Hitman 3's roguelike "Freelancer Mode" (opens in new tab) has been postponed again. The mode has already been postponed once (opens in new tab) and will be released on January 26 as a free update to Hitman 3, including "almost all" locations from Hitman 1, 2, and 3.

The good news, at least for some players, is that IO will conduct a "closed technical test" of this mode in November. Some players will be "selectively" invited to a test run of the mode to experience a taster of the Freelancer mode's new features, including customizable safe houses and some assassinations. Curiously, despite the fact that "Hitman 3" was released on the Epic Games Store (opens in a new tab) a full year before it was released on Steam, it appears that only Steam players will be able to participate in this test.

Hitman 3's Freelancer mode was released as part of the Year 2 Update this past January. While the name might lead you to believe that the mode simulates not getting your paycheck, it is actually about placing hairy assassins in customizable bases, choosing from a list of available missions, and waging war against nefarious criminal organizations. Or maybe a more nefarious and criminal organization than the semi-mythical contract killer you play. Look, morals are a strange thing sometimes.

Once you've chosen the criminal organization you want to take down, pick your consumable, finite equipment and go on your merry, murderous way. Start hitting the bottom first before climbing to the top of the organization's food chain. If you fail, that's it. The progress of the selected campaign will be erased, and you will choose a new organization to defeat, and a new mission to do so.

Speaking as someone who serves as a sort of evangelist for the wonders of "Prey: Mooncrash," I have to say that I'm really looking forward to another great game getting the roguelike treatment in another big title. It's too bad we won't see freelancer mode for a few months, but I'm fine with waiting. It's better to do it right than to do it fast, a lesson "Hitman" has taught me time and again.