New Game Plus

Welcome back to Arkham City, Caped Crusader! New Game Plus (NG+) offers a significantly tougher challenge, designed for players who have already mastered the main story and are looking for a true test of their skills. You'll retain all your previously unlocked gadgets, upgrades, and experience points, but the enemies are far more formidable. Prepare for a brutal experience where every encounter demands precision and strategic thinking.

What Carries Over?

Gadgets: All your unlocked gadgets, including the Remote Electrical Charge (REC), Disruptor, Explosive Gel, Line Launcher, and various Batarang types, will be available from the start.
Upgrades: All purchased combat and gadget upgrades from the WayneTech menu are retained. This includes critical hit bonuses, armor enhancements, and gadget modifications.
Experience Points & Waynetech Upgrades: Your accumulated XP and any remaining Waynetech points will carry over, allowing you to immediately purchase any upgrades you might have missed or saved.
Riddler Trophies & Challenges: Any Riddler Trophies, Riddles, or physical challenges you've completed will remain marked on your map and in your statistics. However, you'll still need to complete the remaining ones to truly "100%" the game.

Key Differences in New Game Plus

NG+ isn't just a simple difficulty bump; it fundamentally changes the combat experience:

No Counter Icons: This is the most significant change. Enemy attack indicators (the blue lightning bolts) are completely removed. You'll need to rely entirely on visual cues, enemy animations, and sound to time your counters. This requires a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns.
Tougher Enemies from the Start: Expect to encounter armored thugs, enemies with shields, and armed opponents much earlier in the game. Even basic encounters will feature a wider variety of enemy types.
Increased Enemy Damage: Batman takes significantly more damage from all sources. A few missed counters or a stray bullet can quickly deplete your health.
More Enemies Per Encounter: Combat arenas will often feature a higher density of enemies, making crowd control and strategic takedowns even more crucial.
Boss Fights are More Challenging: Bosses like Mr. Freeze, Ra's al Ghul, and the Joker will have increased health, deal more damage, and may exhibit slightly altered attack patterns or more aggressive behavior.

Strategies for Success

Early Game Survival (The Arrest & Saving One of the Nine)

The initial hours of NG+ can be brutal due to the lack of counter icons and the immediate presence of tougher enemies. Focus on these strategies:

Prioritize Gadget Use: Don't hoard your gadgets. The Disruptor is invaluable for disabling enemy weapons and armored thugs. The Remote Electrical Charge (REC) can stun multiple enemies or disable electrical devices.
Stealth is Your Best Friend: For the early sections like "The Arrest" and "Saving One of the Nine," stealth takedowns are often the safest approach. use gargoyles, vents, and environmental takedowns whenever possible.
Master the Freeflow Combat System: Without counter icons, you need to internalize enemy attack animations. Practice in the Combat Challenges if you're rusty. Listen for audio cues – the distinct grunts and shouts of enemies can often signal an incoming attack.
Focus on Critical Strikes: Landing critical strikes (timing your attack button press just as Batman connects) is essential for building your combo multiplier quickly and dealing maximum damage.
use Environmental Takedowns: Look for opportunities to use objects like fuse boxes, railings, or breakable walls to instantly incapacitate enemies. These are particularly useful against armored or shielded foes.

Mid-Game Challenges (Sniping at Church & Sionis Steel Mill)

As you progress, the complexity of enemy encounters increases. Adapt your tactics:

Sniping at Church: This section, where you face Deadshot's snipers, becomes even more perilous. Use your Line Launcher and Grapple Boost to quickly traverse the rooftops and avoid sniper fire. Prioritize taking out the snipers first with silent takedowns or well-aimed Batarangs. Remember to use Detective Mode frequently to track enemy positions and laser sights.
Sionis Steel Mill: The Steel Mill is a gauntlet of various enemy types. Expect groups with shields, stun batons, and firearms.
- Shielded Thugs: Use the Cape Stun followed by an Aerial Attack, or a Special Combo Takedown. The REC can also temporarily disable their shields.
- Stun Baton Thugs: Jump over them or use the Disruptor to disable their batons.
- Armed Thugs: Prioritize disarming them with the Disarm and Destroy upgrade, or use stealth takedowns. The Smoke Pellet is excellent for creating openings to disarm or escape.
Upgrade Priority: If you have any remaining Waynetech points, prioritize upgrades that enhance your survivability or crowd control, such as Armor Reinforcement, Critical Combo Boost, or Special Combo Multi-Ground Takedown.

Advanced Combat Tips

Perfect Freeflow: Aim for perfect freeflow combat. This means chaining together attacks, counters, dodges, and gadget uses without taking damage. This builds your combo multiplier rapidly, allowing for more frequent Special Combo Takedowns.
use All Gadgets: Don't forget the utility of every gadget. The Freeze Blast can temporarily remove a dangerous enemy from the fight, while the Sonic Batarang can lure enemies into traps.
Know Your Enemy: Each enemy type has specific weaknesses. Learn them and exploit them. For example, the Titan Henchmen are vulnerable to repeated attacks after being stunned, and their own attacks can be redirected to damage other enemies.
Patience in Predator Encounters: In predator rooms, patience is key. Don't rush in. Observe patrol patterns, use Detective Mode to identify armed enemies or those with body armor, and plan your takedowns carefully.

New Game Plus is a rewarding experience that truly tests your mastery of Batman's abilities. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and Gotham will be safe once more!