Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to your Assassin's Creed II questions. Learn about counter-attacks, hidden treasures, and general gameplay advice for Renaissance Italy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Welcome, Assassin! This section addresses common questions and challenges you might encounter during your journey through Renaissance Italy. Whether you're struggling with a particular combat technique, seeking hidden treasures, or just looking for some general advice, this FAQ has you covered.

Combat & Stealth

Q: How do I effectively counter-attack?

A: Counter-attacking is crucial for survival, especially against multiple opponents. To execute a perfect counter-attack:

  1. Hold the High Profile button (R2 on PlayStation, RT on Xbox, Right Mouse Button on PC) to lock onto an enemy.
  2. Wait for an enemy to initiate an attack. You'll see their weapon flash or hear an audio cue.
  3. Just as they are about to strike, press the Attack button (Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, Left Mouse Button on PC).

Timing is key! Practice against easier guards in Florence or Venice to master this technique. A successful counter-attack often results in an instant kill or a significant opening for further attacks.

Q: What's the best way to deal with Brutes and Seekers?

A: These enemy types require specific strategies:

  • Brutes: These heavily armored guards are immune to standard counter-attacks.
    • Disarm: The most effective method is to disarm them. Hold High Profile and press the Punch/Grab button (Circle on PlayStation, B on Xbox, E on PC) when they attack. Ezio will steal their heavy weapon, which you can then use against them or other enemies.
    • Dodge and Attack: You can also dodge their attacks (hold High Profile + Jump button) and then hit them from behind.
    • Poison Blade: Later in the game, the Poison Blade is highly effective. One dose will slowly incapacitate a Brute, causing them to attack their allies before collapsing.
  • Seekers: These agile guards are adept at finding Ezio in haystacks and other hiding spots.
    • Hidden Blade Assassination: If you're in a hiding spot and a Seeker approaches, wait for them to get close and perform a Hidden Blade assassination from cover.
    • Lure and Ambush: If you know a Seeker is patrolling an area, you can create a distraction (like throwing money) to draw them away from their patrol route, then ambush them from a rooftop or a corner.
    • Smoke Bombs: Smoke Bombs are excellent for disorienting Seekers and allowing you to escape or perform easy assassinations.

Exploration & Collectibles

Q: Where can I find all the Glyphs and Subject 16's puzzles?

A: Glyphs are hidden markings scattered across the major cities. Finding them unlocks Subject 16's puzzles, which reveal deeper lore. There are 20 Glyphs in total:

  • Florence: 6 Glyphs
  • Tuscany/San Gimignano: 4 Glyphs
  • Romagna/Forlì: 2 Glyphs
  • Venice: 8 Glyphs

Each Glyph is typically located on a prominent building or landmark. When you're near one, the Animus will emit a distinct sound, and a small "eye" icon will appear on your mini-map. To solve the puzzles, you'll need to manipulate images and find specific objects within them. If you're stuck, consult a dedicated Glyph guide with screenshots or video walkthroughs, as some solutions can be quite obscure.

Q: What are the best ways to earn Florins quickly?

A: Money is essential for upgrades, armor, and weapons. Here are the most efficient ways to fill Ezio's purse:

  • Renovate Monteriggioni: This is by far the most lucrative method. As you renovate the various shops and buildings in Monteriggioni (e.g., the Bank, Blacksmith, Art Merchant, Doctor), the Villa's income will increase. Collect the Florins from the chest in the Villa's audit room regularly. Fully renovating Monteriggioni will provide a steady stream of thousands of Florins every 20 minutes of gameplay.
  • Treasure Chests: Explore every city thoroughly. Treasure Chests are plentiful and often contain hundreds or even thousands of Florins. Use your map to pinpoint their locations.
  • Thieves Guild Missions: Completing Thief missions, especially the more challenging ones, often rewards a good amount of Florins.
  • Pickpocketing: While less efficient than other methods, pickpocketing citizens can yield small amounts of Florins. It's best used as a supplementary income source or for quick cash when you're low.
  • Selling Items: Sell any excess items you find, such as paintings or extra armor pieces (though you generally won't have many "extra" armor pieces unless you replace them).

General Gameplay

Q: Can I revisit previous cities?

A: Yes! Once you unlock a new major city (Florence, Tuscany, Forlì, Venice), you can fast travel between them using the various fast travel stations found throughout the game world. These are marked on your map with a carriage icon. Simply interact with the station, select your desired destination, and Ezio will be transported there.

Q: How do I unlock the Auditore Cape?

A: The Auditore Cape is a special item that signifies your completion of a significant collection. To unlock it, you must find and collect all 100 Feathers scattered across all regions in the game. Once all Feathers are collected, return to Maria Auditore in Monteriggioni. She will present you with the Auditore Cape. Wearing this cape will make Ezio notorious in every city except Monteriggioni, meaning guards will be instantly hostile upon seeing him, adding an extra layer of challenge for those who seek it.