Agent 46
The silent shadow that hunts the perfect killer.
Agent 46 is a legendary assassin and the primary antagonist of the original Hitman trilogy, serving as the dark mirror to Agent 47. Known for his cold efficiency and unwavering loyalty to the ICA's more ruthless directives, he operates from the shadows with a distinct lack of mercy that defines his early career. While initially presented as a rival who hunts down 47, his true allegiance remains ambiguous until later revelations suggest a complex relationship forged in the fires of shared training and betrayal.
- Role
- Legendary Assassin / Antagonist
- Affiliation
- ICA (Formerly)
- First Appearance
- Hitman: Contracts
- Status
- Alive (Presumed)
- Signature Weapon
- Silenced Pistol, Knife
- Relation to 47
- Rival and Former Associate
Lore & Background
His history with Agent 47 is shrouded in mystery but defined by a singular rivalry. In the earliest missions, 46 is tasked with eliminating 47, viewing him as an anomaly that disrupts the natural order of the assassin community. However, their interactions suggest a strange respect; they are two sides of the same coin, one born and one made. Over time, the narrative hints that 46 may have been manipulated by higher powers within the ICA or external forces to test 47's resolve, serving as a catalyst for 47's evolution from a mere tool into an agent with his own moral compass.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the cobblestones of Sapienza, masking the footsteps of the man who called himself 46. He watched from the bell tower, the silhouette of his target framed against the moonlit piazza. There was no hesitation in his mind, only the cold calculation of a predator who had done this a thousand times before. He adjusted the strap of his silenced pistol, knowing that tonight, he would not just kill a man; he would erase a legend. But as he descended into the shadows, a familiar scent of antiseptic and ozone drifted up from below—the smell of a clone, the smell of 47.
Reader's Guide
Agent 46 serves primarily as the primary antagonist in Hitman: Contracts, specifically in the mission 'The Last Resort' where he is the target. His personality is defined by arrogance and a belief in his own superiority over genetically modified assassins like 47. He views himself as the true master of death, untainted by scientific manipulation. In missions involving him, players often utilize disguises such as a Tourist or a Local to get close enough for a silent takedown. His fate varies depending on player choice; he can be eliminated silently in his quarters or publicly during a confrontation. In the narrative flow of the original trilogy, his defeat marks a turning point where 47 asserts dominance over his predecessors. Later appearances in the series hint at his survival and continued operations, sometimes acting as a wild card rather than a direct enemy. His presence serves as a reminder of the old guard of assassins who were forced to adapt or perish in an era dominated by clones.
Did You Know?
- Agent 46 is one of the few assassins in the ICA capable of matching Agent 47's skills without genetic enhancements.
- He was originally created as a rival to test the capabilities of the first clone, Agent 47.
- His name suggests he may have been part of an earlier generation or project before the '47' designation became standard.
- Unlike many targets who are eliminated by poison or traps, 46 is often taken down in direct combat scenarios.
More in Agents & Targets
Elsewhere in the Hitman universe
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