Hey guys! Ready to dive into the glamorous world of assassination with the Hitman 3 Showstopper mission? This guide will walk you through every nook and cranny of the Sanguine Fashion Show in Paris, helping you eliminate your targets, Viktor Novikov and Margolis, with style and finesse. Whether you're a seasoned Agent 47 or just starting, buckle up for a detailed walkthrough that'll turn you into a master assassin in no time.

Mission Briefing: Setting the Stage for Chaos

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s set the stage. The Showstopper mission plunges you into the heart of a high-profile fashion event. Viktor Novikov and Margolis, the masterminds behind the IAGO spy network, are your targets. Your mission? To eliminate them both without causing unnecessary alarm, or at least, minimize the collateral damage. Paris is your playground, filled with opportunities, disguises, and creative ways to achieve your objectives. This mission is all about blending in, gathering intel, and striking at the perfect moment. Keep your wits about you, and remember, the devil is in the details. Every conversation you eavesdrop on, every item you find, could be the key to orchestrating the perfect hit.

Getting Started: Infiltration Strategies

First things first, getting inside the Palais de Walewska. There are several ways to infiltrate this opulent venue, each with its own level of risk and reward. Here are a few options to get you started:

• The Auction Staff Disguise: Start by heading to the right side of the main entrance. You’ll find an auction staff member having a smoke. Subdue him, take his disguise, and stash the body. This disguise grants you access to the auction area and the lower levels of the palace, giving you a decent head start.
• The Palace Staff Disguise: On the left side of the main entrance, you'll find some palace staff near a delivery area. Getting this disguise is relatively easy and allows you to blend in with the cleaning and maintenance crew, giving you access to various areas, including the kitchen and backstage.
• The Show Security Disguise: For a more direct approach, you can find a security guard near the entrance. Taking his disguise gives you access to security checkpoints, but be aware that other guards will be suspicious of you. This is a riskier option, but it can be useful for navigating the crowded areas.
• The IAGO Invitation: If you're feeling bold, you can try to obtain an IAGO invitation. This involves some more elaborate steps, such as finding and impersonating a specific guest. This method grants you high-level access, but it requires careful planning and execution.

Once you're inside, remember to blend in. Avoid suspicious behavior, and pay attention to your surroundings. Knowledge is your greatest weapon, so listen to conversations and gather intel to uncover opportunities and weaknesses in your targets' routines.

Eliminating Viktor Novikov: Opportunities and Strategies

Viktor Novikov is a shrewd and paranoid individual, making him a challenging target. He moves around the upper levels of the palace, often surrounded by security. Here are a few strategies to take him down:

• The Fireworks Accident: This is a classic Hitman move. Make your way to the fireworks control room, usually accessible with the palace staff disguise. Sabotage the fireworks, and when Viktor goes to inspect, trigger the display for a fiery end. This method is flashy and satisfying, but it requires precise timing.
• The Auction Sabotage: Disguise yourself as an auction staff member and tamper with the auction lot. When Viktor examines the item, cause an accident that eliminates him. This method requires you to blend in and act quickly, but it can be a clean and efficient kill.
• The Private Meeting: Viktor often has private meetings in his office. Find a way to get close, whether by disguising yourself as a guard or exploiting a security lapse. Once inside, you can either confront him directly or create an accident, such as tampering with his communications equipment.
• Poisoning Viktor's Drink: Viktor enjoys a glass of wine in the bar area. Obtain a lethal poison and add it to his drink when he's not looking. This is a subtle and silent method, but it requires you to be patient and observant.

Remember to observe Viktor's movements and routines. Pay attention to his security detail and any potential escape routes. The key is to find an opportunity where you can isolate him and strike without raising alarms.

Eliminating Margolis: Opportunities and Strategies

Margolis is often found backstage, managing the fashion show. She is less heavily guarded than Viktor, but she is still a formidable target. Here are some strategies to eliminate her:

• The Stage Light Accident: This is a dramatic and theatrical kill. Make your way to the lighting rig above the stage and sabotage the lights. When Margolis is positioned beneath, drop the lights for a shocking finale. This method is risky, but it's a guaranteed kill if executed correctly.
• The Catwalk Sabotage: Disguise yourself as a member of the fashion show staff and tamper with the catwalk. When Margolis walks onto the stage, the catwalk collapses, sending her tumbling to her doom. This method requires careful timing and positioning.
• The Dressing Room Ambush: Margolis often retreats to her dressing room. Find a way to get inside, whether by disguising yourself as a stylist or exploiting a security lapse. Once inside, you can either confront her directly or create an accident, such as tampering with her makeup or wardrobe.
• Poisoning Margolis's Drink: Margolis also enjoys a drink backstage. Obtain a lethal poison and add it to her drink when she's not looking. This is a subtle and silent method, but it requires you to be patient and observant.

As with Viktor, observe Margolis's movements and routines. Pay attention to her security detail and any potential escape routes. Look for opportunities where you can isolate her and strike without raising alarms.

Key Disguises and Their Uses

Disguises are your bread and butter in Hitman 3. Here's a rundown of some key disguises in the Showstopper mission and how to use them effectively:

• Auction Staff: Grants access to the auction area and lower levels. Useful for sabotaging the auction or infiltrating Viktor's private meeting.
• Palace Staff: Allows you to blend in with the cleaning and maintenance crew. Useful for accessing the kitchen, backstage, and other restricted areas.
• Show Security: Provides access to security checkpoints. Risky, but useful for navigating crowded areas and accessing restricted zones.
• Stylist: Grants access to the backstage area and dressing rooms. Useful for eliminating Margolis or gathering intel.
• Model: Allows you to walk the catwalk and blend in with the fashion show. Useful for observing the targets and creating distractions.
• Photographer: Provides access to the photography area and backstage. Useful for taking photos of the targets and gathering intel.
• Sheikh Salman Al-Khalifa: Allows you to be in the auction with a V.I.P pass. Useful for approaching Viktor Novikov without raising suspicion.

Remember to maintain your cover by avoiding suspicious behavior and staying away from areas where your disguise is not authorized. Use your disguises to gather intel, create opportunities, and eliminate your targets with precision.

Essential Items and Where to Find Them

Having the right tools can make all the difference in Hitman 3. Here's a list of essential items in the Showstopper mission and where to find them:

• Lethal Poison: Can be found in the kitchen or obtained from a specific NPC. Essential for poisoning drinks and creating silent kills.
• Lockpick: Can be found in various locations or brought in as part of your loadout. Useful for opening locked doors and accessing restricted areas.
• Screwdriver: Can be found in maintenance areas. Useful for sabotaging equipment and creating accidents.
• Wrench: Can be found in the kitchen or maintenance areas. Useful for sabotaging equipment and creating accidents.
• Fiber Wire: A silent and deadly weapon. Useful for strangling targets without raising alarms.
• Coins: Useful for creating distractions and luring targets into isolated areas.

Explore the environment thoroughly to find these items. Remember, every item has a potential use, so don't overlook anything.

General Tips and Tricks for Success

Here are some general tips and tricks to help you succeed in the Showstopper mission:

• Save Often: Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress. This allows you to experiment with different strategies and learn from your mistakes.
• Observe and Listen: Pay attention to your surroundings and listen to conversations. Knowledge is your greatest weapon, so gather as much intel as possible.
• Blend In: Maintain your cover by avoiding suspicious behavior and staying away from areas where your disguise is not authorized.
• Create Distractions: Use distractions to lure targets into isolated areas or create opportunities for silent kills.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different strategies and approaches. There are many ways to eliminate your targets, so find the method that works best for you.
• Be Patient: Don't rush into action. Take your time to plan your moves and wait for the perfect opportunity.
• Clean Up: After eliminating a target, dispose of the body to avoid raising alarms.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Assassination in Paris

So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive walkthrough of the Hitman 3 Showstopper mission. By following these strategies and tips, you'll be able to navigate the glamorous world of the Sanguine Fashion Show and eliminate your targets with style and precision. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes. Now go out there and become the ultimate assassin! Happy hunting!