Assassin Kit and Weapon Briefing

A number of changes have been made to the Assassin Kit and ICA Kit that Agent 47 had access to in the game, some of them being game-changing elements! In the What's New Section of the guide we covered a lot of the changes, but the direct action changes and weapons changes better belong here, in the Kit Section.

Dual-Wielded Weapons

The use of dual-wielded weapons in the Hitman franchise has always been a more restricted side of play, with an emphasis on 47's Silverballers (though there were other weapons that could be dual-wielded and there was a bug that allowed players to dual-wield odd weapons). In Absolution weapon selection and use has been incorporated into game play, so it is no longer necessary to lock yourself into carrying either a single Silver Baller or always using two, and the decision to dual-wield is largely left up to the player by choosing the weapon and number from the D-Pad menu that has replaced the circular-menu system from the previous games.

Bearing in mind that weapon selection no longer pauses game play, the D-Pad menu is fairly restricted, allowing access by weapon type, so for example, the player can select the weapon they want to use and, if another of the same is available, choose to dual-wield them. These choices can be made on-the-fly, and include the variety of weapon classes, with the option to dual-wield a similar single-handed weapon when one is found, or choose the other weapons that 47 uses routinely, such as the garrote, the shotgun, or the sniper rifle.

Long Weapons

The most obvious changes begin with the new weapon management system. In previous games Agent 47 carried the long weapons that he used in special cases, breaking them down and building them up from their component parts when they were needed. This is no longer how long weapons are dealt with in the game, as in place of the signature briefcase they are now, like the other weapons, concealable on his person. So the assault weapons, shotguns, and sniper rifles can now be concealed in 47's suit or Disguise. That also means he no longer needs to take the time to assemble a weapon before it can be used!

Melee Weapon Combat

This may sound a bit misleading, but a new system has been put in place so that 47 has options other than the traditional fiber-wire garrote when it comes to dealing with enemies in close proximity or stealth. Under this new system 47 can incapacitate enemies with both bare hands and weapon butts, and breaking their neck is also an option if the player wants them dead rather than just unconscious.

In addition to using traditional weapons in a new way, there are new melee-class weapons that have been added to the game, including bottles, bongs, and environmental objects, many of which will break when used to incap a target, making it necessary for 47 to find a new weapon to continue that strategy.

Improvised Weapons have a role here as well, and not just for killing or incapping enemies – in fact the same weapons that can be used in melee can also be used to misdirect or lure enemies by throwing them against an environment object in order to use the sound from their breaking to draw the attention of nearby enemies. In addition to using breakable items in this fashion, there are special noise-making items that can be found in the environment that can also be used.

Ranged Attacks

In the past when you mentioned ranged attacks in the Hitman games that almost always meant a bullet, but in Absolution this class of attack has been expanded to the point that, thanks to a new and more robust throwing and aiming system, the same weapons that are used in melee attacks can be used for ranged attacks. In addition to blunt weapons the player can use edged weapons in ranged attacks, killing enemies with thrown knives, axes, and even poison-filled syringes thanks to the new lock-on aim system for ranged thrown attacks.

Special Weapons

In previous titles in the series Special Weapons could be chosen from the starting menu for a mission, including poisons and drugs that would knock out a target. In Absolution that has been removed from the game, which means that the player has to locate and acquire those items as part of the missions.

The Absolution Weapons Kit

The weapons kit in Absolution has been expanded to include game-world examples of real-world weapons, and particularly firearms, though as was the case in the previous games, since the use of the weapons has not been licensed, they have received traditional names from the Hitman World in place of their real names. The following list of the Hitman Arsenal includes the real-world examples for these weapons:

The Absolver

(Collection Gun) A .44 Magnum revolver that is based upon the Taurus Raging Bull manufactured by the Taurus International Firearm Company of Brazil, the Raging Bull line of revolvers is actually a large line that includes models for well over a dozen calibers, though the model upon which The Absolver is based upon is most likely the Model 444, which chambers the .44 Magnum caliber round (though it can also fire the shorter .44 Special round). Its cylinder has a six-round capacity, and in the game The Absolver is modified with a very formal engraving of white barbed wire running the length of its six-inch barrel, which offsets nicely to the heavy black bluing finish.

Agency ARZ 160

(Collection Gun) Based off the Beretta ARX-160, which is an assault weapon designed as part of the Italian Army Future Soldier Program, the ARX-160 is chambered for the 5.56mm NATO round, is designed for ambidextrous use, having the safety, magazine release, and charging handle accessible from both sides.

It is a select-fire weapon with full-auto capability, and the real-world versions feature either a 30-round or 100-round magazine, while the in-game version is restricted to 30-round. It is most often encountered and collected from Agency soldiers.

Agency Dynamics CPW

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Compact Personal Weapon (CPW) manufactured by ST Kinetics of Singapore as a Personal Defense Weapon, it was initially chambered in 9mm with additional versions chambered for 5.7mm and 4.6mm. Sporting a 30-round magazine, the CPW is classified as an SMG with selective-fire capability built-in, supporting single-shot as well as fully-automatic fire.

Upgrades in the game for the CPW include any three of the following items: Dual-Wielding, Extended Clip, Extra Clip, Magnum Ammo, Red Dot Sight, Silencer, and Speed Chute. This weapon is collected from the bodies of The Saints, an Agency Hit Team that appears in the game.

Agency HX UMP

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Heckler & Koch UMP (Universal Machine Pistol) SMG, which was created as the designated successor for the popular MP5 SMG, being chambered for a variety of larger caliber rounds with more stopping power than the standard 9mm hot pistol round fired in other SMG's (including the MP5).

The Agency version is available for purchase in Contracts Mode, and can be upgraded with any three of the following: Extended Clip, Extra Clip, Magnum Ammo, Modified Stock, Red Dot Sight, Silencer, Speed Chute, and Weighted Barrel.

Agency JAGD P22G

(Collection Gun) Based on the real-world SIG Sauer P226 series, what has widely been considered to be the workhorse weapon for security services all over the world (The P226 in different variations has been adopted by the US Navy Seals, United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, U.S. Secret Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and... hell, the fact that Gibbs uses it should be good enough for you!)

The model used in the game is chambered for .45 ACP and uses a 10-round clip. Carried by Agency Soldiers the P22G is upgradable with up to any three of the following: Dual Wielding, Extended Clip, Extra Clip, Lightweight Slide, Magnum Ammo, Red Dot Sight, Silencer, Skeletonized Hammer, Speed Chute, and Weighted Barrel.

Agency Kazo TRG

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Sako TRG-42 Sniper Rifle manufactured by SAKO Arms, which is based in Riihimäki, Finland, the TRG chambers either the .300 Winchester Magnum or the .338 Lapua Magnum round. What makes the TRG line special is the tech with which it is made, including a cold-hammer forged receiver and barrel that offers increased strength while providing reduced weight, and free-floating, heavy, chrome moly barrels that are easier to maintain and less likely to degrade or rust through use. There are other innovations that help to give the TRG line a well-deserved reputation for accuracy, reliability, and durability in the field.

The Agency TRG is most likely a modified version of the TRG-42, which is an improved version of the TRG-41.

Agency SPS 12

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Franchi SPAS-12, it is a dual-mode combat shotgun (which means it can be set for semi-automatic fire or pump-action). While the real-world version holds 8 standard 12-Gauge rounds plus one in the barrel, in the game it can only hold six rounds.

The Agency SPS 12 is obtained from Agency Soldiers, and it can be upgraded with any three of the following: Extended Clip, Extra Clip, Flechette Shells, Modified Stock, Red Dot Sight.

Agency Swiss 3000

The Swiss 3000 is obtained as a collected weapon in the Story mode, or purchased in Contracts Mode at the cost of $1m. It is chambered for 9mm rounds, and has a 10-shot magazine, being a semi-automatic weapon.

The Swiss 3000 is based upon the real-world Sphinx 3000 Series match pistol manufactured by Sphinx Systems Limited of Switzerland. It may interest you to know that this pistol is an advanced design and interpretation of the Czech Arms Model CZ-75, which was originally created as a military and police service weapon. It should also be noted that the Sphinx Series 3000 is a hand-made pistol, and is very expensive to own.

AH 74U

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world AKMSU, which is a compact carbine version of the Soviet AKM assault rifle, the AKMSU was largely made for export by the Kalashnikov factory (the Russians prefer to use the AKS-74U model both for the Army and Internal Security Services).

This weapon is obtained in the game from Factory Guards and Bodyguards employed by Dexter Industries.

Aries 24-7

This weapon is based upon the real-world Taurus PT 24/7 which is manufactured by Taurus International Firearm Company of Brazil, and was primarily designed as a backup weapon for Law Enforcement officers, and to a limited degree as a weapon suited for the civilian concealed carry market.

The version in the game is based on the 4.25” standard model chambered for .45 ACP rounds, and has a 12 round magazine. It is most often found on police officers.

Aries Charging Ram

A .357 Magnum revolver that is based upon the Taurus Raging Bull manufactured by the Taurus International Firearm Company of Brazil, the Raging Bull line of revolvers is actually a large line that includes models for well over a dozen calibers, though the model upon which the Aries Charging Ram is based upon is purely a fantasy version of the weapon, since the Raging Bull was never released in a version that chambered the .357 Magnum round.

Based upon its appearance in the game, the Aries Charging Ram is most likely based upon the Taurus 416 Raging Bull, which was actually chambered to fire the larger .41 Magnum round, and appeared in a 6.5-inch version nearly identical to that of the Aries Charging Bull used in the game. The Aries Charging Ram has a six-round capacity in its cylinder.

Bartoli Custom

Originally available only as a pre-order reward for ordering Absolution from Amazon.com, it is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace for 80 MSP, and on the PlayStation Store or Steam Store for .99 cents. Equipped with a 10-round magazine, the semi-automatic match-class weapon is almost certainly based upon the real-world Tanfoglio Arms Witness Elite Gold Team, chambered for .45ACP (the only version of the Elite Gold that has a ten-round magazine is the .45 ACP version).

The designation of Match-Class is not just a phrase; the Witness Elite Gold Team model in pretty much all of its versions (it comes in 9mm (17 Rounds), .38 (17 Rounds), .40 (15 Rounds), and .45 versions). Considering that the average cost of one of these is over $2,000 it is not a weapon you want to drop or lose.

Bronson M1928

This .45 ACP SMG is based upon the historic Thompson M1928A1, which was a late-production redesign of the Thompson Model 1928 with changes that included a horizontal front grip to replace the traditional vertical pistol grip, and the mounts for a military sling to be installed. Ordered into production by the US Government specifically to be delivered as part of the wartime lend-lease program to allies including China, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom, the M1928A1 was also issued to US forces. It featured interchangeable 20 or 30 round box magazines, and a 50 round drum, though the box magazines were the preferred magazine due to the drum magazine weight and it being prone to jamming during extended fire.

Available initially as part of a pre-order reward, it can now be purchased via the Xbox Live Marketplace for 80 MSP, and via the PlayStation Store and Steam Store for .99 cents.

Dexter's Ultramax

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Chartered Industries of Singapore Ultimax 100 Mark-III 5.56mm light machine gun, it is classified as a SAW (Section Assault Weapon) similar in use and performance to the M60. The Ultimax is largely used by military forces in third-world countries.

The weapon must be collected from Blake Dexter's body after he is killed but before the ending CS begins, making this somewhat challenging to collect. The best tactic for obtaining this weapon and adding it to your collection is to be very close to Dexter when you kill him and then immediately collect the weapon as soon as he is dead.

HX AP-15

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Heckler & Koch HK416 assault rifle, this weapon is evolved from the Armalite AR-15. It is considered an improvement to the M4 carbine currently in use, with drop-in replacement and upgrade kits available for the M4 for customers who do not want to replace the weapons in their inventory, but want the improvements offered by the HK-proprietary short-stroke gas piston system.

It can be found on display in the gunshop in one of the missions, on display in the Blackwater Park Penthouse, and carried by Blackwater Tactical Team Members.

HX UMP

Based upon the real-world Heckler & Koch UMP (Universal Machine Pistol) SMG, which was created as the designated successor for the popular MP5 SMG, being chambered for a variety of larger caliber rounds with more stopping power than the standard 9mm hot pistol round fired in other SMG's (including the MP5).

The HX UMP is found on Chicago SWAT officers, in weapon crates on different missions, and on display in the gunshop. It is also carried by bodyguards and some police officers.

Ilyon R700

Based upon the ubiquitous Remington Model 700 sniper rifle, the in-game version includes a 5-round capacity and is found on the upper floor of the doughnut shop, in the trunk of 47's car, and in the wrestling arena storage room. This is what you would call a basic sniper rifle of the sort that all young Marine Snipers are born with.

Jagd P22G

Based on the real-world SIG Sauer P226 series, what has widely been considered to be the workhorse weapon for security services all over the world (The P226 in different variations has been adopted by the US Navy Seals, United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, U.S. Secret Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and... hell, the fact that Gibbs uses it should be good enough for you!) The model used in the game is chambered for .45 ACP and uses a 10-round clip.

This weapon can be found on the Mansion Guards in the first mission, and a suppressed version can be obtained in the office above the club entrance in the Hunter and Hunted Mission. It is also on display in the gun store and carried by Blackwater Security Guards.

Kazo TRG

Based upon the real-world Sako TRG-41 Sniper Rifle manufactured by SAKO Arms, which is based in

Riihimäki, Finland, the TRG chambers either the .300 Winchester Magnum or the .338 Lapua Magnum round. What makes the TRG line special is the tech with which it is made, including a cold-hammer forged receiver and barrel that offers increased strength while providing reduced weight, and free-floating, heavy, chrome moly barrel that is easier to maintain and less likely to degrade or rust through use. There are other innovations that help to give the TRG line a well-deserved reputation for accuracy, reliability, and durability in the field.

While it is theoretically available for purchase by private owners, this line is mostly used by military and law enforcement.

Krugermeier 2-2

Based upon the real-world Ruger MK II .22 target pistol manufactured by Sturm, Ruger & Company, the in-game version is a silenced special operators sidearm. It was originally one of the rewards for the Walmart pre-order, but can now be purchased on the Xbox Live Marketplace for 80 MSP, and on the PlayStation Network Store and Steam Store for .99 cents.

Layla's JAGD P22G

(Collection Gun) Based on the real-world SIG Sauer P226 series, what has widely been considered to be the workhorse weapon for security services all over the world (The P226 in different variations has been adopted by the US Navy Seals, United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, U.S. Secret Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and... hell, the fact that Gibbs uses it should be good enough for you!) The model used in the game is chambered for .45 ACP and uses a 10-round clip.

This weapon can be found on Layla's body after she is killed.

M590 12GA

Based upon the real-world Mossberg 590 12-Gauge Combat Shotgun, the pump-action is fitted with an 8-round capacity and is obtained from various locations in the Terminus Hotel, a dead security guard in the Rosewood Orphanage, and in several other missions in the game, including the mission in which Kane & Lynch make a cameo.

Mustang Snub

Based upon the real-world Colt Detective Special, the in-game version is a 6-round .38 Special Snub-nosed Revolver. In the real world these are about as accurate firing them as they are throwing them. Just saying. It can be found in the game as the starting weapon in Terminus and Hunter and Hunted, so you automatically collect this.

Pink Aries Charging Ram

A pink .357 Magnum revolver that is based upon the Taurus Raging Bull manufactured by the Taurus International Firearm Company of Brazil, the Raging Bull line of revolvers is actually a large line that includes models for well over a dozen calibers, though the model upon which the Aries Charging Ram is based upon is purely a fantasy version of the weapon, since the Raging Bull was never released in a version that chambered the .357 Magnum round.

Based upon its appearance in the game, the Aries Charging Ram is most likely based upon the Taurus 416 Raging Bull, which was actually chambered to fire the larger .41 Magnum round, and appeared in a 6.5-inch version nearly identical to that of the Aries Charging Bull used in the game. The Aries Charging Ram has a six-round capacity in its cylinder.

Police M590 12GA

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Mossberg 590 12-Gauge Silenced Combat Shotgun, the pump-action is fitted with an 8-round capacity and is obtained from an alcove in the library, on a police car in the mission Hunter and Hunted, and in several other locations in the game.

SA .44 Auto

(Collection Gun) Based upon the .44 Automag Pistol manufactured by the Automag Corporation, the in-game version is chambered for rimless .44 AMP rounds, and Features an 8-round magazine. While the Automag was originally designed for handgun hunting, it is more often used as a target pistol, and specifically for Automag Shooting Contests.

While this weapon is carried by one of the targets in a mission, Agent 47 also starts a mission with it, so you don't have to worry about collecting it.

Silverballers

(Collection Gun) The Silverballers are the Hitman version of the AMT Hardballers .45ACP stainless steel copy of the Colt Government Model M1911 service automatic. Ironically when it was in production the AMT Hardballer was widely considered to be among the poorest copies of the M1911, and until they were featured as the pistol of choice for Agent 47 did not have the following that they have today among collectors. The Silverballer, like the Hardballer, has a 7-round clip and chambers the .45ACP round.

Skurky's Mustang Snub

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world Colt Detective Special, the in-game version is a 6-round .38 Special Snub-nosed Revolver. In the real world these are about as accurate firing them as they are throwing them. Just saying. It can be found in the game as the starting weapon in Terminus and Hunter and Hunted, so you automatically collect this.

This weapon is obtained from Skurky after you kill him, and differs from the regular versions because it is a stainless steel model with a sheriff's star on the grips.

SPS 12

Based upon the real-world Franchi SPAS-12, it is a dual-mode combat shotgun (which means it can be set for semi-automatic fire or pump-action). While the real-world version holds 8 standard 12-Gauge rounds plus one in the barrel, in the game it can only hold six rounds.

The SPS 12 is found on display in the Blackwater Penthouse.

Steiner-Bisley Zenith

This is an homage weapon, based upon the Zenith gun found in the video game Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Included as part of the first DLC released for Hitman: Absolution, it is available for purchase through Xbox Live Marketplace for 80 MSP, and via the PlayStation Store and Steam Store for .99 cents.

STG 58

Based on the real-world Sturmgewehr 58, this is a standard assault rifle with a 20-round capacity, chambered in 7.62mm, and is found in the trunk of 47's car, in the death factory, and several other locations in the game.

STG 58 Elite

(Collection Gun) Based on the real-world FN-FAL 50.63 Paratrooper model, a modernized version of the assault rifle with a higher rate of fire. Chambered in 7.62mm, it sports a 25-round magazine, and is found factory guards and in the Evidence room in the courthouse.

Swiss 3000

The Swiss 3000 is obtained as a collected weapon in the Story mode, or purchased in Contracts Mode at the cost of $1m. It is chambered for 9mm rounds, and has a 10-shot magazine, being a semi-automatic weapon.

The Swiss 3000 is based upon the real-world Sphinx 3000 Series match pistol manufactured by Sphinx Systems Limited of Switzerland. It may interest you to know that this pistol is an advanced design and interpretation of the Czech Arms Model CZ-75, which was originally created as a military and police service weapon. It should also be noted that the Sphinx Series 3000 is a hand-made pistol, and is very expensive to own.

Swiss Derringer

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world American Derringer DA38 (Double Action), the in-game version is found on Lenny Dexter's body. To obtain it you must kill him; note that you can replay this mission later, so if you choose not to kill him, you can come back and collect the weapon later.

Travis' Swiss 3000

(Collection Gun) This is a named version of the Swiss 3000 that is obtained as a collected weapon in the Story mode, or purchased in Contracts Mode at the cost of $1m. It is chambered for 9mm rounds, and has a 10-shot magazine, being a semi-automatic weapon.

The Swiss 3000 is based upon the real-world Sphinx 3000 Series match pistol manufactured by Sphinx Systems Limited of Switzerland. It may interest you to know that this pistol is an advanced design and interpretation of the Czech Arms Model CZ-75, which was originally created as a military and police service weapon. It should also be noted that the Sphinx Series 3000 is a hand-made pistol, and is very expensive to own.

Ultramax

Based upon the real-world Chartered Industries of Singapore Ultimax 100 Mark-III 5.56mm light machine gun, it is classified as a SAW (Section Assault Weapon) similar in use and performance to the M60. The Ultimax is largely used by military forces in third-world countries.

This weapon is collected from the Blackwater Penthouse, where it is on display. It can also be obtained from the secret bunker in the gun shop.

Worn M590 12GA

Based upon the real-world Mossberg 590 12-Gauge Combat Shotgun, the pump-action is fitted with an 8-round capacity,this worn version is obtained from the check-in check-out room in the Terminus Hotel, and on goons in the Terminus Hotel. It is also found in the storage room in the wrestling arena in the mission Fight Night.

Worn Z&M Model 60

Based upon the real-world Smith & Wesson Model 60 Revolver, in the game the Worn Model can be found Blake Dexter's Goons in the Terminus Hotel.

Z&M Model 60

Based upon the real-world Smith & Wesson Model 60 Revolver, in the game it can be found on police officers in Chicago and elsewhere. During missions in which Agent 47 does not have his Silverballers, this is the handgun he uses, so there is no need to collect this.

Zug TMP

(Collection Gun) Based upon the real-world MP9 (Machine Pistol 9mm) manufactured by Brügger & Thomet of Switzerland. This machine pistol is chambered for 9mm and has a 30-round magazine, it appears to be a variation of the MP9 from Blood Money.

The Zug TMP is found in the Rosewood Orphanage and in the wrestling arena in the Fight Night Mission.

Weapons that are marked with the (Collection Gun) note are weapons that are part of the gun collection in the game, and so need to be collected as you work your way through the single-player Campaign.