Hey fellow speedrunners and gaming enthusiasts! Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com, your ultimate hub for all things speedrunning. Today, we're diving into the incredible world of *Hitman 3*, a game that continues the legendary tradition of being an absolute playground for rapid playthroughs. It's truly mind-blowing how the skilled assassins in the community can dismantle years of development in mere seconds. We actually got the chance to sit down with the brilliant minds at IO Interactive, the developers behind the *Hitman* franchise, and see their reactions to some of these ridiculously fast runs. Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a game, only to see it conquered in less time than it takes to brew a cup of coffee! It’s a testament to both the game’s design and the incredible ingenuity of the speedrunning community.
The Allure of Speedrunning Hitman 3
The *Hitman* series has always been a goldmine for speedrunners. Its sandbox levels, intricate AI, and numerous assassination opportunities create a perfect storm for creative routing and execution. *Hitman 3*, the latest installment, is no exception. Players have pushed the boundaries, discovering glitches, optimizing movement, and mastering intricate strats to shave off precious seconds. The core appeal lies in finding the most efficient path through a level, often exploiting game mechanics in ways the developers might not have even imagined. It’s this constant evolution of strategies that keeps the community engaged and the leaderboards dynamic. The thrill of shaving off milliseconds, the meticulous planning, and the flawless execution – that’s the speedrunning high.
IO Interactive Gets a Speedrun Showdown
When we approached the devs at IO Interactive, the idea was simple: show them what their creation can do at its absolute fastest. While the fantasy of only showing them a legendary 6-second run was tempting (imagine the record for the shortest "Devs React" video ever!), we opted for a more comprehensive look. This wasn't just about showcasing raw speed; it was about demonstrating the diverse ways players interact with their game. In the video compilation we presented, the developers got to witness not one, but five distinct speedruns. We included four different Any% runs, each showcasing slightly different timings and approaches, highlighting the variability even within a single category. To provide a contrast, we also included a full game run completed under the Silent Assassin criteria. This offered a glimpse into the meticulous precision required for a different kind of perfect playthrough.
"It's always fascinating to see players push the boundaries of what's possible in our games. The creativity and dedication of the speedrunning community are truly inspiring."
Any% Strategies and Breakthroughs
The Any% category, by definition, means completing the game as quickly as possible by any means necessary. This is where the most mind-bending glitches and sequence breaks often emerge. In *Hitman 3*, Any% runs often involve intricate knowledge of level layouts, NPC patrol patterns, and item placements. Players meticulously plan their routes, often utilizing environmental shortcuts, exploiting AI to bypass security, or using specific item combinations to dispatch targets instantly. The pursuit of the optimal route is relentless. A few milliseconds saved here, a perfectly timed guard distraction there – it all adds up. The difference between world records can be smaller than a blink of an eye, achieved through hours of practice and deep game knowledge.
The community actively shares these findings on platforms like speedrun.com and various Discord servers. Techniques like the infamous "fling" or specific weapon glitches have been instrumental in achieving these record times. Each new discovery can potentially shake up the leaderboards and inspire new routing strategies. It’s a constant arms race of optimization.
The Silent Assassin: A Different Kind of Speed
While Any% focuses purely on speed, the Silent Assassin category adds a layer of complexity and challenge. Here, the goal is not just to finish quickly, but to do so with a perfect score – no bodies found, no witnesses, and ideally, no alerted guards. This requires a completely different mindset and set of strategies. Players must master disguise mechanics, learn optimal takedown methods that leave no trace, and understand how to manipulate the environment to their advantage without drawing attention. A Silent Assassin speedrun is a ballet of stealth and precision, often taking longer than an Any% run but showcasing a different facet of player skill. It’s about flawless execution and adherence to the core fantasy of being the world’s greatest assassin.
"Seeing a Silent Assassin run is like watching a master craftsman at work. Every move is deliberate, every action calculated to maintain perfect anonymity."
Hitman 3: A Speedrunner's Dream
Developed and published by IO Interactive, *Hitman 3* launched on January 20, 2021, for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia, and Nintendo Switch. This latest entry in the long-running *Hitman* franchise brought with it a new set of intricate levels, each designed with replayability and emergent gameplay in mind. From the neon-drenched streets of Chongqing to the sprawling manors of Dartmoor, each location offers unique challenges and opportunities for speedrunners. The game's engine and mechanics, refined over years, provide a solid foundation for the discovery of new skips and exploits. The cross-platform availability also means a wider player base can participate and compete, fostering a robust global speedrunning community.
"The genius of Hitman 3 is that it supports so many different playstyles. Whether you want the fastest possible time or the cleanest execution, the game rewards you."
We believe GamingSpeedrun.com is becoming the most complete and updated gaming blog on the internet, especially for those obsessed with shaving seconds off their game times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest known speedrun time for Hitman 3?
The fastest Any% speedrun times for Hitman 3 are incredibly short, often in the range of seconds for specific levels or categories. Official world records are constantly being updated on sites like speedrun.com, so it's worth checking there for the absolute latest times.
How do speedrunners find glitches in games like Hitman 3?
Speedrunners often discover glitches through extensive trial and error, experimenting with game mechanics, physics, and AI interactions. Community collaboration is also key, with runners sharing findings and testing theories together on platforms like Discord and forums.
What is the difference between Any% and 100% speedruns?
Any% means completing the game using any available means, focusing solely on the fastest possible time. 100% completion requires achieving every objective, collecting every item, and completing all challenges, which naturally takes significantly longer.
Are there specific tools or software speedrunners use?
Yes, speedrunners often use tools like LiveSplit for timing, OBS Studio for recording and streaming, and sometimes specialized game trainers or save editors for practice and glitch discovery, though these are usually not used for official record attempts.
Join the Speedrunning Community!
The world of speedrunning is all about shared passion, dedication, and constant improvement. Watching the *Hitman 3* developers react to these incredible feats of skill is just a small glimpse into the dedication that fuels this community. If you're inspired to push your own limits or just want to witness more amazing gameplay, dive into the resources available. Check out speedrun.com for leaderboards and guides, and don't hesitate to join our
GamingSpeedrun Discord server to connect with fellow runners. Share your thoughts in the comments below – what's your favorite *Hitman 3* speedrun strat? What game should we feature next? Let us know!
