Along with its standard story campaign, Hitman 2 also comes with a bonus Sniper Assassin mode. Even better, Sniper Assassin can be played either solo or with a friend in co-op, further upping the mode’s value. In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what Sniper Assassin is and how it differs from Hitman 2’s more traditional missions.
What Is The Sniper Assassin Mode?
The very first incarnation of the Sniper Assassin format technically debuted way back in 2012. The 2012 Hitman: Sniper Challenge was a promotional pre-order bonus for that year’s Hitman: Absolution. While Hitman: Sniper Challenge fed into Absolution’s plot, it also functioned as an entirely standalone gameplay experience. The same sniper setup was also later adopted for a standalone 2015 mobile game which was aptly titled Hitman: Sniper.
Hitman 2’s Sniper Assassin experience functions in a near identical manner to the Absolution and mobile versions. Rather than running around a level on-foot, players instead view the entirety of the level from a distant stationary viewpoint. Players still assassinate targets and complete objectives, but it’s all done through the scope of a sniper rifle. Naturally this limits players’ options somewhat, but there’s still a surprising amount of creative potential.
How Do You Play Sniper Assassin?
For Hitman 2’s initial Sniper Assassin map, players must eliminate three separate targets at an Austrian villa. If you so choose, you can simply shoot the targets and call it a day, but that’s so plain. Instead, taking the time to discover more creative assassination means not only boosts your score, it’s also far more fun. For example, if multiple targets are standing near a gas canister, you can kill two birds with one well-placed shot. You can even “conceal” bodies by shooting them into bushes or pools, or even off of ledges.
Using these unique kill modifiers and completing the various Sniper Assassin challenges boosts your final score. Higher scores in turn unlock new mastery ranks and upgrades for your sniper rifle. There are even different ammo types you can utilize to ensure your targets die in the exact way you intend.
Sniper Assassin is just one of Hitman 2’s multiplayer modes, so be sure to read our full multiplayer breakdown. We’ve also provided instructions on how to unlock the Season 1 Legacy Pack for 2016 Hitman owners.