Since the series launched over twenty years ago, the Hitman franchise has always happily worn its espionage influences on its sleeve. Many of Agent 47's gadgets and gear have been taken directly from spy and assassin movies from James Bond and Mission Impossible to Leon The Professional. These tools serve as ways to take down targets during missions in a clever and sometimes hilarious fashion.
The latest entry, Hitman 3 introduces several new devices and tools of destruction as well as upgraded versions of staple and familiar items like lock picks and explosives. The beauty of the Hitman series is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and pretty much anything from a wrench to a banana can be used as a weapon or a trap. Thankfully, figuring out the best gadgets and gear isn't difficult as they all have their uses. However, some stand out as the best.
Updated January 28th, 2022, by Michael Llewellyn: The World of Assassination trilogy is an espionage sandbox dream come team. The series gives its players so much freedom to explore, take in the sights, understand the lore and ultimately take out their targets in any way they see fit. Thanks to many gadgets and tools on offer there is a nearly endless amount of opportunities that can be created to achieve the perfect hit. One of the most satisfying ways to get the best Mastery rating in a Hitman mission is using gadgets to make something look like an accident. The best ways to achieve this are by using the many gadgets or tools on offer. This list has been updated to include some new gadgets from the Seven Deadly Sins DLC.
13 The Roar Bear Grenade
- How to Unlock: The Roar Bear Grenade can only be unlocked in the Seven Deadly Sins DLC pack. It is obtained by completing level 1 of The Wrath Termination escalation.
The unusual Roar Bear Grenade is a non-lethal flash-bang designed to stun enemies on contact. It is designed to look like an attractive bear figurine/ornament its nearest variant is the Lil Flashy toy robot from Hitman 2.
When activated, the Roar Bear Grenade will emit bear noises attracting nearby targets and NPCs. When one gets too close the bear will explode and stun its intended victims.
12 Bubble Queen Gum Pack
- How to Unlock: The Bubble Queen Gum Pack is only available as part of the Seven Deadly Sins DLC Pack. It is obtained by completing the first level of The Gluttony Gobble escalation in Chongqing.
The Bubble Queen Gum Pack is one of the better and most fun rewards that can be obtained from the Seven Deadly Sins DLC. The gum is a non-lethal poison that will knock out its intended targets.
The sedative works quickly and is a variant of the sedative pills that can be obtained from Hitman 2. However, it's far easier getting a target to eat the gum just by leaving it lying around in plain sight.
11 Lethal Syringe Mk III
- How To Unlock: The Lethal Syringe Mk III is obtained by achieving a Mastery level 15 in the Berlin mission.
A variation of the Poison Syringe found in the early Hitman games, the Lethal Syringe Mk III lives up to its namesake by killing its target making it look like a heart attack.
Just like the non-lethal versions, it can be injected by force or the lethal liquid can be injected into food and drink. Unlike the classic games, the use of the lethal syringe will be counted as an "accidental kill" and won't affect 47's overall mission rating.
10 The Compact Camera
- How To Unlock: Available at the start of the game by default
The Compact Camera in Hitman 3 is a new default tool that’s available to Agent 47 from the start, and it’s one of the most useful gadgets in the game. It’s another piece of Agent 47’s repertoire that makes the player feel like they are James Bond.
The camera can remotely unlock doors, provide evidence and Intel to gain the trust of potential clients, and take some nice shots in Hitman 3’s new stunning locations. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the camera doesn’t have much use in the Legacy missions, but there’s always a possible update in the future.
9 Remote Audio Distraction Mk III
- How To Unlock: Unlocks at Mastery Level 10 in the Dartmoor Mission.
The Remote Audio Distraction Mk III is much the same as the Mk II from Hitman 2. It does, however, seem to have more range than its predecessors. Unfortunately, another trait that shares in common with the older models is that NPCs may notice it if it’s in plain sight.
Used correctly, the Remote Audio Distraction device can create unique kill opportunities. For example, it can set up traps on collapsing ground or be set to go off near a proximity explosive that will explode when an investigating NPC gets near it.
8 Proximity Explosive Mk III
- How To Unlock: The Proximity Explosive Mk III is unlocked by achieving a Mastery level 20 in the Dubai mission.
Just like its predecessors, the Proximity Explosive Mk III will explode when an NPC or a target gets too close. Of course, the biggest downside of using a Proximity Explosive is that it can just as easily kill non-targets, affecting the player’s Silent Assassin score.
Players will need to be mindful of their surroundings follow their targets and figure out the best ways to lure them away from NPCs. Additionally, in the absence of a remote explosive Agent 47 can shoot the bomb from a distance to create panic among crowded areas.
7 ICA Proximity Concussive Device Mk III
- How To Unlock: The ICA Proximity Concussive Device Mk III is unlocked by achieving a Mastery level 7 in the Chongqing mission.
The ICA Proximity Concussive Device Mk III works similarly to the explosive device in almost every way except it’s a non-lethal weapon. This makes it perfect to get rid of guards that are working together in groups or efficient patrol routes.
As it’s a proximity device, there is no remote function, however, Agent 47 can use a variety of methods to lure guards to its location. He can throw coins near it or pair them up with the Remote Audio Distraction device to act as a lure.
6 ICA Remote Explosive Mk III
- How To Unlock: The ICA Remote Explosive Mk III is unlocked by achieving Mastery level 5 in the Berlin mission.
The ICA Remote Explosive Mk III is another newer model of the remote explosive that featured in the previous two games. It’s more accurate and deadly than the proximity explosive and can be used in a variety of ways when paired with audio distraction tools.
In addition to being a deadly way to dispatch Agent 47’s targets, it can also be used to create mass panic in a crowded area. This means that Agent 47 would be able to get past guards without being detected because they are too busy running around trying to find the source of the explosion.
5 Remote Explosive Devil Rubber Duck
- How To Unlock: The Remote Explosive Rubber Duck is unlocked by completing the Sniper Assassin x5 challenge.
The Remote Explosive Rubber Duck has long been one of the most amusing ways to take out a target in the series. Agent 47 can place them in water or baths if he knows a target will likely take one. Alternatively, it can be used in the same manner as remote explosive devices.
In Hitman 3, the once innocent-looking toy of death comes in a new Devil Duck form which kind of looks more threatening. Either way, if an NPC or target spots it, they will pick the duck up and place it in their pocket. From that point on, 47 can easily take out his target.
4 Lockpick Mk III
- How To Unlock: The Lockpick Mk III can be obtained by achieving a Master level 2 in the Dartmoor mission.
The Lockpick Mk III should be familiar with fans of the previous games and pretty much every stealth title in existence. The Mk III functions the same as the previous versions, although it can get through mechanically locked doors faster than the older models.
It’s an invaluable tool for players that don’t want to scurry around trying to find keys or master keys to locked doors that are scattered around the map. It’s always a handy piece of kit to start a mission with, especially for missions that take place in mansions or old buildings like schools-turned military bases.
3 Electronic Key Hacker Mk III
- How To Unlock: Electronic Key Hacker Mk III is obtained by achieving a Mastery level 2 in the Chongqing mission.
Even when armed with an MK III Lockpick, there are still some doors that are inaccessible to Agent 47. These are the key-coded electronic doors or the ones that require some other form of identification to access.
The Electronic Key Hacker Mk III will allow 47 to open locked doors that are usually associated with high-security buildings. It comes in handy when going after targets who are normally operating in and around technologically advanced areas like secret labs or military bases.
2 ICA Pen Syringe Emetic
- How To Unlock: The ICA Pen Syringe Emetic is unlocked by achieving a Level 5 Mastery the Chongqing mission.
Anyone that’s watched the original Mission Impossible movie should remember the scene where the clerk that worked in a high-security room in the CIA was spiked with a drug that made him run back and forth to the bathroom to be sick.
That’s pretty much exactly what the ICA Pen Syringe Emetic does in Hitman 3. It’s a little syringe that squirts a non-lethal substance into the drink or food of a potential target, making them run to the bathroom. It functions similarly to the emetic rat poison that can be found in various places, but it’s faster to use.
1 ICA Remote Micro Taser
- How To Unlock: ICA Remote Micro Taser is unlocked by achieving a Mastery Level 2 in the Berlin mission.
Brand new to Hitman 3, the ICA Remote Micro Taser can be unlocked by achieving a Mastery Level 2 in Berlin. Just like the other “micro” gadgets in the series, it won’t be detected when it has been placed.
However, don’t be fooled by the term “taser” which is usually associated with non-lethal shock weapons. The Micro Taser is absolutely a kill-on-activation device and being remotely operated it can be combined with a lure to draw a target to its location. It’s also worth noting that its effects are enhanced when it’s placed in water.