Tuscany
Welcome to Tuscany, a region ripe with secrets, side quests, and the next chapter in Ezio's journey. This guide will help you navigate the rolling hills and ancient ruins, ensuring you don't miss a single collectible or crucial step.
Sequence 5: Loose Ends
Your primary objective in Tuscany is to locate and assassinate Francesco de' Pazzi. This sequence will also introduce you to the intriguing world of Assassin's Tombs.
Mission 1: The Conspiracy
- Objective: Investigate the Pazzi family's activities.
- Walkthrough:
- Begin by heading to the marker on your map. You'll find a group of guards discussing the Pazzi family.
- Eavesdrop: Blend with the crowd or sit on a nearby bench to listen in on their conversation. You'll learn about Francesco's movements and his association with a Templar.
- Follow the Informant: After the conversation, one of the guards will break off. Follow him discreetly, maintaining a safe distance to avoid detection. He will lead you to a secluded area.
- Interrogate: Confront the informant. A quick punch or two will loosen his tongue. He'll reveal that Francesco is planning a meeting at the San Gimignano tower.
Mission 2: The Florentine Flash
- Objective: Race against Francesco de' Pazzi.
- Walkthrough:
- Head to the designated starting point in San Gimignano. You'll find Francesco waiting.
- The Race: This is a timed parkour challenge. The key is to maintain momentum and use Ezio's free-running abilities efficiently. Look for obvious handholds, beams, and ledges.
- Strategy: Don't be afraid to take slightly longer but safer routes if they prevent a fall. Focus on fluid movements. If you fall, quickly re-orient yourself and continue.
- Reward: Winning the race will earn you some florins and progress the story. Losing is not an option for an Assassin!
Mission 3: The Pazzi's Treachery
- Objective: Assassinate Francesco de' Pazzi.
- Walkthrough:
- Francesco will be heavily guarded at the top of the San Gimignano tower.
- Approach: There are multiple ways to ascend. Consider a stealthy approach from the rooftops. use climbing routes on the exterior of the tower.
- Distraction: Throwing knives or coins can distract guards, creating openings for Ezio.
- Assassination: Once you reach the top, identify Francesco. A well-placed air assassination or a swift hidden blade attack will do the trick. Be prepared for a brief skirmish with his remaining guards.
- Escape: After the assassination, quickly escape the area to lose your notoriety. Use haystacks, wells, or blend with crowds.
Assassin's Tomb: Volterra
The Assassin's Tomb in Volterra is a crucial side activity that rewards you with a Seal of the Assassin, vital for unlocking Altaïr's Armor. This tomb is located within the Sanctuary of the Assassin.
Tomb Location & Entry
- Location: The Volterra tomb is situated in the southwestern part of the Tuscany region, near the town of Volterra. Look for the distinctive Assassin's Guild icon on your map.
- Entry: The entrance is usually a hidden passage or a breakable wall. Investigate the exterior of the ruins carefully. You might need to climb to a specific point to find the access.
Walkthrough: The Sanctuary of the Assassin
This tomb focuses heavily on parkour and environmental puzzles. Be prepared for intricate climbing and timed jumps.
- Initial Puzzle: Upon entering, you'll often face a series of pressure plates or levers that open a path. Look for visual cues, like highlighted bricks or glowing symbols.
- Climbing Challenges: The tomb features several vertical climbing sections. Pay attention to the camera angles, which often hint at the correct path. Look for:
- Exposed wooden beams
- Broken ledges
- Statues or decorative elements that can be used as handholds
- Timed Jumps: Some sections require precise, timed jumps across crumbling platforms or moving obstacles. Plan your route before you leap.
- Lever Puzzles: You'll encounter levers that manipulate parts of the environment, such as raising platforms or opening gates. Often, you'll need to activate multiple levers in a specific sequence.
- The Crypt: Eventually, you'll reach the main crypt where the sarcophagus containing the Seal of the Assassin is located. Interact with it to claim your reward.
- Exit: A clear exit path will usually open up after collecting the seal, leading you back outside.
Collectibles in Tuscany
Tuscany is home to several collectibles that enrich your gameplay and coffers.
Feathers
- There are 11 Feathers scattered across Tuscany.
- Strategy: use your Eagle Vision frequently, especially on rooftops and in secluded areas. Feathers often perch on high points or are tucked away in corners.
- Reward: Collecting all feathers contributes to a special reward back at the Villa Auditore.
Treasures
- Numerous treasure chests are hidden throughout the region.
- Strategy: Purchase treasure maps from art merchants in nearby cities (like Florence) to reveal their locations on your map. Otherwise, explore thoroughly, especially in ruins, behind buildings, and in caves.
- Reward: Florins and sometimes valuable trade items.
Glyphs
- There is 1 Glyph in Tuscany.
- Location: The Glyph is typically found on a prominent landmark or building. For Tuscany, look for it on the side of a large tower or a significant ruin.
- Strategy: Use Eagle Vision to spot the distinctive glowing symbol. Solving the Glyph puzzle reveals a piece of "The Truth."
Side Activities
Assassination Contracts
- Look for the Assassin's Guild icon on your map to find contract givers.
- These missions involve eliminating specific targets, often with unique constraints or challenges.
- Reward: Florins and increased standing with the Assassin's Guild.
Beat Up Missions
- These missions involve physically assaulting a target without killing them.
- Strategy: Use your fists (unarmed combat) and avoid using your hidden blade or other weapons.
- Reward: Florins.
Races
- Similar to the main story race, these are timed parkour challenges.
- Reward: Florins.
Take your time exploring Tuscany. The beautiful landscapes hide many secrets, and mastering the parkour challenges here will prepare you for even greater feats to come!