Mini eGuide: How To Get the Most Out of Hitman Absolution’s Contracts Mode

Ever since it came out for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC last month, Hitman Absolution has been absolutely slaying us with greatness, giving you the ability to complete missions however you please while trying to score the most points possible. The single player mode had plenty to offer, including some encounters with rather unpredictable enemies, such as the dressed-to-kill Saints.

But the game is about much more than that, as Contracts Mode really gives you the opportunity to compete with your friends when it comes to seeing who the top assassin is. While it’s not direct multiplayer like Assassin’s Creed III offers, it’s instead leaderboard based, awarding you for following specific rules in a mission in the fastest and most effective fashion possible. And it’s a lot more difficult than it sounds, though with enough practice, you can get the hang of it and really do some damage.

For those that are newcomers to the Contracts Mode, we do have some advice to offer when it comes to getting the most out of your game. Don’t be afraid to hop online and give these a try, just to really get a feel of what it can do for you and your fellow Agent 47 fans.

Remember, Before You Set a Challenge, You Need To Do It Yourself

Contracts Mode lets you set certain perimeters with missions that you complete throughout the single player game, not only setting up targets but also specific rules that ties in with them, such as not being able to kill innocents (because an effective hitman doesn’t leave a large body trail), not missing any shots and setting up how many targets need to be brought down in the time frame. But don’t expect to just jump into Contracts and start setting up impossible challenges. Hitman Absolution actually forces you to work for it.

Before you can set up a Contract, you first need to show that it can be done, and from there, you’re able to tailor it and set up specific rules and regulations for your friends to follow. Some stages are simpler than others, as targets may be out in the open (like the King of Chinatown, who sits in the center of a busy market square while corrupt cops surround him) compared to hiding in obscurity, but each mission gives you plenty to tackle and, if you’re good enough, conquer.

Try a Few Out To Get the Hang Of It

If you’re not familiar with Contracts Mode or feel a little bit lost trying to set up certain aspects of it, it never hurts to dive in and see what other challenges fellow players have created. Some are downright difficult, especially a few that are thrown in by IO Interactive (Hitman’s developer) for good measure. But waste not want not, as the key to becoming the ideal assassin is to really gain the experience.

Through this knowledge, you’ll get a better idea of what works, what weapons are best to use in certain situations, and, most importantly, which route you’ll take when it comes to effectively eliminating your target. Some can be pretty cut and dry, while others require you to follow something along the lines of “making it look like an accident” – something a devoted hitman can easily do with enough patience. Don’t be afraid to mess around and see what challenges are open to complete. You might find yourself surprised by the end result, if you’re a quick enough shot.

It’s Easy To Work With

Finally, if you think Hitman Absolution is going to require you to jump through numerous menu systems in order to set up the perfect Contract, you can rest easy. All you really need to do is complete the challenge that you want to set up first by playing in the main game, then selecting the rules and weapons that follow. And like that, it’ll be good to go and various people can see if they can match your skill – or somehow even outperform you when it comes to picking up your target.

Just remember to have fun with it. Don’t chase after the biggest challenges first, especially if you’re uninitiated in the set-up of Hitman. Start off small and see what you can put together, and, when you think your scores are getting high enough, then jump in to the big leagues. There’s no time limit with these leaderboards, unless, of course, you’re renting the game instead of buying it. Which is crazy. It’s well worth the purchase.

Contracts Mode is easily one of the better parts of Hitman Absolution, and a vital ingredient to its prolonged success in the months ahead. You best pick up a sniper rifle and get to work.

Hitman Absolution is available in stores now.