Stealth Kills & Assassinations
Mastering the art of the silent kill is paramount for any aspiring Assassin. Ezio has a diverse arsenal and a range of environmental interactions at his disposal to eliminate targets without raising suspicion. This section details the various stealth kill techniques and how to effectively employ them.
Hidden Blade Assassinations
The iconic Hidden Blade is your primary tool for discreet eliminations. These kills are swift, silent, and often leave no trace if executed correctly.
- Standard Stealth Kill: Approach an unsuspecting enemy from behind or the side. When the prompt appears (usually a white icon above the enemy's head), press the attack button (e.g., Square on PlayStation, X on Xbox, Left Mouse Button on PC) to perform a quick, silent kill. This is your bread and butter for patrolling guards.
- High Profile Assassination: While running or in a high-profile stance, you can still perform a Hidden Blade assassination if you are close enough to an enemy. Be cautious, as this can be riskier and might alert nearby guards if not executed perfectly.
- Double Assassination: Once you acquire the second Hidden Blade from Leonardo da Vinci (typically during Sequence 4, "The Pazzi Conspiracy"), you can perform a double assassination. Position Ezio between two closely standing enemies and press the attack button when prompted. This is incredibly efficient for clearing pairs of guards.
Environmental Kills
use your surroundings to your advantage. Environmental kills are often the most satisfying and can be crucial for maintaining stealth in heavily guarded areas.
- Ledge Assassination: While hanging from a ledge, wait for an enemy to patrol above you. When they are directly overhead and the prompt appears, press the attack button to pull them down silently. This is excellent for clearing rooftops or ledges.
- Hay Bale/Bench Assassination: Hide in a hay bale or blend with a group on a bench. When an enemy walks past, press the attack button to pull them into your hiding spot for a silent kill. Remember to exit the hiding spot or move to another quickly if other guards are nearby.
- Corner Assassination: While hiding behind a corner, wait for an enemy to approach. When they are within reach and the prompt appears, press the attack button to drag them around the corner for a discreet kill.
- Air Assassination: From a high vantage point (rooftop, beam, tree branch), target an enemy below. Press the attack button while falling to perform a devastating air assassination. This is a high-profile move but can be used to eliminate key targets or initiate combat with an advantage. Ensure your landing zone is clear of other guards if you wish to remain undetected.
Weapon-Based Stealth Kills
Beyond the Hidden Blade, other weapons can be used for stealthy takedowns, though they may have different implications for detection.
- Throwing Knives: Acquired early in the game, Throwing Knives are excellent for silent, ranged eliminations. Target an enemy and throw a knife to instantly kill them. This is ideal for archers on rooftops or isolated guards. Purchase more from Blacksmiths or Tailors.
- Poison Blade: After Leonardo da Vinci modifies your Hidden Blade (available after Sequence 5, "The Apple of Eden"), you can use the Poison Blade. Inject an unsuspecting guard with poison, and they will slowly succumb, often causing a distraction as they flail before dying. This is a fantastic way to create diversions or eliminate targets without direct confrontation. Replenish poison vials at Doctors.
Strategies for Effective Stealth Kills
- Scout Ahead: Always use your Eagle Vision (press and hold the 'Y' button on Xbox, 'Triangle' on PlayStation, or 'E' on PC) to identify enemy patrol routes, vision cones, and key targets before engaging.
- use Crowds and Blending: Blend with groups of citizens or use courtesans to distract guards, allowing you to get close for a silent kill.
- Create Diversions: Throw money to create a crowd, hire courtesans to lure guards away, or use the Poison Blade to cause a commotion. These tactics open up opportunities for stealth kills.
- Body Disposal: After a kill, consider dragging the body into a hay bale, well, or off a rooftop to prevent other guards from discovering it and raising an alarm. This is especially crucial in restricted areas.
- Patience is Key: Don't rush. Wait for the opportune moment when a guard is isolated or looking away. A patient Assassin is a successful Assassin.