Hitman 3’s upcoming Freelancer mode has been delayed, but the good news is that IO Interactive has released a new roadmap. In the release description of the second-year content update of Hitman 3, IO Interactive stated that the Freelancer mode has been extended from the spring release window to the second half of 2022.
The Freelancer mode, announced in January this year, is a single-player mode with roguelike elements that require strategic planning and a customizable safe house. IO explained that postponing the mode was a “luxury option” they could make, which they were entitled to due to the game’s good commercial performance.
With Hitman 3 being a success, we’re giving our team extra time to tighten the bolts and make sure the mode is as close to our ambitions as possible. Due to the postponement of the Freelancer mode, IO Interactive said they brought forward the launch of the new map Ambrose Island to July.
The new map will bring an interesting narrative to Hitman fans, as it takes place before Hitman 3 and will fill in some of the gaps after the World Assassin storyline. Ahead of the new map, Hitman 3’s next content update will arrive via a patch on May 24, bringing new featured contracts, new and reactivated trap targets, and new unlockables.
Crytek recently announced that Mattias Engström, former Hitman 3 director at IO Interactive, will be leading the development of Crysis 4.