Red Dead Redemption 2 vs Hitman 3

• Perspective: Third-Person (Default), First-Person (Optional)
• Multiplayer: Red Dead Online (Persistent Open World, Co-op Missions, PvP Modes, Roles)
• Setting: Fictionalized American West, 1899 (Ambarino, New Hanover, Lemoyne, West Elizabeth, New Austin)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
• Unique Feature: Incredible World Detail & Immersion, Deep Character Interactions, Honor System, Realistic Survival Mechanics, Dynamic Wildlife Ecosystem, Dead Eye Targeting System.

• Perspective: Third-Person (with first-person aiming option)
• Multiplayer: None (Primary Game). Ghost Mode was a 1v1 competitive mode in Hitman 2, not carried over directly. Sniper Assassin had co-op. Freelancer is single-player.
• Setting: Various Global Locations (Dubai, Dartmoor, Berlin, Chongqing, Mendoza, Carpathian Mountains + Hitman 1 & 2 locations)
• Platforms: PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version), Google Stadia (discontinued)
• Unique Feature: World of Assassination Platform (integrates H1/H2), Deep Sandbox Levels, Mission Stories & Creative Kills, Disguise System, Location Mastery & Unlocks, Freelancer Roguelike Mode.

• Van der Linde Gang Members (Contextual AI): While not directly commandable like 'Guns for Hire' in Far Cry, various members of the Van der Linde gang will accompany Arthur on specific story missions, providing combat support, dialogue, and unique interactions. Their presence and abilities are scripted based on the mission. Key members like Charles, Sadie, John, Lenny, Bill, and Javier frequently ride with Arthur.
  Human
• Your Horse (Primary Mount): Arthur's primary means of transport and a crucial companion. Bonding with a horse (by feeding, patting, brushing) increases its Health and Stamina, unlocks special maneuvers (drifting, piaffe), and makes it less likely to buck Arthur off when scared. Horses can carry pelts, carcasses, and an extra outfit. Different breeds have varying base stats (speed, acceleration, health, stamina).
  Equus caballus (Various Breeds)
• Temporary Dog Companions: In certain situations or with specific camp dogs (like Cain), Arthur can interact with them, and they might follow him for a short period or alert him to nearby points of interest or danger. They are not combat companions in the traditional sense.
  Canis familiaris

• Diana Burnwood (Via Comms / Narrative): Agent 47's primary handler. She provides mission briefings, intelligence on targets and locations, real-time updates during missions, and exfiltration guidance via radio communication. She is a crucial narrative and gameplay support figure but does not physically accompany 47 on missions.
  Human
• Lucas Grey (Temporary AI / Narrative): During certain story missions in Hitman 2 and the beginning of Hitman 3, Lucas Grey fights alongside Agent 47 as an AI-controlled companion or coordinates actions with him. His presence is scripted for specific narrative sequences.
  Human (Fellow Clone)
• Olivia Hall (Via Comms / Narrative): A skilled hacker allied with Lucas Grey and later 47. She provides technical support, hacking assistance, and intelligence via radio communication during certain missions.
  Human
• No Persistent Gameplay Companions: Agent 47 is a lone operative by nature. The core gameplay loop focuses on his individual skills in stealth, disguise, and assassination. He does not have persistent AI companions that follow him or can be commanded during missions.

• Dinosaur Bones: 30 fossilized dinosaur bones hidden across the map. Players find them and mail their coordinates to the paleontologist Deborah MacGuiness to complete a side quest chain and receive unique rewards, including a Jawbone Knife and a Jawbone Trinket.
• Cigarette Cards: 144 collectible cards (12 sets of 12 cards each) found in cigarette packs throughout the world or as individual finds. Collecting full sets and mailing them to Phileas T. Ramsbottom yields monetary rewards and unique items.
• Dreamcatchers: 20 dreamcatchers hanging from trees in specific locations. Finding all of them reveals a depiction of a buffalo on a cave wall and unlocks the Ancient Arrowhead perk, which doubles stamina while using the bow.
• Rock Carvings: 10 intricate carvings on rock faces, part of the 'Geology for Beginners' stranger mission. Mailing their coordinates to Francis Sinclair leads to a mysterious encounter and rewards.
• Legendary Fish: 13 unique, massive fish that can be caught in specific bodies of water using special lures, part of Jeremy Gill's 'A Fisher of Fish' stranger mission. Mailing them back rewards money and unique fishing gear.
• Graves: 9 graves of fallen companions can be found and interacted with after certain points in the story, contributing to 100% completion and offering moments of reflection.
• Points of Interest (Sketches): 50 unique locations, animals, or events that Arthur can observe and sketch in his journal, adding to its detail and contributing to completion.
• Exotic Items (for Algernon Wasp): Various rare bird plumes, orchids, and alligator eggs requested by the eccentric Algernon Wasp in Saint Denis for his 'Duchesses and other Animals' stranger mission series, rewarding unique items like the Exotic Hat.
• Treasure Maps & Hidden Treasures: Series of maps leading to hidden stashes of gold bars or valuable items. Some are part of stranger missions, others are found through exploration.

• Location Mastery Unlocks (Starting Locations, Agency Pickups, Gear, Suits): Earned by gaining XP and leveling up Mastery for each specific mission location (up to Level 20). Unlocks new starting points within the level, allows smuggling items via Agency Pickups, and grants new weapons, gadgets, and cosmetic suits for use in any mission.
• Challenges (Assassination, Discovery, Feats, Targets): A vast list of specific tasks and objectives to complete within each mission, categorized by type. Completing challenges grants XP towards Location Mastery and sometimes unlocks specific items or achievements/trophies. Examples include eliminating a target in a specific way, finding all disguises, or completing a mission with a Silent Assassin rating.
• Intel & Mission Stories: Clues, documents, overheard conversations, or environmental interactions that reveal 'Mission Stories' – guided opportunities for often elaborate, unique, and sometimes humorous ways to assassinate targets. Following these stories can lead to unique kills and easier access.
• Disguises: Found by incapacitating NPCs. While not 'collected' in a persistent inventory (except for starting suit selection), discovering and utilizing all available disguises in a level is often a tracked challenge and key to unlocking all areas and opportunities.
• Items & Weapons (Found in Level / Unlocked): Numerous melee weapons, firearms, tools, and environmental objects can be found and used within each mission. Unlocking weapons and gear through Mastery allows them to be selected for loadouts or smuggled in.
• Shortcuts & Keys: Persistent shortcuts (e.g., permanently unlocked doors, ladders) can be opened within levels, making subsequent playthroughs or different approaches easier. Keys or keycards grant access to restricted areas.
• Freelancer Mode - Merces & Gear Collection: In Freelancer mode, players earn Merces (currency) to purchase weapons, gear, and tools from suppliers for their campaigns. Successfully completing campaigns allows them to add collected high-tier weapons to their permanent Safehouse collection. Failure can result in losing non-Safehouse gear.

• The End of the Wild West
• Loyalty vs. Morality
• Redemption
• Betrayal
• Outlaw Life
• Civilization vs. Wilderness
• Honor
• Family (Found & Blood)
• Consequences of Actions
• Nature & Survival
• Industrialization

• Assassination & Espionage
• Global Conspiracy
• Shadow Organizations (Providence
• ICA)
• Moral Ambiguity
• Identity & Purpose (Agent 47)
• Precision & Professionalism
• Disguise & Deception
• Environmental Storytelling
• Player Freedom & Creativity

• Revolvers: Sidearm (Single/Double Action)
  Iconic Western sidearms like the Cattleman Revolver, Schofield Revolver, Double-Action Revolver. Customizable with grips, barrel lengths, metals, and engravings. Can be dual-wielded.
• Pistols: Sidearm (Semi-Automatic)
  Early semi-automatic pistols such as the Mauser Pistol, Semi-Automatic Pistol, Volcanic Pistol. Offer faster fire rates than revolvers. Customizable and dual-wieldable.
• Repeaters: Rifle (Lever/Bolt Action, Medium Range)
  Versatile rifles like the Lancaster Repeater, Litchfield Repeater, Carbine Repeater. Good balance of damage, range, and fire rate. Mainstays for combat.
• Rifles: Rifle (Bolt/Single Shot, Long Range)
  Includes the Bolt Action Rifle, Springfield Rifle, Rolling Block Rifle (Sniper). Powerful and accurate for long-range engagements and big game hunting.
• Shotguns: Close Quarters (High Damage)
  Pump-Action Shotgun, Semi-Auto Shotgun, Double-Barreled Shotgun, Sawed-Off Shotgun. Devastating at close range, with different ammo types (slugs, incendiary).
• Sniper Rifles: Very Long Range (Scoped)
  Specialized long-range rifles like the Carcano Rifle and Rolling Block Rifle (when scoped). Used for precision kills from extreme distances.
• Bows: Silent Ranged
  A versatile weapon for silent hunting and stealth combat. Can use standard, improved, small game, poison, fire, and dynamite arrows.
• Melee Weapons: Close Quarters (Silent/Brutal)
  Includes various knives (Hunting Knife, Jawbone Knife), hatchets, cleavers, and the Machete. Used for stealth takedowns and brutal close combat.
• Throwables: Tactical/Explosive
  Dynamite (standard, volatile), Fire Bottles (Molotovs), Tomahawks (standard, homing, improved), Throwing Knives (standard, improved, poison).
• Lasso: Utility/Non-Lethal
  Used to hogtie enemies or animals, drag people, or pull objects. Essential for bounty hunting.

• Pistols (Silenced & Unsilenced - e.g., ICA19, Krugermeier, HWK21): Handgun (Ballistic)
  Agent 47's signature sidearms. Essential for stealthy takedowns (silenced variants) or as a backup combat weapon. Various models with different stats (accuracy, damage, suppression level, magazine size).
• Submachine Guns (e.g., TAC-SMG, HX-10): Automatic Firearm (Close Quarters)
  Rapid-firing weapons effective at close range if stealth is broken. Can be found in levels or unlocked via mastery. Often available in silenced versions.
• Assault Rifles (e.g., Fusil G2, Shashka A33): Automatic/Semi-Auto Firearm (Mid Range)
  Powerful automatic rifles, generally less suited for stealth but highly effective in open combat. Found on guards or in specific locations.
• Shotguns (e.g., Bartoli 12G, Enram HV): Firearm (Close Quarters, High Damage)
  Devastating at close range, ideal for loud encounters or eliminating heavily armored targets quickly.
• Sniper Rifles (e.g., Sieger 300 Ghost, Jaeger 7 Lancer, Druzhina 34 Arctic): Long Range Firearm (Precision Assassination)
  Used for eliminating targets from extreme distances. Many variants offer different levels of suppression, zoom, and special properties (e.g., subsonic, armor-piercing). Often require assembly from parts smuggled in a briefcase.
• Fiber Wire: Melee (Silent Garrote)
  Agent 47's classic tool for silent, non-messy strangulation kills from behind. A starting item.
• Lethal Melee Weapons (Knives, Cleavers, Axes, Screwdrivers, etc.): Close Quarters (Lethal)
  Various sharp or blunt objects found in the environment or unlocked that can be used for lethal melee attacks or thrown for a lethal impact.
• Non-Lethal Melee Weapons (Hammers, Wrenches, Crowbars, Fish, Briefcase, etc.): Close Quarters (Non-Lethal Takedown)
  Numerous everyday objects that can be used to knock out NPCs silently from behind or in melee combat. Essential for non-lethal playthroughs and acquiring disguises.
• Poisons (Lethal Vial/Syringe, Emetic Vial/Syringe, Sedative Vial/Syringe): Consumable (Covert Elimination/Incapacitation)
  Can be used to contaminate food or drink, or directly injected. Lethal poison kills targets discreetly. Emetic poison makes them sick and seek a bathroom. Sedative poison knocks them out.
• Explosives (Remote/Proximity Mines, Breaching Charges, Explosive Devices - e.g., Rubber Duck, Golf Ball): Tactical/Area Denial/Distraction
  Various explosive devices for creating diversions, eliminating targets through 'accidents,' or breaching locked doors. Some are designed to be inconspicuous.
• Distraction Items (Coins, Various Throwable Objects): Utility (Stealth)
  Coins are a staple for luring NPCs or making them investigate a sound. Many other small objects can be thrown for similar purposes.
• Special Tools (Lockpick, Keycard Scrambler, Remote EMP Charge, Sieker 1 Emetic Dart Gun): Utility (Infiltration/Sabotage)
  Unlockable tools that aid in infiltration. Lockpicks open simple doors. Scramblers bypass electronic locks. EMP charges disable security devices. The Sieker 1 silently delivers emetic poison from a distance.

• Clothing Outfits & Individual Pieces: Arthur Morgan can wear a vast array of clothing items (hats, coats, shirts, vests, pants, boots, gloves, neckwear, suspenders, chaps, spurs). While primarily cosmetic and for role-playing, some outfits or pieces provide minor benefits like temperature resistance (e.g., warmer clothes for cold weather). There isn't a traditional 'armor' system for damage reduction through clothing. Players can save custom outfits.
• Reinforced Equipment (Crafted by Pearson): Using perfect animal pelts and other materials, Pearson at the gang camp can craft reinforced equipment: Bandoliers (increase ammo capacity), Satchels (increase carrying capacity for provisions, tonics, ingredients, materials, valuables, kits), Gun Belts, and Holsters (cosmetic and potentially minor stat boosts like weapon degradation speed). These are crucial for practical upgrades.
• Talismans & Trinkets (Crafted by Fence): Crafted at a Fence using parts from Legendary Animals and unique collectible items. These provide permanent passive buffs to Arthur's core stats (Health, Stamina, Dead Eye), experience gain, weapon degradation, money earned, or other gameplay aspects. They are equipped and offer significant, though often subtle, advantages.
• Tonics (Consumable Buffs): Various craftable or purchasable tonics provide temporary boosts or full restoration to Health, Stamina, and Dead Eye cores and bars. Potent versions offer stronger effects or fortification (slowing core drain). These act as temporary 'armor' or performance enhancers.

• No Equipable Armor System (Damage Mitigation): Agent 47 does not equip traditional armor pieces for direct damage reduction that can be swapped or upgraded. His survivability in combat relies on player skill in using cover, stealth, takedowns, and managing his health (which regenerates to a certain point, with full restoration often requiring finding specific items or being out of combat for a period). Some starting suits in Freelancer mode might offer a slight initial health advantage, but this is not a core armor system.
• Disguises (Stealth 'Armor'): The primary form of 'protection' in Hitman is the disguise system. Wearing an appropriate disguise allows Agent 47 to blend in with different groups of NPCs and access restricted areas without arousing immediate suspicion. Different disguises grant varying levels of access and may be scrutinized by specific 'Enforcer' NPCs. This system is about social stealth rather than direct damage mitigation.
• Cosmetic Suits: Players can unlock a vast array of cosmetic suits for Agent 47 to wear at the start of missions or change into. These are purely visual and do not provide any gameplay advantages or defensive stats. They are unlocked through Mastery, Challenges, Elusive Targets, or DLC.

• Full Outfits: Players can purchase or unlock numerous pre-designed outfits (e.g., 'The Gunslinger', 'The Valentine', 'The Saint Denis'). Arthur also starts with several outfits. Outfits can be stored on his horse.
• Individual Clothing Pieces: Extensive customization is possible by mixing and matching individual items: Hats, Coats (various lengths and materials), Shirts, Vests, Pants, Boots, Gloves, Neckwear (bandanas, ties, neckerchiefs), Suspenders, Chaps, Spurs. Items have different styles, colors, and can be purchased from general stores or tailors, or crafted by the Trapper from Legendary Animal pelts.
• Weapon Equipment: Gun Belts, Off-Hand Holsters, and Bandoliers can be equipped and upgraded. While some offer stat benefits (ammo capacity from bandoliers), many are also cosmetic choices.
• Grooming: Arthur's hair and beard grow dynamically over time. Players can visit barbers to get haircuts, shaves, or style their hair and beard in various ways. Pomade can be applied for a slicked look.
• Temperature System: Clothing choices impact Arthur's resistance to cold and hot weather. Wearing appropriate attire (e.g., heavy coats in snowy mountains, lighter shirts in hot swamps) prevents negative effects on Health Core drain. Outfits can be saved with specific temperature ratings.

• Agent 47's Signature Suit (Black Suit, White Shirt, Red Tie): Agent 47's iconic default attire. While this is his primary look, players can unlock and choose to start missions in a vast array of other cosmetic suits.
• Unlockable Suits (Themed, Location-Specific, Challenge Rewards): A wide variety of cosmetic suits can be unlocked by completing challenges, achieving high Mastery Levels in locations, successfully eliminating Elusive Targets, or through DLC/Deluxe Editions. Examples include tactical gear, formal wear, casual outfits, humorous costumes, and suits inspired by previous Hitman games. These are purely visual.
• Disguises (In-Mission): A core gameplay mechanic. Agent 47 can incapacitate NPCs and take their outfits to use as disguises. Each disguise grants access to different areas of a level and changes how other NPCs react to 47. There are hundreds of unique disguises across all locations, from guard uniforms and waiter outfits to more outlandish costumes like a flamingo mascot or a scarecrow.
• Gloves (Often part of Suit Unlocks): Many unlockable suits come with specific glove designs, contributing to the overall aesthetic.
• Freelancer Mode Safehouse Customization: In Freelancer mode, players can spend Merces (in-game currency) to customize various areas of Agent 47's safehouse, including the kitchen, garage, living areas, and exterior, with different furniture, decorations, and themes. This doesn't directly affect 47's wearable clothing but adds a layer of personalization.

Arthur Morgan's core attributes (Health, Stamina, Dead Eye) level up through gameplay actions (e.g., running increases stamina, headshots increase Dead Eye). Gear upgrades (bandoliers, satchels, holsters) are crafted by Pearson at the gang camp using animal pelts and other materials, increasing carrying capacity. Weapons can be customized extensively (barrels, sights, stocks, wraps, engravings) and cleaned to maintain performance. Tonics and provisions provide temporary buffs. Horse bonding is crucial, unlocking new maneuvers and increasing horse stats. Camp upgrades provide benefits like better provisions and fast travel.

The game world is exceptionally large, detailed, and diverse. Regions include the snowy mountains of Ambarino, the heartland plains and forests of New Hanover, the swampy bayous and antebellum towns of Lemoyne, the developing plains and forests of West Elizabeth, and the arid deserts and canyons of New Austin (largely based on the map from the first Red Dead Redemption). Each region has unique ecosystems, wildlife, towns, and points of interest.

• Horses (Various Breeds): Primary Mount / Living Vehicle
  The main mode of transportation. Over 19 breeds available, each with different stats (Health, Stamina, Speed, Acceleration) and handling. Can be bought, stolen, or tamed from the wild. Bonding with a horse improves its stats and unlocks maneuvers. Horses can carry pelts and carcasses.
• Wagons & Coaches: Horse-Drawn Vehicle
  Various types of wagons (small carts, supply wagons, oil tankers) and passenger coaches (stagecoaches, buggies). Can be driven by the player, stolen, or used in missions. Some are armored or have specific functions.
• Trains: Rail Vehicle
  Fully operational steam trains run on a schedule across the map. Players can ride trains as passengers (a form of fast travel), rob them, or even drive them for a short period if hijacked.
• Boats (Canoes, Rowboats, Small Steamboats): Watercraft
  Used for navigating rivers, lakes, and swamps. Includes simple canoes and rowboats for personal transport or fishing, and occasionally small, armed steamboats in specific missions or locations.
• Handcar: Manual Rail Vehicle
  A manually operated rail vehicle found on certain railway lines, can be used for short-distance travel along tracks.

• No Player-Controlled Vehicles (General Traversal)
  Agent 47 primarily traverses mission locations on foot, utilizing stealth, disguises, and environmental navigation (climbing pipes, ledges, using ladders). There are no player-drivable cars, motorcycles, boats, or aircraft for general exploration within the sandbox levels.
• Contextual Vehicles (Used for Exits, Scripted Events, or as Environmental Elements): Various (Cars, Boats, Helicopters, Trains, etc.)
  Vehicles are present in many levels as environmental details, potential 'accident' kill opportunities (e.g., sabotaging a car), or as specific means of exfiltration once mission objectives are complete (e.g., escaping in a speedboat, helicopter, or car). Some mission stories might involve interacting with or briefly being inside a vehicle during a scripted sequence, but free-roam driving is not a feature.
• Fast Travel (Via Starting Locations / Unlocked Shortcuts - Within Mission Replays): Mission Start / Level Navigation Mechanic
  When replaying missions, players can choose different unlocked starting locations (often requiring specific disguises) to begin closer to certain objectives. Within levels, discovering and unlocking persistent shortcuts (like doors from the other side or kickable ladders) allows for faster navigation on subsequent attempts or during different approaches.

• Deer (Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Buck): Cervidae
  Prey, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts, Antlers)
• Bison (American Bison): Bovinae
  Large Herbivore, Herd Animal, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts, Horns)
• Bears (Grizzly Bear, Black Bear): Ursidae
  Hostile Apex Predator, Dangerous, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts, Claws)
• Wolves (Gray Wolf, Timber Wolf): Canidae
  Hostile Pack Predator, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts)
• Cougars & Panthers (Florida Panther): Felidae
  Hostile Apex Predator (Stealthy), Dangerous, Hunting Resource (Meat, Pelts)
• Alligators (American Alligator): Alligatoridae
  Hostile Ambush Predator (Waterways/Swamps), Hunting Resource (Meat, Skin, Tooth)
• Snakes (Various species like Rattlesnakes, Water Snakes, Copperheads): Serpentes
  Hostile (Venomous), Hunting Resource (Skin, Meat for poison crafting)
• Birds (Eagles, Hawks, Owls, Vultures, Ducks, Geese, Songbirds, etc.): Aves (Numerous)
  Ambient Wildlife, Hunting Resource (Feathers, Meat, Carcasses for crafting/selling)
• Fish (Numerous species like Largemouth Bass, Sockeye Salmon, Northern Pike, Catfish): Pisces (Numerous)
  Aquatic Wildlife, Fishing Resource (Meat for cooking/selling)
• Horses (Various Breeds: Arabian, Thoroughbred, Mustang, Morgan, etc.): Equus caballus
  Primary Mount, Companion, Wild (can be tamed), Purchasable
• Legendary Animals (Legendary Grizzly Bear, Legendary Buck, Legendary Coyote, etc.): Unique Rare Variants
  Challenging Hunts, Provide unique pelts/parts for crafting special outfits and talismans/trinkets (which grant passive buffs).
• Other common wildlife (Rabbits, Squirrels, Foxes, Coyotes, Badgers, Raccoons, Opossums, Boars, Elk, Moose, Pronghorn, Bighorn Sheep, Goats, Muskrats, Beavers, Armadillos, Gila Monsters, Iguanas, Turtles, Frogs, Bats, etc.): Various Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians
  Ambient Wildlife, Hunting Resource (Pelts, Meat, other parts for crafting, provisions, or sale)

• Arthur Morgan: Protagonist / Van der Linde Gang Enforcer
  The player-controlled character. A loyal, highly capable senior member of the Van der Linde gang since he was a boy. He is Dutch's right-hand man and enforcer, but begins to question Dutch's leadership and his own morality as the gang's situation becomes more desperate. Known for his rugged pragmatism and internal conflict.
• Dutch van der Linde: Antagonist / Leader of the Van der Linde Gang
  The charismatic, intelligent, and idealistic leader of the gang. He preaches a philosophy of freedom and anti-establishment, but his methods become increasingly violent and his judgment erratic as pressures mount, leading to his descent into paranoia and tyranny.
• John Marston: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member (Protagonist of RDR1)
  A fellow gang member, younger than Arthur, with a wife (Abigail) and son (Jack). His desire to leave the outlaw life for his family creates tension within the gang. His story in RDR2 serves as a prequel to his role in the original Red Dead Redemption.
• Sadie Adler: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member (Later Bounty Hunter)
  A widow whose ranch is attacked by the O'Driscoll Boys. She is rescued by the Van der Linde gang and evolves from a grieving victim into a fierce, independent gunslinger and bounty hunter, becoming one of Arthur's most trusted allies.
• Micah Bell: Antagonist / Van der Linde Gang Member
  A volatile, violent, and self-serving newer member of the gang. He encourages Dutch's worst impulses and is a source of internal conflict and distrust, ultimately playing a major antagonistic role.
• Hosea Matthews: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Consigliere
  Dutch's oldest friend, co-founder of the gang, and its seasoned con artist and strategist. He often serves as a voice of reason and moderation, trying to temper Dutch's recklessness.
• Charles Smith: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member
  A quiet, highly skilled hunter and fighter of mixed African American and Native American heritage. He is honorable, principled, and one of Arthur's most dependable allies.
• Lenny Summers: Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member
  A young, educated, and relatively idealistic member of the gang. Provides some lighter moments and represents a younger generation of outlaws.
• Abigail Roberts (Marston): Supporting Character / Van der Linde Gang Member
  John Marston's wife and mother of Jack. A strong-willed woman who desires a normal life for her family away from the gang.
• Bill Williamson, Javier Escuella, Uncle, Leopold Strauss, Susan Grimshaw, Molly O'Shea, Karen Jones, Mary-Beth Gaskill, Tilly Jackson, Simon Pearson, Josiah Trelawny, Kieran Duffy, Reverend Swanson, Sean MacGuire: Supporting Characters / Van der Linde Gang Members & Associates
  The diverse ensemble cast making up the rest of the Van der Linde gang, each with their own personalities, backstories, and roles within the camp and story.
• Agent Andrew Milton & Agent Edgar Ross: Antagonists / Pinkerton Detectives
  Senior Pinkerton National Detective Agency agents relentlessly pursuing the Van der Linde gang. Milton is the primary pursuer in RDR2, with Ross (antagonist of RDR1) playing a supporting role.
• Colm O'Driscoll: Antagonist / Leader of the O'Driscoll Boys Gang
  The leader of a rival gang and a long-standing nemesis of Dutch van der Linde.

• Agent 47: Protagonist / ICA Assassin (Later Independent)
  The genetically engineered, master assassin. Known for his professionalism, precision, and ability to blend in using disguises. In this trilogy, he confronts his past and the organization that created him, Providence, while questioning his own purpose.
• Diana Burnwood: Ally / Handler (ICA, later Independent)
  Agent 47's long-time handler at the International Contract Agency (ICA). Provides mission briefings, intelligence, and moral guidance. Her relationship with 47 is central to the narrative, especially as they work against Providence.
• Lucas Grey (The Shadow Client / Subject 6): Ally / Former Antagonist / Fellow Clone
  A childhood friend and fellow genetically engineered operative from Dr. Ort-Meyer's facility. Initially an antagonist in Hitman (2016) seeking to destroy Providence, he becomes 47's key ally and friend in Hitman 2 and 3.
• Arthur Edwards (The Constant): Main Antagonist / Leader of Providence
  The enigmatic and highly intelligent leader of Providence, the secretive organization that secretly controls global affairs. He is the primary antagonist of the World of Assassination trilogy, manipulating events from the shadows.
• The Partners (Carl Ingram, Marcus Stuyvesant, Alexa Carlisle - Hitman 3 Targets): Antagonists / Leaders of Providence
  The three current leaders (Partners) of Providence, who become primary targets for 47 and Grey in Hitman 3 as they dismantle the organization.
• Olivia Hall: Ally / Hacker (Associate of Lucas Grey)
  A skilled hacker who works closely with Lucas Grey and later assists 47 and Diana in their fight against Providence.
• Various Targets (Across all three games): Assassination Objectives
  A vast array of individuals targeted by 47 throughout the World of Assassination trilogy, each with their own backstories, routines, and connections to the larger conspiracy or criminal enterprises.
• Freelancer Mode NPCs (Syndicate Leaders, Assassins, Lookouts, Suppliers): Procedurally Generated Targets & Support NPCs
  In Freelancer mode, targets and some support NPCs are procedurally generated with unique traits and appearances, creating diverse assassination challenges.

• Main Story Chapters (I-VI & Epilogue I-II)
  A series of interconnected story missions that form the main narrative arc, chronicling the Van der Linde gang's struggles, heists, internal conflicts, and Arthur Morgan's personal journey. Each chapter is typically set in a new region or marks a significant shift in the gang's circumstances.
• Stranger Missions (Side Storylines)
  Optional multi-part questlines initiated by unique 'Stranger' characters encountered throughout the world. These often feature distinct stories, memorable characters, and unique rewards (e.g., missions for Hamish Sinclair, Charlotte Balfour, Albert Mason, Francis Sinclair).
• Bounty Hunting Missions
  Pick up bounty posters from sheriff's offices in various towns. Track down and capture (alive for a higher reward) or kill wanted criminals. Some bounties involve unique encounters or storylines.
• Chance Encounters (Random Events)
  Dynamic, unscripted events that occur as Arthur explores the world. These can include ambushes, people needing help (e.g., snake bite victims, stranded travelers), animal attacks, duels, or interactions with other outlaws. Choices made in these encounters can affect Honor.
• Companion Activities & Camp Requests
  Engage in optional activities with gang members at camp, such as playing poker or five finger fillet, going fishing or hunting with them, or fulfilling their item requests (e.g., finding a specific book or herb). These build camaraderie and provide small rewards or insights into characters.
• Debt Collection (Leopold Strauss Missions)
  Missions given by the gang's moneylender, Leopold Strauss, where Arthur must collect outstanding debts from vulnerable individuals, often through intimidation or force. These missions highlight the darker aspects of the gang's activities and impact Arthur's Honor.
• Legendary Animal & Fish Hunts
  Track and hunt unique Legendary Animals or catch Legendary Fish. These are challenging encounters requiring specific approaches. Their pelts/parts are used to craft unique outfits, gear, talismans, and trinkets at the Trapper or Fence.
• Home Robberies, Stagecoach Robberies, Train Robberies (Incidental & Mission-based)
  Opportunities to rob homesteads, stagecoaches, or trains for money and valuables. Some are specific missions, while others can be initiated by the player in the open world. These actions typically result in a bounty and decreased Honor.

• Campaign Missions (Dubai, Dartmoor, Berlin, Chongqing, Mendoza, Carpathian Mountains - Hitman 3 Base Game)
  A series of story-driven assassination contracts set in diverse global locations. Each mission presents Agent 47 with one or more primary targets to eliminate, along with optional objectives (e.g., retrieving an item, specific assassination methods). Levels are large sandboxes offering multiple approaches and high replayability.
• Hitman 1 & Hitman 2 Campaign Missions (Via World of Assassination Access Passes)
  If the player owns or purchases access to Hitman (2016) and Hitman 2 (2018) content, all their respective campaign missions (e.g., Paris, Sapienza, Marrakesh, Bangkok, Colorado, Hokkaido from H1; Hawke's Bay, Miami, Santa Fortuna, Mumbai, Whittleton Creek, Isle of Sgàil from H2) become playable within the Hitman 3 (World of Assassination) platform, utilizing its updated engine and mechanics.
• Escalation Contracts
  Multi-stage contracts with progressively increasing difficulty and often complex or restrictive conditions (e.g., specific disguises, kill methods, time limits, added complications). Each stage builds upon the last. Some are part of Deluxe content or themed DLCs (Seven Deadly Sins).
• Elusive Targets (Time-Limited)
  Special, time-limited missions where players have only one chance to assassinate a unique target with a specific backstory. If the player fails or the target escapes, the contract is lost permanently for that run (though Elusive Targets often get reactivated in batches later). Successfully completing them unlocks unique suits.
• Contracts Mode (User-Generated Content)
  Players can create their own assassination contracts within existing mission locations by marking NPCs as targets and setting specific kill conditions or disguise requirements. These contracts can then be shared online for other players to attempt, fostering a community of challenge creators.
• Sniper Assassin Missions (Haven Island, Hantu Port, Siberia - from Hitman 2)
  Dedicated sniper missions where Agent 47 must eliminate multiple targets and their bodyguards from a fixed sniper perch within a time limit, often by creating chain reactions or 'accident' kills using his sniper rifle. Can be played solo or in online co-op (co-op functionality might vary in WoA).
• Freelancer Mode Campaigns (Roguelike)
  A single-player roguelike mode where Agent 47 takes on campaigns against various criminal syndicates. Each campaign consists of several missions leading to a showdown with a syndicate leader. Players must manage resources (Merces), acquire gear from suppliers, and risk losing non-Safehouse items upon failure. Features a customizable Safehouse as a persistent hub.
• Featured Contracts
  Curated selections of community-created contracts highlighted by IO Interactive, often with specific themes or challenging conditions.

Available in Standard Edition, Special Edition (included extra story mode content like a bank robbery mission, gang hideout, gameplay boosts, an outfit, and a thoroughbred horse), and Ultimate Edition (included Special Edition content plus bonus Red Dead Online content like outfits, rank bonuses, a black chestnut thoroughbred, and free access to additional weapons). A Collector's Box (no game included) was also sold with physical collectibles.

Available in Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. Deluxe Edition included Deluxe Escalation Contracts, Deluxe suits and items, digital soundtrack, digital 'World of Hitman' book, and director commentary. Pre-orders often included the 'Trinity Pack' (suits and briefcases themed after Hitman 1, 2, & 3). Hitman 3 eventually became 'Hitman: World of Assassination,' bundling Hitman 1 GOTY Access Pass and Hitman 2 Standard Access Pass for all owners, effectively making it the definitive platform for the trilogy.

The primary post-launch support has been for Red Dead Online, which has received numerous updates adding new roles (Bounty Hunter, Trader, Collector, Moonshiner, Naturalist), missions, cosmetic items, gameplay mechanics, and seasonal events. No single-player story DLC has been released for Red Dead Redemption 2.

Major post-launch content includes the 'Seven Deadly Sins' collection (seven themed DLC packs with unique Escalation Contracts, suits, and items). The 'Freelancer' mode was a significant free update, adding a roguelike campaign with persistent progression and customizable safehouse. Numerous free Elusive Targets, Escalation Contracts, and Featured Contracts have been added. The game also evolved into 'Hitman: World of Assassination,' integrating content from the previous two games for owners.

• Q: Is Red Dead Redemption 2 a prequel or sequel to Red Dead Redemption?
  A: Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption. It tells the story of the Van der Linde gang, including a younger John Marston (protagonist of RDR1), before the events of the first game.
• Q: Can I play as John Marston in Red Dead Redemption 2?
  A: You primarily play as Arthur Morgan for most of the main story. However, John Marston becomes playable during the game's extensive epilogue chapters, which bridge the gap to the original Red Dead Redemption.
• Q: How long is Red Dead Redemption 2's story?
  A: The main story campaign is exceptionally long, typically taking players 50-60 hours to complete. Exploring all side content, collectibles, and aiming for 100% completion can easily extend playtime to 150-200+ hours.
• Q: What is the Honor System?
  A: The Honor system tracks Arthur's moral choices and actions throughout the game. Positive actions (helping strangers, sparing enemies) increase honor, while negative actions (killing innocents, robbing) decrease it. Honor level affects dialogue, store discounts, outfit unlocks, how NPCs react to Arthur, and has minor impacts on the story's ending.
• Q: Is Red Dead Online still active?
  A: Yes, Red Dead Online is still active and receives periodic updates, though major content additions have slowed compared to its initial years. It offers a persistent multiplayer world with various activities, roles, and missions.
• Q: Can you play RDR2 in first-person?
  A: Yes, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a fully implemented first-person mode, allowing players to experience the entire game from Arthur's perspective. This can be toggled on and off at any time.

• Q: What is Hitman: World of Assassination?
  A: Hitman: World of Assassination is the current branding for Hitman 3, which now serves as a platform to access the content from all three games in the trilogy (Hitman (2016), Hitman 2 (2018), and Hitman 3 (2021)) within a single, unified interface, provided the player owns the respective Access Passes or base games.
• Q: How does the Disguise system work?
  A: Agent 47 can incapacitate NPCs and take their outfits. Wearing a disguise allows him to blend in with that group of NPCs and access areas restricted to that role (e.g., a guard disguise allows access to security rooms). However, certain 'Enforcer' NPCs (marked with a white dot) can see through specific disguises if 47 gets too close or stays in their line of sight.
• Q: What are Mission Stories?
  A: Mission Stories are guided opportunities within each level that present unique and often elaborate ways to get close to and eliminate targets. They are discovered by finding intel or overhearing conversations and can lead to cinematic or 'accident' kills.
• Q: What is the 'Silent Assassin' rating?
  A: Silent Assassin is the highest rating achievable on a mission. It requires eliminating only the target(s), no bodies found (unless it was an accident kill or they were hidden), not being caught on camera (or destroying the evidence), and not being spotted committing any illegal actions. Achieving this rating often unlocks specific challenges and rewards.
• Q: What is Freelancer mode?
  A: Freelancer is a free, single-player roguelike mode added to Hitman: World of Assassination. Players take on campaigns against criminal syndicates, earning Merces (currency) to buy gear and upgrade a customizable safehouse. Failure on a mission can result in losing collected (non-Safehouse) gear for that campaign, adding high stakes.
• Q: Are there different ways to kill targets?
  A: Yes, a hallmark of the Hitman series is the immense player freedom in how to eliminate targets. This can range from direct confrontation (though often difficult), to stealthy melee or silenced pistol kills, to elaborate 'accident' kills (e.g., dropping a chandelier, poisoning food, sabotaging equipment), using sniper rifles, or exploiting unique environmental opportunities.

Powered by an advanced version of the RAGE engine, RDR2 is renowned for its groundbreaking graphics and attention to detail. It features stunningly realistic environments, lifelike character and animal animations, advanced lighting (volumetric lighting, global illumination), dynamic weather systems (rain, snow, fog), and incredible texture quality. The level of environmental detail and interaction is exceptionally high.

Powered by IO Interactive's Glacier Engine, Hitman 3 showcases highly detailed and atmospheric sandbox locations from around the world. It features impressive lighting, reflections (especially with ray tracing), dense crowds, and detailed character models. Each location has a distinct visual identity and ambiance. Ray tracing for reflections and shadows was added in a post-launch update on PC and current-gen consoles.

Original score composed by Woody Jackson, with contributions from various artists. The music is dynamic, reacting to gameplay and location, featuring sweeping orchestral pieces, folk tunes, and atmospheric tracks that perfectly capture the Western setting and emotional tone. Features over 100 anachronistically appropriate licensed songs. Sound design is incredibly detailed, from weapon sounds and horse hooves to ambient wildlife and environmental effects.

Original score composed by Niels Bye Nielsen, featuring tense, atmospheric, and cinematic orchestral pieces that adapt to gameplay situations (stealth, combat, discovery). Sound design is crucial for stealth, with distinct audio cues for footsteps, guard patrols, conversations (for intel), and environmental hazards. Weapon sounds are impactful.

Immersive UI with options for a dynamic HUD. Health/Stamina/Dead Eye cores are displayed, along with a radar/mini-map. Weapon wheel for selection. Interaction prompts are contextual. The game features a detailed journal kept by Arthur, cataloging his thoughts, sketches, and discoveries. First-person mode offers a different UI perspective.

Features a clean and minimalistic HUD. Important information like objectives, suspect identification (Instinct mode), and interaction prompts are displayed contextually. The mini-map shows NPC locations and points of interest. Menus for inventory, mission planning, challenges, mastery, and contracts are accessible. Instinct mode highlights targets, interactable objects, and guard routes through walls.

Includes options for customizable controls (including sensitivity and dead zones), subtitle customization (size, background, speaker names), aim assist levels, options to tap or hold for interactions, colorblind modes, audio balancing, and a cinematic camera mode. First-person mode can also be considered an accessibility option for some.

Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist, UI scaling, colorblind modes, options to reduce visual clutter or demanding effects, and various gameplay toggles for difficulty and interaction prompts.

• Official system requirements from Rockstar Games (PC version). Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal performance due to the game's massive world and detailed textures.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are extremely critical for this demanding title. **This is one of the most graphically intensive games available, and high-end laptop hardware is required for enjoyable experiences at higher settings.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM significantly benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS. AMD FSR support may vary or require mods depending on game version/updates.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, MSAA (very demanding), Reflection Quality, Water Quality, Volumetric Quality, Shadow Quality, TAA Sharpening, and advanced graphics settings like Tree Tessellation and Grass Shadows heavily impact performance. Finding a balance is key.
• Game Name: Red Dead Redemption 2

• Official PC system requirements from IO Interactive. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, level complexity (especially large crowds or detailed interiors), and background applications. An SSD is strongly recommended for optimal loading times. Ray tracing features (added post-launch) are demanding.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP (Total Graphics Power), and good cooling. **Hitman 3 can be demanding at higher settings, particularly with ray tracing enabled, due to its detailed environments and complex AI simulations.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance in dense sandbox levels.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for managing numerous NPCs, AI routines, and physics-based 'accidents'.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR 1.0 (later versions of FSR might be supported via patches or mods). Intel XeSS support added in a patch.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Level of Detail, Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Reflection Quality, and Ray Tracing (Reflections, Shadows, Sun Shadows - if enabled) heavily impact performance. The game's simulation depth can also be CPU intensive.
• Game Name: Hitman 3

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS. AMD FSR support may vary or require mods depending on game version/updates.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, MSAA (very demanding), Reflection Quality, Water Quality, Volumetric Quality, Shadow Quality, TAA Sharpening, and advanced graphics settings like Tree Tessellation and Grass Shadows heavily impact performance. Finding a balance is key.

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR 1.0 (later versions of FSR might be supported via patches or mods). Intel XeSS support added in a patch.
• Key Settings Impact: Level of Detail, Shadow Quality, Texture Quality, SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), Reflection Quality, and Ray Tracing (Reflections, Shadows, Sun Shadows - if enabled) heavily impact performance. The game's simulation depth can also be CPU intensive.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
• Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM significantly benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.

• G P U T G P: Good TGP is important for consistent framerates, especially with RT.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential for sustained performance in dense sandbox levels.
• C P U Power Limits: A strong CPU is needed for managing numerous NPCs, AI routines, and physics-based 'accidents'.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM benefits performance.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is recommended.