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Hitman 3 Downpatching

Purpose and Disclaimer​

  • The purpose of this is to explain how to downpatch Hitman 3 on Steam / Epic
  • Downpatching can allow you to experience unique patched game mechanics otherwise no longer available, as detailed in the table below
  • This downpatching guide is not an endorsement of a downpatched category on speedrun.com for Hitman 3.
    • Whether downpatching should be used for Hitman 3 speedruns is a complex topic, and we will avoid making any hasty decisions here.
      • For instance, downpatching could split the Hitman 3 speedrun playerbase even further (we arguably already have too many categories), it will lock out console players, etc.
    • For the time being, this document exists purely for spreading awareness on how to downpatch, and to promote preservation of older game versions.
  • The manifest files listed below will require you to legally own the game in some capacity (more on this here). Piracy is not condoned.
  • There's no way IOI can ban you for downpatching, considering they don't ban actual cheaters on the in-game leaderboards
  • There does not seem to be any long-term consequence of downpatching, but there's a lot about this topic not yet understood; proceed at your own risk and consider backing up important game files or mods (mods in your install folder may be wiped after a downpatch)

Video Walkthrough (Epic)​

Video Walkthrough (Steam)​

General Command Line Stuff / Prereqs​

  • Just know the very basics
  • Right click folder in Windows Explorer > Copy address as text
  • Type cd <DIRECTORY_ADDRESS> into your command line / terminal to navigate to that directory in the command line
    • <ALLCAPS> in the below documentation should be understood as a stand-in value for your actual credentials / files, please substitute with the correct capitalization, and without angled brackets unless otherwise indicated.
  • Right click to paste into terminal / command line
  • If for some reason a directory has a space in it (e.g. C:\Program Files...), then please surround it with single quotes for any command line arugments, e.g. cd 'C:\Program Files...', or it won't work

OS​

  • This should work on Windows as well as Linux using Wine / Steam Proton (there is no native Linux version for Hitman 3)
  • As a bit of trivia, most Legendary users are on Linux, presumably with Wine for Epic

Install Instructions​

Epic (Legendary)​

Setup

Downpatch Instructions

  • For the next steps, refer to the table below for specific patch manifests. Download the manifest you want.
  • In Terminal / Command Line, navigate to the directory from where you installed legendary.exe with cd <INSTALL_LOCATION>
  • Run the following commands. All of the following except legendary launch should only have to be completed once per downpatch:
    • legendary auth
    • legendary install Eider --manifest <WHERE_YOU_INSTALLED_MANIFEST>
      • EXAMPLE INPUT (with my filepath): legendary install Eider --manifest C:\Users\Legion\Downloads\Eider_Windows_6041891.manifest
      • Eider is a "code name" so to speak for Hitman 3 in Epic / Legendary
      • If you get asked if you want to install offline or if you want to install DLC's, say yes.
      • You might get 403 errors on the download; the Epic / Legendary servers aren't very stable for downloading. Either wait it out, or hit Ctrl C to cancel the download and try again.
    • legendary verify Eider
    • legendary repair Eider
      • The two commands above of verify and repair are needed because often times, at least a few downloaded files will be corrupted. Your game will not launch if files are corrupted, so you should verify and repair always after installing the downpatch files.
    • legendary launch Eider --skip-version-check
      • The --skip-version-check argument is needed on a downpatched game, or it won't launch.
      • NOTE: You can ONLY use legendary to launch the downpatched version on Epic. The official Epic Games Launcher won't let you launch the game when downpatched!

Steam​

Setup

Downpatch Instructions

  • For the next steps, head to SteamDB to check the manifest ID's, or refer to the table below.

    • Note that since Steam Hitman 3 was released January 2022, you can't downpatch to 2021 on Steam.

  • Once you've decided on the version you want to download, copy it, open Hitman 3 Downpatch.bat and paste the manifest ID using right click, and press enter.

  • Now you'll need to input your steam account username and password.

    • If you have Steam Guard Authentication on, you will also need to input your Authenticator code recieved via phone or email.

  • After DepotDownloader finishes downloading HITMAN 3, you're free to either add it to steam, or overwrite your main game install's files.

    • If you want to keep both the current game install and the downpatched versions, you can simply add the game to steam as a non-steam game by clicking ADD A GAME on the bottom left of your steam client, clicking Browse on the window that pops up, and locating the downpatched game directory, selecting Launcher.exe, and adding the game to steam.
    • image
    • If you want to replace your current install game files with the downpatched version to save file space on your system, simply drag and drop the files over your original install. If you need help finding the game install directory, you can right click the game on steam -> hover over Manage -> then select Browse Local Files.
    • image

  • Unlike with Epic, you can launch the downpatched game as normal through the official Steam client as you normally would.

  • Alternatively, if you prefer to downpatch Hitman on Steam manually and not use a batch file, see below:

    • In Terminal / Command Line, navigate to the directory from where you installed Steam DepotDownloader with cd <INSTALL_LOCATION>, e.g. cd C:\Users\usernamehere\Downloads\depotdownloader-2.47
    • Run the following instructions:
    • dotnet DepotDownloader.dll -app 1847520 -depot 1659041 -manifest <MANIFEST_ID> -user <STEAM_USER_ID> -pass <STEAM_PASSWORD> -dir <INSTALLDIR>
      • EXAMPLE INPUT: dotnet DepotDownloader.dll -app 1847520 -depot 1659041 -manifest 1587269672222714171 -user steamusernamehere -pass passwordhere -dir "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\HITMAN 3"
    • dotnet DepotDownloader.dll -app 1847520 -depot 1659041 -manifest <MANIFEST_ID> -user <STEAM_USER_ID> -pass <STEAM_PASSWORD> -dir <INSTALLDIR> -validate
      • Running "validate" afterwards ensures that no files were corrupted while being downloaded

Game Ownership / DLC's​

  • Both Steam Depot Downloader and Legendary require you to own the game on Steam or Epic respectively to download the required files.
    • Note that the free Steam Demo of Hitman 3 lets you download all the patch files, although you may not be able to do much with them, as explained below.
  • The manifest files provided / linked require you to own the game on Steam / Epic to play the game with. Piracy is not condoned.
  • In general, any edition of Hitman 3 actually has you install all the game files, buying DLC just unlocks access. No matter what DLC you own, downpatching will similarly give you all game files. But you might not be able to play all of it if you don't own access to them.
  • The downpatched files from Steam and Epic are mostly but not completely compatible with each other. Any files ending with .rpkg are cross-platform. However, the Launcher.exe and Hitman3.exe will only work on the platform they are designed for.
    • Due to an inability to get earlier versions of the .exe files from Steam Depot Downloader, Steam Hitman 3 is probably locked onto versions of January 2022 or later.

Miscellaneous Useful Info​

  • "Downpatching" Hitman 3 with the following methods is not true downpatching like you will see in other games.
    • The game server will remain the current version, which can cause some strange interactions (more on this later).
    • Technically you can use an older game version along with an older version of Peacock, but this would mainly just help you avoid some visual bugs. Also some older versions of Peacock are not archived publicly.
    • Generally speaking the current game server is fine for our purposes.
  • You wouldn't think it, but you can connect to the current server version on downpatched version of Hitman 3, even up to launch patch (January 2021). This currently is true with both official servers latest version as well as Peacock latest version.
    • Note the UI bugs with the first couple patches as noted in the table below
  • Some items or missions from later patches are available on earlier patches. Here are some general guidelines regarding compatibility (non-exhaustive list, do not take as universal truths)
    • A suit / item with messed up name but with a thumbnail (insert screenshot later) will work if equipped.
      • In general, a missing thumbnail indicates that an item is unusable on that patch. If you equip it, it will not show up in inventory after you are loaded in (for item), or you will not be wearing it (for suit).
    • A mission (main mission, contract, escalation, etc) will work even if the thumbnail is gone and name is messed up.
      • However, a mission that says "Get Access" will not work
    • In general, some items are internally introduced to the game's servers before they officially become available in a patch. In a downpatched game state, you can access some items earlier than you should be able to (with fully working thumbnails and normal item name).
      • For instance, Molotov can be accessed in the downpatch state as far back as January 2022 (with non-glitched UI / thumbnail), although it was only introduced to the game officially in July 2022.
      • Because of this, while the official game patch notes / roadmaps are a good guideline for when an item would be available, it is not 100% correct.
    • In general, you can unlock items on an older patch. As long as the mission / item involved are playable (following guidelines above), it should work. Even if the item has messed up name and the challenge name UI is also messed up, it will unlock. When you return to current patch, you will retain that unlock you completed on old patch.
    • You will not lose progress, mastery, or challenge completion by downpatching, in general.
      • Exception: Some items / missions will unplayable, or simply not there on older patches. In this case, your new patch unlocks won't carry over. See guidelines above.

Manifest Download Table / Specific Patch Findings​

  • Refer here for more general information on some patches that specifically affected Hitman 3 speedruns.
  • As of January 24, 2023, the official IOI website (ioi.dk) has majorly redesigned their website, resulting in much worse website animations that make it difficult to navigate.
  • Refer here for advice on editing the Markdown table below.
Manifest Name / DownloadRelease DateGame VersionOfficial Patch NotesPatch Note Commentary
Eider 4446006 (Epic)20-Jan-20213.10.0- First Patch
- Prompts UI is messed up (ON DOWNPATCHED VERSION, it was fine back in the day)
  - (Fixed February 2021)
Eider 4466613 (Epic)21-Jan-20213.10.0 (OBS Hotfix - Assumed version number)- First Patch variant
- Prompts UI is messed up (ON DOWNPATCHED VERSION, it was fine back in the day)
  - (Fixed February 2021)
Eider 4472392 (Epic)23-Jan-20213.10.0 (Another hotfix?)- First Patch variant
- Prompts UI is messed up (ON DOWNPATCHED VERSION, it was fine back in the day)
  - (Fixed February 2021)
Eider 4564176 (Epic)23-Feb-20213.11.0https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-february-patch-3-11/- Removed Druzhina wallbang
- Removed Train OOB
- Removed Berlin Manhole Exit
- Removed a Chongqing Vault Skip
- Weird downpatch prompt issue fixed
Eider 4635444 (Epic)30-Mar-20213.20.0https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-march-patch-3-20/
Eider 4685799 (Epic)6-Apr-20213.20.0https://www.ioi.dk/patch-notes-hitman3/- Check "April 6 - PC Only" in official patch notes. Fixed a frame rate issue.
Eider 4763566 (Epic)10-May-20213.30.0https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-may-patch-3-30/- Emetic Patch (sick NPC throw up elsewhere)
- Legal Sniper Accident in Mendoza (Gaucho Start) patched in Mendoza. Also some lighting fixes.
Eider 4879673 (Epic)15-Jun-20213.40.0https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-june-patch-3-40/
Eider 4916414 (Epic)23-Jun-20213.40.0https://www.ioi.dk/patch-notes-hitman3/- Check "June 21 - PC Only" in official patch notes. Fixed an issue with Epic Overlay
Eider 5010755 (Epic)27-Jul-20213.50.0https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-july-patch-3-50/- Added Dartmoor game show
Eider 5086890 (Epic)31-Aug-20213.50.0https://www.ioi.dk/patch-notes-hitman3/- Check "August 31 - PC Only" in official patch notes. Fixed an issue where players experienced FPS drops/ stuttering after the 3.50 (July) patch.
Eider 5191698 (Epic)28-Sep-20213.70.0https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-september-patch-3-70/- Added back shoulder swap
- Tweaked sniper slowdown to be more responsive
Eider 5220846 (Epic)1-Oct-20213.70.0https://www.ioi.dk/patch-notes-hitman3/- Check "October 1 - PC Only" in official patch notes. Fixed "No “Woosh” sound on PC.
Eider 5259620 (Epic)26-Oct-20213.70.0
Eider 5527099 (Epic)

3902189938284110581 (Steam)		20-Jan-20223.100https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-year-2-patch-notes/- Year 2 Patch.
- Removed Dartmoor SA 37 chandy wallbang
- Messed up sliding doors
- First patch available to Steam users.
- First patch Molotov seems to be available.
Eider 5540627 (Epic)

3616963494886024195 (Steam)		21-Jan-20223.100https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-year-2-patch-notes/- Year 2 variant.
Eider 5561401 (Epic)

8924469489751784366 (Steam)		31-Jan-2022 (Maybe)3.100https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-year-2-patch-notes/- Year 2 variant.
- No extra cameras in Master difficulty Dubai yet.
- May 19th according to featured contract thumbnails
Eider 5898594 (Epic)

2244167751737065138 (Steam)		24-May-2022 or later3.110https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-year-2-may-patch-notes- S3 Master Cameras Patch
- Added invisible floor to Mendoza sliding roof
- Most recent ET Arcade dates to 2022-Jul-14
Eider 5915918 (Epic)24-May-2022 or later3.110https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-year-2-may-patch-notes- S3 Master Cameras Patch
- Added invisible floor to Mendoza sliding roof
- Most recent ET Arcade dates to 2022-Jul-14
Eider 6041891 (Epic)

1587269672222714171 (Steam)		26-Jul-20223.120https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-july-patch-notes/- Added Molotov.
- Technically not the only patch with Molly playable
- Fixed (some) Haven viewcone wallhacks
Eider 6239328 (Epic)

182129136748469362 (Steam)		6-Oct-20223.130https://www.ioi.dk/hitman-3-october-patch-notes/- Removed molly accident / wallbang
- Changed NY frisk
  - Check the new Frisk skip
- Changed Dartmoor ledge drop
  - Check the new Dartmoor Ledge Drop
- Removed RFID exploit
Eider 6519315 (Epic)

8905605137959754095 (Steam)		26-Jan-20233.140https://ioi.dk/hitman/patch-notes/january-patch-notes- Removed Particle Boosts (will return in a later patch allegedly)
  - Red Tie Kiwi (notable for being the only unlockable item listed here), Apple, Soap, Apricot, Flower Pot still work for boosting.
- Introduced Freelancer Game Mode
- Removed (this version of) Dartmoor Ledge Drop
- Kalmer and Sieker no longer share ammo
Eider 6782587 (Epic)

8964670781144179508 (Steam)		11-May-20233.150.1https://ioi.dk/hitman/patch-notes/2023/hitman-woa-may-patch-notes- Particle Boosts returned to previous state
- Input delay added for shooting while in Instinct mode
  - Short Video Demo (0:00 to 0:25 is on current patch, 0:25 to end is on old patch)
  - More in depth video (read description)
- NPC's drop items immediately after getting hit by tranq darts now
- First Person Camera Glitch has been removed
- Puddles electrocute more reliably now
- Miami 15-30s strat is now more FPS dependent, need high FPS to kill Sierra reliably
  - Preliminary findings:
    ~35% success on 120 FPS
    ~50% success on 190 FPS
  - Backup Strat (~35s)
Eider 6984506 (Epic)

413982561460909428 (Steam)		17-Aug-20233.160https://ioi.dk/hitman/patch-notes/2023/hitman-woa-august-patch-notes- Removed Dartmoor Ledge Drop (again)
- Dropping Chloroform is now illegal (both Freelancer and normal mode)
- Alt F4 is no longer banned in Hitman Freelancer
- Some audio distractions in and around the trophy room in Dartmoor can no longer be heard by NPC's. Examples:
  - This distraction outside of room
  - These panic shots at start of run (Rebecca panic lure)
  - Shooting this door
Eider 7255037 (Epic)

583463383929905977 (Steam)		31-Oct-20233.170.1https://ioi.dk/hitman/patch-notes/2023/hitman-woa-october-patch-notes- See list of bug fixes
Eider 7628109 (Epic)

2691824735524352346 (Steam)		21-Mar-20243.180https://ioi.dk/hitman/patch-notes/2024/hitman-woa-march-patch-notes- See list of bug fixes

Acknowledgements​

  • Thank you Notex for sharing the Legendary manifest files (Legendary manifests are only generated if you played the game on that patch, so you would have to have played the game on every patch on Legendary since launch to have them all otherwise), and also giving valuable advice on this topic
  • Thanks you Tinosaurus for troubleshooting this process with me as well, and creating a video tutorial for Epic / Legendary downpatching
  • Thank you Legendary and Steam Depot Downloader once again for making this possible