!Beginner FAQ - Read first, if you are new

# Q: What should I buy, what do the different editions mean?
A: You can buy any combination of DLC you like, but to compete at the top level with other runs, you will want to buy the HITMAN GOTY Edition or HITMAN Definitive Edition. HITMAN Complete First Season is also alright but you may be missing some DLC items and some bonus missions, if you wish to speedrun those.

# Q: Do I need to be connected to the Internet at all times to speedrun this game?
A: For Silent Assassin runs, yes for the most part. If you are on PC, you can try [Peacock](https://thepeacockproject.org/wiki/intel/) to bypass IOI's servers. You will need to be connected to Internet for the initial connection, but afterwards you can play offline for the duration of your play session using Peacock. Using either Peacock or connecting to the official servers is required for Silent Assassin runs, as you cannot get to an accurate rating screen otherwise.

Playing offline and without Peacock is allowed for any%, provided you have the in game timer HUD on.

# Q: I don't want to unlock stuff before I speedrun, where is the "New Game"/ "Fresh file" category?
A: The main leaderboards are NG+ by default.
* There is no "New Game" category because you can only reset your progress via IOI's website every 6 months per account, and it can be very annoying to create new accounts via family sharing over and over.
* You can submit to the very similar "Default" category, that forbids any unlocks or NG+ features, here: https://www.speedrun.com/hitman_2016_extensions


# Q: Okay, say I'm willing to try the NG+ categories, how do I level up quickly to get the item and starting location unlocks?
A: First of all, if you are PC, consider using [Peacock](https://thepeacockproject.org/wiki/intel/). This tool will allow you to get access to all unlocks right away. 

Next, take a look at [this list of unlocks](https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1276962557), so you know what you need to do to get a certain item. 
* In general, to level up mastery you should first try to get SASO and Sniper Assassin done first, as you can get many challenges done in one run. Note that for the most part, **any other challenge besides SASO and Sniper Assassin do not require you to finish the level to get XP**. 
* Thus, for other challenges, the most efficient way to get XP is to make a save right before critical points in a run, such as after you have a target isolated. Then you can load the save multiple times to complete multiple challenges. Note that unlike HITMAN 2/3, just playing the game normally does not award mastery XP, only challenges do.

# Q: What are the optimal in-game settings to run the game?
A: Turn on Timer HUD (helps for timing certain kills and for verification purposes), Difficulty HUD (for professional mode). It is also helpful to keep the map and status messages enabled. Level of Detail may need to be adjusted for distance shots and such.

# Q: How do I set up livesplit for full game runs?
A: We use in game time for this game, so you should consider using [Livesplit Manual Game Time](http://livesplit.org/components/) to enter in the in game time for each level manually. Be sure to read the rules for Full Game leaderboard carefully first as well.

# Q: I am having trouble with X trick/ have a question about the leaderboard rules, can anyone help me?
A: Consider asking in [Hitman Runs Server](https://discord.gg/qA833QDAsg) or [Frotes Speedrun Community](https://discord.com/invite/kVMBEZA). For more general advice, you can also consider looking at the [other guides](https://www.speedrun.com/hitman_2016/guides). For questions about the rules, you can either ask in the above Discord servers, or contact a moderator directly (go to Profile -> Message, or use the moderator's social media).

Advanced Guide (by woe)

# [Document link](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qeWpblGZ4thaqMRPJDTfUyaLyCW3puhncXSdqyJru80/edit)

This includes information about necessary items, the rating system, game behavior, level strategies, and other miscellaneous content.

Concepts to know:

- Fast interact
- Fast detonate
- Fast throw
- Blunt knockouts
- Stutter prevention
- Ledge drop
- Explosion impact
- Bullet impact
- Torso shots
- Bump and drop item mechanics
- Fetch lure
- Wall item drop
- Blind spots
- Target lockdown rules
- Non-accident kill exit delay and exploit

Basic Tips and Tricks

# Assorted Tips and Tricks (mostly for SA)

[Fast Exit](https://youtu.be/o3-KSJAeqEg?t=15s)

- Instant prompt on exits or any other prompt that require filling a circle. In other words: press the *menu* button (ESC or F1) to pause, then hold down the *interact* button (G), then unpause by pressing the *menu* button again while the interact button is still held down.
- **This is mandatory to attain a top level run, so do not ignore to practice this.**

[Legshot Knockout](https://youtu.be/777qwOeJTVI?t=35)

- Shooting a NPC in the leg and then knocking them out (KO) before it gets up retains SA, as long as body is not found. Note that guards get up quicker than civilians do.

[Cutscene Wait](https://youtu.be/777qwOeJTVI?t=90)

- Waiting out the cutscene that plays before entering a level can move certain NPCs to more favorable positions. This includes certain targets as well.

[Panic Trespass](https://youtu.be/777qwOeJTVI?t=152)

- Panicking NPCs to remove trespassing through bullet impact, loud gunshots, explosions, etc. This works better on civilians than guards.

[Torso Shots](https://youtu.be/777qwOeJTVI?t=213)

- Shooting at the body of NPCs, usually guards, at a distance alerts nearby guards and sends them to the approximate location of the shot. This in turn can forgive trespassing in other areas.
- Note if you are too close, once the NPC gets up, the player will be compromised.

[Fast Throw](https://youtu.be/777qwOeJTVI?t=302)

- In other words: start crouched >> un-crouch >> throw. Better timing equals faster throw.

[Amnesia Trick](https://youtu.be/1Ej_ORva1Ic?t=11)

- Note that this may not work as in the past. An alternative strategy is to distract or panic the NPC so it won't notice.

[Peek-a-boo](https://youtu.be/1Ej_ORva1Ic?t=43)

- In trespassing areas, NPCs who almost spot will investigate. Use that to knock them out or bypass them.

[Fetch Lure](https://youtu.be/1Ej_ORva1Ic?t=73)

- Works best with coins, but other items such as toy explosives and the explosive phone can work.

[Fast Detonate](https://youtu.be/1Ej_ORva1Ic?t=122)

- In other words: detonate >> *subdue* button or detonate >> *holster*. Note this is not the only way to perform instant trigger, as other methods are: detonate >> pick up or equip item, but are slightly slower.

[Ledge Drop](https://youtu.be/zwN6zZDuong?t=21)

- Out of bounds trick: pick up item at ledge you can vault over, vault right away after. It is better to use unstackable legal items. The timing is precise but consistent, so keep trying.
- Keyboard inputs [example](https://youtu.be/nS8R2kX-UGE).

[Wall Item Drop](https://youtu.be/8Spa09rfqe0?t=16)

- Drop an item through a wall: aim a gun at a wall, go into inventory, and then drop item through inventory. Typically explosives are dropped to explode later or lure targets elsewhere.

Exit Delay

- For any non-accident kill (**including poison kills**), you will have to wait at least 2.71828 in game seconds before you can exit for SA runs, otherwise it will be a "noticed kill", and the rating will be lost.
- This does not apply to accident kills, you can exit as soon as you kill the target and keep SA if it was an accident.

(Videos courtesy of Edward E. and Fortheseven)

For more advanced techniques see the external document in the guides.

Solderq35

Hitman (2016)

The Showstopper (Paris)

A Gilded Cage (Marrakesh)

The Icon

Freedom Fighters (Colorado)

PlayStation 4

TavinKinnardYT

woesvx

Kocaro

Any%

SA/SO

Normal

Official

Peacock

Standard

Slowdown

Rating

Ninja Disguise Only

Difficulty

Server

Exploit Usage

https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-to-world-of-assassination/

The Hitman 2016 and Hitman 2 (2018) games will be de-listed starting January 26, 2023.

If you had any interest whatsoever in trying out the 2016 and 2018 game engines, now's the time to buy those games.

Hitman 2016 is probably the most 

Name	Autor
!Beginner FAQ - Read first, if you are new	Solderq35 2 years ago
Advanced Guide (by woe)	Solderq35 1 year ago
Basic Tips and Tricks	Solderq35 2 years ago