Hitman: Codename 47 – The Definitive Guide to Assassinating Lee Hong

Introduction

Welcome, agents, to a deep dive into one of the most memorable and challenging missions in the original *Hitman: Codename 47*: the Lee Hong Assassination. This mission, set in the bustling heart of Hong Kong, tasks you, Agent 47, with eliminating Lee Hong, a powerful Triad boss. The complex level design, heavy security, and numerous opportunities make this a true test of skill and planning. Unlike more linear assignments, the Lee Hong Assassination offers a remarkable degree of freedom, allowing you to approach the target in a variety of creative and deadly ways.

This guide serves as your definitive resource for mastering this iconic mission. We’ll explore every known method for taking down Lee Hong, from subtle poisonings to explosive confrontations, providing step-by-step instructions, strategic insights, and tips for success. Prepare to put your stealth, disguise, and assassination skills to the ultimate test as we unravel the many paths to eliminating Lee Hong. Discover how to exploit his weaknesses, manipulate his environment, and become the silent assassin this mission demands. Consider this your comprehensive resource for making sure the hit is clean, and that you make a ghost-like getaway.

Understanding the Level and Target

Before embarking on your mission, it’s crucial to understand the layout of the level and Lee Hong’s habits. The mission takes place across several interconnected areas, including a bustling Chinese restaurant, a heavily guarded Triad headquarters, a secluded massage parlor, and rooftops offering strategic vantage points. Lee Hong himself is a creature of habit, typically found within the restaurant or his private quarters, surrounded by loyal guards.

The restaurant area is always filled with patrons and staff, creating a bustling environment to navigate. A good strategy here is to pickpocket one of the patrons for information, if you do not know the layout of the level. The Triad headquarters, on the other hand, is a much more restricted area, requiring careful planning and disguises to infiltrate. Security is tight, with guards patrolling regularly and suspicious of anyone out of place. The massage parlor offers a more discreet entry point but also presents its own challenges. Understanding these key areas and the security presence within them is paramount to planning a successful assassination. Don’t underestimate the power of observation; study the guard patrols, note the locations of key items, and familiarize yourself with the various routes through the level. A well-prepared assassin is a successful assassin.

The Assassination Options: A Detailed Breakdown

Here, we dissect each viable method for eliminating Lee Hong, providing a detailed walkthrough for each approach.

Poisoning Lee Hong’s Soup

This is arguably one of the most straightforward, yet effective, methods for eliminating Lee Hong. The key is to obtain the poison, which can be found within the level, often in a secure location such as a medical room or storage area. Once you have the poison, you need to infiltrate the kitchen. This typically requires a disguise, such as a cook or waiter uniform, which can be acquired by subduing a kitchen staff member.

Once inside the kitchen, locate the pot of soup that is intended for Lee Hong. Add the poison, ensuring that you are not observed by any of the kitchen staff. Timing is critical here, as you don’t want to raise suspicion. After poisoning the soup, simply wait for Lee Hong to consume it. He will eventually succumb to the poison, eliminating him silently and efficiently. The risk here is relatively low, as long as you maintain your disguise and avoid being seen tampering with the food.

The Rooftop Sniper Approach

For those who prefer a more direct approach, the rooftop sniper strategy is a viable option. This requires acquiring a sniper rifle, which is typically located in a high-security area within the Triad headquarters. Gaining access to the sniper rifle will usually involve a disguise and some careful navigation to avoid detection.

Once you have the sniper rifle, make your way to the rooftop overlooking the restaurant or Lee Hong’s private quarters. This can be accomplished by climbing ladders or utilizing a maintenance route. Find a suitable vantage point that offers a clear line of sight to your target. Be aware of the wind conditions, which can affect your accuracy. Patience is key here; wait for Lee Hong to appear within your sights and take the shot. This method carries a higher risk, as it can alert the entire building to your presence. A well-planned escape route is essential.

The Massage Parlor Incident

This is perhaps the most involved and intricate method, requiring patience and precision. First, you’ll need to infiltrate the massage parlor. A guard uniform can help you here. Once inside, locate the invitation for Lee Hong’s private massage session. Next, you will need to subdue the masseuse and take their place, disguising yourself as her.

When Lee Hong arrives for his massage, you will have the opportunity to eliminate him up close and personal. This method offers a unique opportunity for a silent kill. After the assassination, carefully dispose of the body to avoid detection. This method is risky but provides a unique and memorable way to complete the mission.

The Sword Kill

This more direct and aggressive method relies on close-quarters combat. The sword itself is often located within Lee Hong’s private quarters or a display case within the Triad headquarters. Once you have the sword, you need to get close to Lee Hong undetected. This can be challenging, as he is usually surrounded by guards.

The element of surprise is crucial for this method. Once you are close enough, unleash a swift and decisive attack. Be prepared for a potential firefight, as this method is likely to alert the guards. This approach carries a high risk but can be effective if executed properly.

Setting off the Bomb

This option involves acquiring a bomb, often found in a secure area of the level, like a storage room. Once you obtain the bomb, your mission is to strategically place it near Lee Hong’s location, considering the blast radius and potential collateral damage. It’s crucial to time the detonation carefully to maximize effectiveness and avoid unintended casualties. You want to make sure Mr. Lee Hong is in the blast radius for a successful elimination.

General Tips and Strategies

Success in the Lee Hong Assassination relies on more than just choosing the right method; it requires a mastery of stealth, planning, and improvisation. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

• Save Frequently: This cannot be overstated. Save your progress regularly, especially before attempting a risky maneuver.
• Master the Map: Study the level layout and learn the guard patrol patterns. Knowledge is power.
• Utilize Distractions: Create distractions to lure guards away from key areas. A well-placed distraction can open up opportunities for infiltration.
• Patience is a Virtue: Don’t rush into action. Take your time to observe and plan your approach.
• Clean Getaway: Ensure you have a clear escape route before attempting the assassination. A hasty escape can lead to detection.
• Disguises are Your Friends: Learn the limitations and advantages of each disguise. Not all disguises will grant you access to all areas.

Conclusion

The Lee Hong Assassination in *Hitman: Codename 47* is a masterclass in open-ended level design and player agency. As you’ve seen, there are numerous ways to eliminate your target, each with its own risks and rewards. Whether you prefer the subtle art of poisoning, the precision of a sniper rifle, or the boldness of a sword attack, the choice is yours.

The replayability of this mission is immense, encouraging you to experiment with different approaches and master the intricacies of the level. Ultimately, the key to success lies in careful planning, meticulous execution, and a willingness to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. Now, go forth, Agent 47, and make the hit. Remember the lessons from this definitive guide. Share your favorite methods and strategies with the Hitman community. Your insight can enrich the experiences of other agents. Did you find a new way to eliminate Mr. Lee Hong? Share this with other players, and see how many ways this mission can be conquered.