Honestly, if you’ve played through the neon-soaked streets of 2038 Michigan, you know that the real soul of the story isn't just about androids fighting for freedom. It’s about a man who wants to give up. Lieutenant Hank Anderson starts as the ultimate "get off my lawn" archetype. He’s the classic grizzled, alcoholic detective who hates his job, hates the world, and—most of all—hates the plastic people walking around his city.
But there is so much more to Hank Detroit Become Human than just a grumpy guy with a gun.
He is the moral compass of the entire game. Whether you realize it or not, Hank is the person who decides if Connor, the most advanced machine ever built, actually becomes a person or remains a cold, calculating tool for CyberLife. If you play your cards wrong, he’s also the one who might end up putting a bullet in your head.
The Tragedy Behind the Whiskey
You can't talk about Hank without talking about Cole. It’s the elephant in the room. Why does he spend his nights playing Russian Roulette with a bottle of booze? Why does he listen to heavy metal while staring at a picture of a kid?
The backstory is brutal. In 2035, Hank and his son, Cole, were in a horrific car accident. The irony—the sharp, stinging kind that breaks a person—is that Cole needed surgery, but the human surgeon was too high on Red Ice to operate. An android took over. Cole didn’t make it.
Hank doesn't just hate androids because they're "taking jobs." He hates them because they represent a world that replaced human empathy with efficient, cold silicon. To him, an android is a reminder of the day he lost everything.
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Clancy Brown’s Masterclass in Voice Acting
A huge reason this character works is Clancy Brown. You might know him as the voice of Mr. Krabs or the terrifying Byron Hadley in The Shawshank Redemption. In Detroit: Become Human, he brings a level of nuance that most games dream of.
His performance isn't just "angry guy." It’s "exhausted guy."
The way his voice cracks when he talks about his dog, Sumo, or the subtle shift in his tone when he starts to actually like Connor—it’s brilliant. There’s a scene in the park where he questions the nature of reality. It could have been cheesy. Instead, it’s one of the most grounded moments in the whole narrative.
The Connor Factor: Partnership or Fatherhood?
This is where the fandom gets really loud. Some people see Hank and Connor as a surrogate father-son duo. Others see them as partners who eventually find mutual respect. Some people even ship them, which is... a choice.
Whatever your vibe, the chemistry is undeniable.
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- The Hostile Path: If you play Connor as a "perfect machine," Hank grows to despise you. You represent everything he hates: a heartless object that follows orders without a second thought.
- The Deviant Path: If you save him on the roof, if you show mercy to the Tracis, if you actually act like you give a damn about living things, he opens up.
He needs to see that "something" inside Connor to keep going himself.
What Most People Miss About Hank
Most players focus on the "big" choices, but Hank’s character is built in the tiny details. Did you look at the photo on his table? Did you mention his dog? Did you ask about his music?
He’s a millennial. Think about that for a second. Born in 1985, Hank grew up in a world very similar to ours. He remembers what it was like before everything was automated. He’s a relic of a time that’s being erased, which makes his struggle feel strangely personal for players today.
He also has a surprisingly deep history with Captain Jeffrey Fowler. They’ve been friends since they were kids. That’s why Fowler puts up with Hank’s drinking and his attitude. It’s not just professional; it’s personal.
How to Get the "Good" Ending with Hank
If you want that heartwarming post-credits scene—the one where they hug outside the chicken shack—you have to earn it.
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- Be Human. Don't prioritize the mission over life. If there's a choice between catching a deviant and saving Hank, save the man.
- Show Empathy. When you’re at the Eden Club or the bridge, don't be a jerk. Listen to him.
- The Photo. This is critical. During the "Russian Roulette" chapter, make sure you look at the photo of Cole. It unlocks dialogue later that literally saves your life.
- Trust Him. In the final act, if you've built enough "Software Instability," he will back you up.
If you mess this up? Well, Hank's story ends in a way that’s hard to watch. He’s a fragile character. One wrong move and the light just goes out.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Playthrough
If you're jumping back into Detroit soon, try playing the "Machine Connor" route once, just to see how much it changes Hank. It’s devastating. You’ll see a side of him that is purely nihilistic.
Alternatively, if you want the best experience, focus on his relationship with Sumo. The dog is the bridge to his heart. Treating his pet with respect is often the first step to Hank seeing Connor as something more than just a piece of plastic.
Next time you’re in the precinct, spend a little extra time at his desk. Read the magazines. Check his terminal. The writers hid a lot of lore about his past arrests and his reputation as the "youngest lieutenant in Detroit history." It makes his fall from grace feel even heavier.