Assassin's Creed II
Assassin's Creed II

Enemy Factions & Behavior

Understand enemy factions like City Guards in Assassin's Creed II. Learn their behaviors and tactical approaches for survival and anonymous assassinations.

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Enemy Factions & Behavior

Navigating the treacherous cities of Renaissance Italy requires a keen understanding of the various factions that oppose Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Each group presents unique challenges and requires different tactical approaches. Mastering their behaviors is key to a successful assassination and maintaining your anonymity.

I. City Guards

The most common adversaries you'll encounter, City Guards are the ubiquitous presence in every major city. Their behavior varies based on their rank and current alert status.

A. Standard Guards (Spearmen, Swordsmen)
  • Behavior: These guards patrol fixed routes or stand watch. They are easily distracted by courtesans or thieves and will investigate suspicious noises.
  • Detection: They have a moderate line of sight. If they spot Ezio acting suspiciously (running, climbing, blending poorly), they will enter a yellow alert state, indicating suspicion. A red alert means they are actively pursuing.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Direct Confrontation: Standard guards are relatively weak. A well-timed Counter-Attack (hold R2/RT and press Square/X when they attack) or a Disarm (Counter-Attack when unarmed) will quickly dispatch them.
    • Stealth: Utilize Blend groups (monks, citizens) to pass undetected. If you need to eliminate them quietly, the Hidden Blade (Square/X when close) is your best friend. From rooftops, an Air Assassination (Square/X while locked on from above) is instant and silent.
    • Distraction: Throw florins (Select/Back, then Triangle/Y) to create a diversion, or hire Courtesans (L1/LB) to lure them away. Thieves (L1/LB) can also be used to draw their attention.
  • Equipment: They carry basic swords and spears. Disarming a Spearman can provide Ezio with a powerful spear for a limited time.
B. Brutes
  • Behavior: Larger, heavily armored guards who are slower but hit harder. They are less susceptible to distractions and have a wider detection cone due to their height.
  • Detection: Similar to standard guards but more persistent in pursuit.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Direct Confrontation: Brutes cannot be instantly killed with a single Counter-Attack. You'll need to either Disarm them first (Counter-Attack while unarmed to steal their weapon, then attack) or perform a Dodge (X/A + direction) followed by an attack to their exposed back. Smoke Bombs (Select/Back, then Circle/B) are highly effective, allowing for easy assassinations while they are disoriented.
    • Stealth: Air Assassinations are still effective. If you must engage them in stealth, a well-placed Throwing Knife (hold L1/LB, then Triangle/Y) to the head can one-shot them, especially after upgrading the knives.
  • Equipment: Wield large two-handed swords or axes.
C. Seekers
  • Behavior: Agile guards equipped with long spears, capable of searching haystacks and blending spots. They are a significant threat to stealth.
  • Detection: They actively investigate suspicious areas and will poke haystacks and benches if they suspect Ezio is hiding.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Direct Confrontation: Seekers are vulnerable to Counter-Attacks. Their long reach can be an advantage for Ezio if you time your counter correctly.
    • Stealth: Prioritize eliminating Seekers first in any area where you plan to use stealth. A quick Hidden Blade assassination from behind or an Air Assassination is ideal. If hiding, be prepared to move quickly if a Seeker approaches your hiding spot.
  • Equipment: Long spears.
D. Archers
  • Behavior: Stationed on rooftops and high vantage points, providing ranged support. They have excellent line of sight from above.
  • Detection: Can spot Ezio from a great distance, especially if he is climbing or moving conspicuously on rooftops.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Direct Confrontation: On rooftops, they are easily dispatched with a Hidden Blade or a quick sword combo. In open combat on the ground, they will fire arrows, which can be dodged or blocked.
    • Stealth: Always clear rooftops of Archers before attempting any mission that requires rooftop traversal or assassinations. Throwing Knives are excellent for silent, ranged takedowns. The Pistol (hold L1/LB, then Square/X) can also be used, but the noise will attract attention.
  • Equipment: Bow and arrows.

II. Elite Guards (Papal Guards, Venetian Guards)

These specialized guards are encountered in specific regions or during later sequences. They are tougher and more skilled than standard city guards.

A. Papal Guards (Rome, Vatican)
  • Behavior: Highly disciplined and well-armored. They often patrol in groups and are less susceptible to distractions.
  • Detection: Very keen detection, and their patrols are often designed to cover key areas thoroughly.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Direct Confrontation: Similar to Brutes, they require more effort to take down. Disarms and dodges are crucial. Smoke Bombs are highly effective against groups of Papal Guards. Consider using the Poison Blade (Select/Back, then D-Pad Up to equip) for a silent, delayed kill, especially on isolated targets.
    • Stealth: Due to their vigilance, stealth is challenging but rewarding. Utilize the environment for cover and plan your routes carefully.
  • Equipment: High-quality swords and armor.
B. Venetian Guards (Venice)
  • Behavior: Found primarily in Venice, these guards are distinguished by their unique uniforms. Their behavior is a mix of standard guards and slightly more aggressive tactics.
  • Detection: Standard detection, but they are often positioned in areas that require water traversal, making stealth approaches unique.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Direct Confrontation: Treat them similarly to upgraded standard guards. Counter-Attacks and Disarms are effective.
    • Stealth: Venice's unique layout with canals and bridges offers many opportunities for stealth. Underwater assassinations (Square/X when swimming near an enemy on a dock) are a silent and efficient way to eliminate isolated guards.
  • Equipment: Standard swords and spears.

III. Templar Agents

These are the primary antagonists of the game, often encountered as mission targets or during specific story sequences. They are typically stronger and more cunning than regular guards.

  • Behavior: Highly intelligent and often accompanied by a retinue of guards. They may attempt to flee if cornered or if their bodyguards are eliminated.
  • Detection: Extremely high detection and awareness, especially during missions where they are targets.
  • Combat Strategy:
    • Assassination: The most effective method is a well-planned assassination. This could be an Air Assassination, a stealthy Hidden Blade kill from a Blend group, or a Poison Blade application.
    • Direct Confrontation: If forced into open combat, focus on eliminating their bodyguards first. Templar Agents themselves often have unique attack patterns. Utilize dodges, parries, and your strongest weapons. The Auditore Cape (obtained by collecting all 100 Feathers) can reduce notoriety, making escapes easier if an assassination goes awry.
  • Equipment: Varies greatly, from standard swords to unique, powerful weapons.

General Combat Tips:

  • Notoriety: Keep an eye on your Notoriety Meter (top left of the screen). High notoriety means guards are more vigilant and aggressive. Tear down Wanted Posters, bribe Heralds, or assassinate Corrupt Officials to reduce it.
  • Medicine: Always carry a full stock of Medicine (Select/Back, then D-Pad Right to use). You can purchase it from Doctors in any city.
  • Weapon Upgrades: Visit the Blacksmith to purchase stronger swords, daggers, and armor. The Sword of Altaïr (unlocked via Uplay or specific editions) is a powerful early-game option.
  • Environment: Use the environment to your advantage. Climb buildings to escape, hide in haystacks, or use ledges for stealth takedowns.
  • Recruit Allies: Courtesans, Thieves, and Mercenaries (L1/LB) can be invaluable for distracting guards, creating diversions, or engaging them in combat on your behalf.