Eminem stars in a HITMAN Elusive Target — free for non-owners, but there’s a catch

Why this actually matters: Eminem joins HITMAN – and you can try it free

This caught my attention because IO Interactive just did something few big stealth studios attempt: they handed one of pop culture’s most recognizable personas to Agent 47 and made the mission available to people who don’t own the game. “Eminem vs. Slim Shady” arrives December 1-31, 2025, as a limited Elusive Target in HITMAN World of Assassination – and yes, non-owners on most platforms can jump in thanks to the Free Starter Pack.

• Limited-time Elusive Target mission starring Eminem runs Dec 1-31, 2025.
• Playable for free via the Free Starter Pack on most platforms (Switch excluded).
• Paid DLC pack ($4.99) adds permanent Arcade access, cosmetics and gag items.
• Game debuts on ROG Xbox Ally X/Ally and gains Xbox Play Anywhere support.

Breaking down the announcement

IOI has turned the Elusive Target formula – those tense, time-limited, often one-shot assassination opportunities — into a headline-grabbing crossover with Eminem and his alter ego Slim Shady. The mission is set in a Hokkaido medical facility reimagined as “Popsomp Hills Asylum,” promises surreal touches, and was created with Eminem and Paul Rosenberg. For HITMAN veterans, that signals IOI didn’t slap a celebrity skin on a corridor and call it a day; they collaborated creatively.

Platform coverage is broad: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Switch/ Switch2 (with caveats), iPhone/iPad, and VR on PS VR2 and PC. Important note: the Free Starter Pack that unlocks the mission for non-owners is available on every platform except Nintendo Switch and Switch2 — Switch players must own the game to try Eminem’s mission.

What’s in the Eminem vs. Slim Shady Pack — and is it worth $4.99?

For a modest $4.99 (or €4.99/£3.99), IOI is selling a themed DLC bundle available only for the life of the mission (Dec 1-31). It includes permanent access to an Antithesis two-level Arcade contract built around the Elusive Target, cosmetics for Freelancer Safehouse, and a quartet of gimmicks with real personality: the MC Fit, Jar of Mom’s Spaghetti Sauce, the Prank Pistol, and Mr. Chainsaw Jr. It’s tongue-in-cheek — the sauce reference is a wink to Eminem’s catalogue — and the permanent Arcade access is the biggest practical value for players who want to replay the scenario.

My take: $5 for replayability plus a handful of themed cosmetics is fair if you enjoyed the mission or collect seasonal packs. It’s not a scammy microtransaction; it’s a limited cosmetic and replay package aimed at fans and collectors. Still, the short sale window nudges FOMO — buy-or-miss is the point.

Why now — and what this signals for IOI and the industry

Timing matters. Eminem released The Death of Slim Shady in 2024, and pairing this Elusive Target with holiday season visibility is smart PR for both sides. For IOI, this is a test of how celebrity crossovers land with their core audience. HITMAN’s player base values carefully crafted systems, emergent stealth moments, and replayability — not celebrity gimmicks. The real win here is that IOI appears to have leaned into the creative collaboration rather than slapping a famous face on existing content.

Also notable: HITMAN WOA launches on the ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally today, and gains Xbox Play Anywhere support. The Ally additions underline the continuing trend of powerful handhelds letting players carry big PC/Xbox titles. Xbox Play Anywhere is a practical bonus: shared progress and achievements remove friction for players who bounce between console and PC.

What players should expect

If you don’t own HITMAN WOA and you’re curious, grab the Free Starter Pack on a supported platform (not Switch) and try the Elusive Target while it’s live. If you do own the game, this is a live-service event that adds a seasonal roadmap with challenges, featured contracts, and Twitch Drops — typical live-content hooks you either love or tune out. Don’t expect a story expansion; this is a high-profile, limited event plus a small paid bundle for replay and cosmetics.

Looking ahead — a cautious thumbs-up

I’m pleased IOI collaborated creatively rather than using Eminem only as clickbait. It’s a smart crossover that can pull new players into HITMAN’s systems if the mission truly rewards stealth craftsmanship. The one risk: celebrity events can overshadow the long-term roadmap if they become frequent cash-grabs. For now, this feels like a fun, limited experiment with a sensible $5 purchase option for those who want replayability and cosmetics.

TL;DR

Eminem vs. Slim Shady is a limited Elusive Target in HITMAN WOA from Dec 1–31, free for non-owners on most platforms via the Free Starter Pack (Switch excluded). A $4.99 DLC adds replay and cosmetics. IOI’s creative collaboration and the Xbox/handheld platform news make this more than a press stunt — but keep expectations realistic: it’s a seasonal event, not a narrative expansion.