Notoriety & Stealth

Mastering Notoriety and Stealth is paramount to becoming a true Assassin in Revolutionary Paris. Unlike previous titles, Unity places a heavy emphasis on blending in and avoiding direct confrontation. Understanding how the Notoriety system works and effectively utilizing stealth mechanics will make your assassinations smoother and your escapes cleaner.

Understanding Notoriety

Notoriety is your wanted level in Paris. It increases when you commit crimes in public, such as:

Killing guards or civilians in plain sight.
Engaging in open combat.
Stealing from citizens.
Being spotted in restricted areas.

A higher Notoriety level means guards will be more aggressive, recognize you more easily, and actively pursue you. The Notoriety meter is displayed on your HUD, typically in the top-right corner, and will change color to indicate your current status (e.g., white for clear, yellow for suspicious, red for actively pursued).

Reducing Notoriety

When your Notoriety is high, you'll want to reduce it quickly to avoid constant harassment from the authorities. Here are the most effective methods:

Blending: The simplest way to reduce Notoriety is to blend into crowds or use blend spots like benches and haystacks. This works best when guards are not actively pursuing you.
Breaking Line of Sight: Get out of the guards' sightlines. Use rooftops, dense crowds, or narrow alleyways to disappear. Once you're out of their immediate vision, your Notoriety will slowly decrease.
Hiding Spots: Utilize hiding spots such as hay carts, wardrobes, or even dense foliage. Remaining hidden for a short period will significantly reduce your Notoriety.
Killing Witnesses: If a guard has spotted you and is calling for reinforcements, quickly eliminating them before they alert others can prevent your Notoriety from escalating further. This is a risky move, however, as it can also increase Notoriety if done poorly.
Leaving the Area: Sometimes the best option is to simply flee the district. Guards in one district generally won't pursue you indefinitely into another.

Stealth Mechanics & Techniques

Unity's stealth system is more refined than previous entries, offering a greater degree of control and more dynamic environments. Mastering these techniques is crucial for successful assassinations and mission completion.

Cover System

The new cover system is your best friend for stealth. To enter cover, simply approach a wall, crate, or other object and press the designated cover button (e.g., Circle on PS4, B on Xbox One). While in cover, Arno will automatically crouch, making him less visible. You can:

Peek Around Corners: Use the left analog stick to subtly peek around corners without fully exposing yourself.
Move Between Cover: While in cover, look towards another piece of cover and press the cover button again to smoothly transition. This is excellent for navigating patrol routes undetected.
Whistle: While in cover, you can whistle to attract the attention of nearby guards. This is invaluable for luring enemies into isolated positions for a silent takedown.

Crouch Mode

Pressing the crouch button (e.g., L2 on PS4, LT on Xbox One) will put Arno into a low-profile stance, reducing his visibility and making his footsteps quieter. This is essential for navigating restricted areas and approaching targets unseen. Combine crouch mode with cover for maximum stealth.

Eagle Vision

Eagle Vision (press L3 on PS4, Left Stick on Xbox One) highlights enemies, objectives, and interactive elements through walls and obstacles. Use it frequently to:

Scout Patrol Routes: Identify guard patterns and plan your approach.
Locate Targets: Pinpoint your assassination target or mission objective.
Spot Hidden Enemies: Reveal enemies lurking in shadows or behind cover.

Tools for Stealth

Arno has access to several tools that can greatly assist in stealth operations:

Phantom Blade: This silent, wrist-mounted crossbow is perfect for taking down distant enemies without alerting others. Upgrade it for increased range and damage.
Smoke Bombs: Essential for escapes or creating diversions. Throw a Smoke Bomb to disorient guards and make a quick getaway or perform a stealth kill in the chaos.
Cherry Bombs: These small explosives create a loud noise, drawing guards to a specific location. Use them to create openings or lure guards away from your path.
Berserk Blades: Load these into your Phantom Blade to make an enemy go berserk, attacking their allies and causing a distraction. This is excellent for thinning out groups of guards.

Environmental Stealth

Paris itself is your greatest ally for stealth:

Rooftops: The fastest and safest way to travel across the city without encountering ground patrols. Use them to get above your targets and plan aerial assassinations.
Crowds: Blend seamlessly into large groups of citizens. This is particularly effective in busy market squares or during public events.
Open Windows/Doors: Many buildings have accessible windows and doors that allow for alternative entry points, bypassing heavily guarded main entrances.
Hay Carts & Benches: Classic Assassin's Creed hiding spots that are still highly effective for escaping detection or setting up ambush kills.

By understanding and applying these Notoriety and Stealth mechanics, you'll transform Arno into the silent, deadly Assassin he was meant to be, navigating the treacherous streets of Paris with unparalleled grace and efficiency.