Assassin's Creed III
Assassin's Creed III

Movement & Navigation — Assassin's Creed III Guide

Master free-running and tree-running in Assassin's Creed III. Learn to navigate urban landscapes and wilderness using Connor's unique traversal abilities and e.

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Movement & Navigation

Mastering movement and navigation is paramount to becoming a true Assassin in the treacherous world of Assassin's Creed III. Connor's unique abilities allow for unparalleled traversal across both urban landscapes and the untamed wilderness. Understanding the nuances of free-running, tree-running, and utilizing the environment to your advantage will be key to completing missions, escaping pursuers, and discovering hidden secrets.

Free-Running: Urban Environments

Free-running is your primary mode of rapid traversal through cities like Boston and New York. It allows Connor to seamlessly scale buildings, leap across rooftops, and navigate complex architectural structures with incredible agility.

  • Initiating Free-Run: Hold down the R2 (PS3) / RT (Xbox 360) button while moving forward with the left analog stick. Connor will automatically identify and interact with climbable surfaces, ledges, and obstacles.
  • Ascending Structures: When approaching a wall or building, hold R2 / RT and push the left analog stick upwards. Connor will begin to climb. Look for handholds, exposed brickwork, and decorative elements that serve as climbing paths.
  • Descending Structures: To descend safely, hold R2 / RT and push the left analog stick downwards. Connor will carefully climb down. For a faster, controlled descent, release R2 / RT while moving down to drop short distances, or press the Circle (PS3) / B (Xbox 360) button to perform a controlled leap of faith into haystacks or water.
  • Leaping Gaps: While free-running, Connor will automatically attempt to leap across reasonable gaps. For longer or more precise jumps, hold R2 / RT and press the X (PS3) / A (Xbox 360) button at the peak of his jump to extend his reach.
  • Cornering: When free-running along ledges or rooftops, Connor will automatically round corners. You can influence his path by gently guiding the left analog stick in the desired direction.

Tree-Running: The Frontier

A revolutionary addition to Assassin's Creed III, tree-running allows Connor to move through the dense forests of the Frontier with the same fluidity he exhibits in urban settings. This is crucial for hunting, ambushes, and navigating the vast wilderness.

  • Initiating Tree-Run: Similar to free-running, hold R2 (PS3) / RT (Xbox 360) while moving towards trees. Connor will automatically grab onto branches and begin his ascent.
  • Branch-to-Branch Traversal: Once in the canopy, use the left analog stick to guide Connor from branch to branch. He will automatically leap and swing between suitable connections. Aim for thicker, more stable branches for smoother movement.
  • Leaping Between Trees: For longer distances between trees, hold R2 / RT and press X (PS3) / A (Xbox 360) to perform powerful leaps. Look for visual cues like highlighted branches that indicate a viable path.
  • Controlled Descents: To descend from trees, hold R2 / RT and push the left analog stick downwards. Connor will climb down the trunk or drop to lower branches. You can also perform a Leap of Faith into suitable foliage or snowdrifts below.
  • Utilizing the Environment: The Frontier is full of natural pathways. Look for fallen logs, rocky outcrops, and dense bushes that can be integrated into your tree-running routes for seamless transitions between ground and canopy.

Advanced Navigation Techniques

  • Eagle Vision: Press L3 (PS3) / LS (Xbox 360) to activate Eagle Vision. This highlights climbable paths, enemies, and interactive objects, making navigation easier, especially in unfamiliar territory or during stealth missions.
  • Fast Travel: Once discovered, Synchronization Points (viewpoints) and Harbormaster locations can be used for fast travel. Open your map, select a previously visited icon, and choose to fast travel. This is invaluable for covering large distances quickly.
  • Haystacks & Wells: These are not just for hiding! Use them as safe landing zones for Leaps of Faith from high vantage points. Always look for these iconic Assassin's Creed elements when planning a quick descent.
  • Swimming: Connor is a capable swimmer. Enter water by walking or jumping in. Use the left analog stick to move and R2 / RT to swim faster. Submerge by holding Circle (PS3) / B (Xbox 360) and surface by holding X (PS3) / A (Xbox 360).
  • Horseback Riding: In the Frontier, horses are your fastest mode of ground transport. Call your horse by pressing Triangle (PS3) / Y (Xbox 360). Control it with the left analog stick and gallop by holding R2 / RT. Horses can jump over small obstacles automatically.