The next chapter in IO Interactive’s episodic assassination sim Hitman will premiere on April 26th for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC platforms, publisher Square Enix announced this week.
To tide players over until the launch of next month’s episode, IO Interactive has released a multiplatform content update for Hitman introducing 10 new in-game challenges alongside a range of bugfixes and tweaks.
Hitman shifts IO Interactive’s long-running third-person stealth series into episodic territory, allowing the developer to craft new levels and challenges in response to player behavior and feedback. The premiere episode dropped in March, offering a prequel storyline that takes place before the events seen in earlier Hitman series games. The game’s second episode and future installments will bridge the narrative gap between Hitman: Absolution and other games in the series.
Square Enix revealed few details regarding Hitman‘s second episode, titled “Sapienza,” releasing a single teaser image showcasing a beach setting. The publisher will likely announce further details as the episode nears its April release date.
Starting today, Hitman players on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PCs can download a comprehensive update that improves many aspects of its core gameplay. After installing Hitman‘s latest patch, players can expect to see improved performance, faster load times, and fixes for scoring and online connectivity.
Today’s update also marks the launch of Hitman‘s free Vampire Magician Challenge Pack, which includes “10 new challenges that were inspired by how our community have been playing the game,” according to developer IO Interactive. The new challenges revisit existing scenarios and locations from Hitman‘s debut episode, and require players to wear the new Vampire Magician disguise throughout.
Hitman is an episodic follow-up to 2012’s Hitman: Absolution, a multiplatform third-person shooter that featured a linear, narrative-based structure compared to its mission-based predecessors. This year’s Hitman marks a return to form for the series, as its open-ended mission objectives and varied challenges recall the franchise’s formative years.
