'Hitman' updates: 'Episode 2' pre-release patch released

Hitman 2016 IO Interactive

PC players of the game "Hitman" can now download a new patch which will not only address several glitches and bugs but will also prepare the game for the upcoming "Episode 2," launching this coming April 26. According to the game's official website, console players will be able to acquire the mandatory patch on April 25.

The patch will give players an instant reconnect option when they get disconnected from the game instead of forcing them back to the main menu. This ensures that they can get back into the game without losing any of the progress that they may have made. 

Challenges have also been tweaked, ensuring that players get the awards and their accomplishment is saved immediately upon completing the requirements instead of being given after the entire mission has been completed. This guarantees players get the rewards from the challenges even if they later fail the main mission they are on.

PS4 and Xbox One players can also expect loading times to be much quicker, with an expected 50 percent boost applied when the patch becomes available. 

Players will also have the option of choosing how Challenge information is displayed. They can turn everything off except for the image of the challenge, keep all of the information on and displayed, or go with the minimal option where only the name and image of the Challenge is visible.

A similar option has been added for the weapon HUD. Players can completely remove the HUD for maximum immersion, a minimal option where the HUD is displayed only for equipped weapons and the full option where the HUD appears even for holstered weapons. A new animation for holstering weapons has also been added.

Weapon and item drops can now be viewed on the map once they've dropped, players can access new intel menu immediately after they've received new intel and there have been improvements added to Escalation Contracts. The patch also fixes several glitches and bugs that impede gameplay.

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