providence.
3. Are the Hitman games connected?
Yes, they follow a continuous storyline, with some retcons in the 2016 reboot.
4. Will there be a Hitman 4?
IO Interactive is working on Project 007, but a new Hitman is likely in the future.
📌 Final Thoughts
The Hitman series blends stealth, storytelling, and player freedom like no other. Agent 47’s journey—from a lab experiment to a legend—remains one of gaming’s greatest narratives.
Which Hitman game is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
🔖 Tags:
Hitman, Agent 47, Diana Burnwood, ICA, Providence, Stealth Games, Hitman Story Explained, Hitman 3, Hitman Blood Money
📢 Hashtags:
#Hitman #Agent47 #StealthGaming #Hitman3 #GamingStory #ICA #Providence #HitmanSeries
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The Hitman series is a work of fiction, and real-world violence is never justified.
For more gaming deep dives, stay tuned! 🎮
