Here's a breakdown of what Episode 1 (or the first mission) of "HITMAN: Freelancer" offers, why the subtitle "Absolute Chaos!" fits, and some tips if you're diving in.

🔍 What is Freelancer & what to expect

Freelancer is a game-mode in HITMAN World of Assassination (which bundles the trilogy) that introduces roguelike mechanics: you pick a Syndicate to take down, you play a series of missions, there are randomized elements, and failure has meaningful consequences.
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The "Episode 1" concept here might refer to your first mission or first run in Freelancer-mode. The term "Absolute Chaos!" suggests that this first mission throws you into high-stakes, unpredictable situations rather than the usual careful stealth of earlier HITMAN games.

Many reviews / players describe:

"Most of Hitman ... seems to encourage you to do it Silent Assassin: ... But in Freelancer ... If something goes awry, welp, deal with it."
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So yes—you're expected to embrace chaos, improvisation, and risk.

✅ Why this episode is likely chaotic

Randomization: Targets, suspects, lookouts, spawn placements can differ each time. You may find yourself in a situation you didn't plan.
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High stakes: Failing a mission can cost you gear, currency (Merces) and may escalate the alert status of later missions.
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Less focus on perfect stealth: Traditional HITMAN encouraged "Silent Assassin" runs with minimal disruption. Freelancer loosens things: you can create chaos, use heavier weapons, and still proceed (though risk is higher).
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For a first mission in this mode: expect new mechanics, different objectives (e.g., extra "syndicate" tasks, securing supplies, choosing gear), and perhaps a larger learning curve.

🧠 Tips for tackling Episode 1 (and beyond)

Learn your map: Even for Episode 1, knowing key routes, hiding places, exits helps. The unexpected is expected in Freelancer.
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Choose gear wisely: You may have limited starting gear; expensive weapons might be tempting but losing them hurts.
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Be ready for chaos, but stay somewhat controlled:

If things go sideways (guards alerted, weapon drawn), pivot into "escape mode" rather than perfect stealth.

Don't cling too much to "Silent Assassin" mindset—flexibility matters.

Objectives matter, but survival trumps perfection: Completing bonus objectives is nice, but mission success (extraction, targets eliminated) is key.
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Expect failure—and learn from it: The mode design assumes you will fail some missions. Each run adds knowledge.
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