Part 19

Learn the ins and outs of combat in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. Master the Hidden Blade, Sword, Fists, and all of Altair's essential moves for stealth and open combat.

Alright, let's dive into how you'll actually handle business in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. This isn't just about looking cool (though you will!), it's about surviving and thriving. We'll cover your main tools of the trade: the Hidden Blade, your trusty Sword, and even your Fists, plus all the essential moves Altair can pull off.

The Hidden Blade

This is your bread and butter for silent takedowns. Just creep up on an enemy and hit the assassination button. The key here is that the guards won't raise the alarm until the enemy actually falls, giving you just enough time to slip away unnoticed. It's perfect for thinning out patrols without a big fuss. You can also do a high-profile or running assassination, but be warned – that immediately alerts everyone, which can turn a stealthy job into a messy brawl.

Then there's the leaping assassination. If you're perched up high, lock onto your target, jump, and attack while you're above them. You've got a small window, so it takes practice. Don't be afraid to practice on some unsuspecting civilians if you need to get the timing down!

The Sword

Your primary weapon, and honestly, the most versatile. It's a bit slow, sure, but it's got plenty of uses. First off, a direct hit usually means an instant KO. Second, it gives you more time to set up those sweet counter-kills, which are lifesavers in big scraps where you're outnumbered. Third, it's your best bet for breaking an enemy's guard. Fourth, especially early on, you can use it while riding a horse. Combine the horse's speed with Altair's quick strikes, and you can wreak havoc on enemy lines before galloping away.

And yeah, the sword just looks cooler. But remember, sometimes that smaller, quicker blade is the smarter choice.

Fists

These are your least-used weapons, but they have their niche. They're low-profile, meaning you won't draw as much attention because you're not actually killing anyone. If you're in a scuffle with a few guards and can get away with it, using your fists can be surprisingly effective. However, this is usually only feasible when you're not facing a huge mob. The other main use is for brawls with civilians or thugs – using your fists won't attract the guards' attention like drawing a weapon will.

Altair's Move List

Altair is a master of movement and combat. Here’s a rundown of his key abilities:

• Gentle Push (Hands): Use this to subtly move civilians or guards out of your path without causing a scene. Handy for clearing the way for jar or crate carriers.
• Blend (Legs): This lets you disappear into groups of scholars, letting you sneak into restricted areas. It's like having a portable hiding spot, even with all your gear visible.
• Scout (Head): When you're not at full health, use this to get a good look at your surroundings and see what threats are nearby.
• Eagle Vision (Head, Full Health): Essential for telling friend from foe. Blue means ally, red is enemy, white is an information source, and gold is your assassination target.
• Synchronise (Head, On Top of View Point): Reach a viewpoint and use this to sync with Altair. It reveals the surrounding area and gives you that iconic eagle cry.
• Run (High Profile): Doubles your walking speed, making travel much faster without drawing too much attention.
• Sprint (High Profile, Legs): The fastest way to get around, but be careful – you might knock people over, which isn't exactly stealthy.
• Climb (High Profile, Legs, Upwards Move): Lets you scale walls and structures, but only where there's something to grab onto.
• Leap (High Profile, Sprint, Movement): Use this to quickly jump over obstacles like beams and railings.
• Grab (High Profile, Hands on Civilian): Grab a civilian or guard and throw them. Great for using one person as a domino to take out others.
• Tackle (High Profile, Hands, Movement): A powerful charge that lets you smash through anyone in your path. Useful for breaking away from guards.
• Leap of Faith (High Profile, Jump off a Building into Haystack): Find a haystack below, listen for the eagle cry, and jump! This is a great way to escape pursuit and usually removes heat.

Combat Moves

• Assassinate (Hidden Blade Equipped, Up close to Target, Action): The classic move. Get close and press the action button. You can do this while running or from the air for different effects.
• Attack (Action): Your basic attack. Usually a KO blow with the sword.
• Throw Knife (Throwing Knives Equipped, Locked on Target): Lock onto an enemy from a distance and throw a knife for an instant kill.
• Punch (Fists Equipped, Action): Use your fists for close-quarters combat. If you're fighting thugs, this won't alert guards, but don't try it on them!