Assassin's Creed III
Assassin's Creed III

Social Interactions

Master social interactions in Assassin's Creed III. Utilize crowds and social elements effectively for stealth, evasion, and tactical advantages during mission.

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Social Interactions

In the bustling cities and untamed wilderness of Assassin's Creed III, social interactions are more than just flavor; they are crucial tools for stealth, evasion, and even combat. Mastering these interactions can turn the tide of a difficult mission or help you escape a relentless pursuit. This section details how to effectively use the crowds and various social elements to your advantage.

Blending and Concealment

Blending into crowds is your primary method of remaining undetected in plain sight. When your Notoriety is high, or you're operating in heavily guarded areas, blending becomes essential.

  • Crowd Blending: Approach any group of 3 or more civilians and press the 'Blend' button (Circle on PS3, B on Xbox 360). Connor will seamlessly integrate into the group, making him invisible to most guards unless they are actively searching or are in close proximity.
  • Bench Blending: Similar to crowd blending, sitting on a bench (Circle on PS3, B on Xbox 360) will make Connor appear as a regular citizen. This is particularly effective for hiding from patrols or observing targets from a safe distance.
  • Haystacks and Wells: These classic Assassin's Creed hiding spots are excellent for quick escapes or setting up ambushes. Simply jump into a haystack or well to disappear from sight. Remember to perform a 'Leap of Faith' into haystacks from high vantage points for style points and quick descents.
  • Environmental Blending: use natural cover like bushes, tall grass, and dense foliage in the Frontier. Crouching (Circle on PS3, B on Xbox 360) in these areas provides significant concealment from patrolling enemies.

Strategy Tip: Blending is most effective when guards are not in an 'Alerted' state. If they are actively searching for you, they may still spot you even within a crowd, especially if you move erratically.

Distractions and Diversions

Sometimes, direct blending isn't enough, or you need to draw attention away from yourself or a specific area. Social distractions are your best friends here.

  • Hiring Mercenaries: In cities like Boston and New York, you can find Mercenary groups marked on your map. Pay them a small fee (usually 150-200 livres) to engage nearby guards in combat. This creates a significant diversion, allowing you to slip past unnoticed or flank your targets.
  • Hiring Courtesans: Courtesans, also marked on your map, can be hired (for a similar fee) to distract guards. They will flirt with and lead away a small group of guards, clearing a path or creating an opening for an assassination.
  • Hiring Thieves: Thieves, identifiable by their distinct icons, can be paid to pickpocket or create a commotion amongst civilians, drawing the attention of guards. This is useful for creating a brief window of opportunity.
  • Provoking Civilians: While not a direct social interaction, bumping into civilians or causing minor disturbances can sometimes draw the attention of nearby guards, pulling them away from their posts. Use this sparingly, as it can also increase your Notoriety.

Strategy Tip: Combine distractions for maximum effect. For example, hire Courtesans to draw away a patrol, then use the ensuing chaos to perform a stealth assassination on a key target.

Manipulating Notoriety

Your Notoriety level directly impacts how guards react to you. Social interactions play a vital role in managing this.

  • Removing Wanted Posters: The most straightforward way to reduce Notoriety. Locate wanted posters (marked on your mini-map when your Notoriety is high) and interact with them (Circle on PS3, B on Xbox 360) to tear them down. Each poster removed reduces your Notoriety by one level.
  • Bribing Heralds: Heralds are town criers who spread news, including your wanted status. Find a Herald (marked on your map) and bribe them (usually 100 livres) to stop spreading your notoriety. This also reduces your Notoriety by one level.
  • Destroying Printing Presses: In specific story missions or side activities, you may be tasked with destroying printing presses that produce wanted posters. This offers a more permanent solution to reducing notoriety in certain areas.

Strategy Tip: Always prioritize reducing Notoriety after a major incident. High Notoriety makes all other social interactions less effective, as guards will be more vigilant and suspicious of your presence.