Whether it’s stealth or open-conflict, Assassin’s Creed: Unity’s combat system has brought in some welcome improvements. This guide is designed to provide everything that you need to know about combat systems in
For more help on Assassin’s Creed Unity, read our Heists Walkthrough, Co-op Missions Walkthrough and Nostradamus Enigma Guide.
Assassin’s Creed Unity Combat Tips and Skills
I’ll not only cover basic combat techniques and tips but also all skills at Arno’s disposal.
Assassin’s Creed Unity Combat
Strong Attacks
Strong Attacks are executed by holding down Square/X once you’ve unlocked this skill. When performed with different types of weapons, these attacks deliver different types of attacks and effects.
When executed with long weapons, Arno performs wide-sweeping attacks that knock down enemies and they remain in that position for a couple of seconds. This opens up additional opportunities for ground executions which is another skill at Arno’s disposal.
Execute these attacks with heavy weapons and they will inflict heavy damage and knock enemies down. However, the charge time required to unleash these attacks ensures that you don’t spam them and only use them at the perfect opportunity.
Finally, when executed using one-handed weapons, these attacks can’t be parried by tougher foes which makes them exceedingly good against enemies like Brutes.
One of the best strategies to use these attacks with one-handed weapons is to use them in a combo, e.g. two standard attacks followed by a strong attack.
Ground Executions
As I’ve mentioned above, one of the best ways to finish off an enemy is to perfectly parry, strong attack followed by a ground execution. However, it requires precise timing and a lot of practice.
You’ll find use of this strategy with almost all enemies with the exception of Seekers and Brutes due to their charged attacks.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that this strategy can only be used after Sequence #10 as the Ground Execution skill unlocks at that time.
Using Bombs
There is a wide array of bombs at Arno’s disposal in Assassin’s Creed: Unity. Bombs offer you the chance of getting away from a difficult situation with ease.
Moreover, you can take out multiple foes without engaging enemies directly.
Stun Bombs and Smoke Bombs are the best to get away from an area while Poison Gas Bombs are more suited to take out multiple enemies quickly, thanks to its AOE capabilities.
One of the best strategies of using Poison Gas Bombs is to lure enemies together with a Berserker Blade and toss a bomb near their location.
Ranged Attacks
I can’t even stress how useful a ranged weapon can become, even during the most challenging battles. Perfect Parry an enemy’s attack and quickly tap L1/LB to drop that target instantly.
Aside from regular firearms, Berserker Blade is one of the best-ranged weapons. With Berserker Blade, you don’t have to worry about Perfect Parrying an enemy’s attack or even getting into the battle directly.
Just choose a tougher opponent like Seeker or Brute and hit them with a Berserker Blade, sit back, and enjoy the show. Once all weak foes are eliminated, use Phantom Blade to assassinate the remaining target and move on!
Assassin’s Creed Unity Combat Mechanics
Normal Attacks and Strong Attacks
Normal Attacks are executed by tapping Square/X while Strong Attacks are executed by holding those buttons.
Normal Attacks are far quicker than Strong Attacks but have reduced damage. It’s possible to execute these attacks in a combo. Refer to the ‘Strong Attacks’ section above for more information!
Automated Combat System
Arno automatically gets into the combat stance as he gets into an engagement. During this stance, you can tap the left analog stick in any direction to target enemies in that area.
Parry and Perfect Parry
Arno can block most of the oncoming attacks by simply pressing Circle/B. In order to execute the perfect parry, you need to parry an oncoming target as soon as the enemy is about to deliver a strike.
A perfect parry will cause enemies to stagger and knockdown for a follow-up attack.
Dodging
If you cannot master parry, there is always an option of dodging attacks. Arno can dodge attacks by pressing X/A. With this, you’ll not only dodge enemy attacks but can also use it to move to a different location.
Execution Kill
Once an enemy’s health bar is extremely low and blinking, performing a Normal Attack will make Arno perform an exceptional finisher.
Escaping Enemy Fire and Battle
Not only Arno has an arsenal of firearms at his disposal. Enemies will also shoot at you. If an enemy is preparing to fire, a particular icon will appear on top of his head.
During this time, you can either run/dodge or attack that enemy to avoid taking damage. Similarly, if you’re being overwhelmed by enemies, you can run away from that area.
Sometimes, you’ll be required to do this in order to complete a mission.
Assassin’s Creed Unity Skills
Skills are unlocked and then purchased using Sync Points. Sync Points are unlocked by completing main story memories, co-op missions, and collectibles during co-op missions. Open up Character Customization Menu to purchase these skills.
There are two types of skills: Active Skills which need activation and Passive Skills which are always on. Furthermore, Arno can take a total of four Active Skills at any given time.
Melee Skills
Staggering Strike
How to Unlock: This skill costs 2 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
This is a shoulder charge which knocks down enemies. If you use a firearm after the shoulder charge, you’ll receive a guaranteed kill on all enemies.
Long Weapon Master
How to Unlock: This skill costs 4 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 05
The ability to execute a u Attack with long weapons. Check the first section of the guide for more information!
Heavy Weapon Master
How to Unlock: This skill costs 4 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 05
The ability to execute a u Attack with heavy weapons. Check the first section of the guide for more information!
One-Handed Weapon Master
How to Unlock: This skill costs 4 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 05
The ability of executing a u Attack with one-handed weapons. Check the first section of the guide for more information!
Ground Execution
How to Unlock: This skill costs 8 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 09
The ability to perform a killing blow on fallen enemies.
Ranged Skills
Ranged Weapon
How to Unlock: This skill costs 1 point and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
The ability to use firearms in combat. This skill gives you a ranged advantage, but you’ll alert enemies with all the noise.
Assassin Cache
How to Unlock: This skill costs 10 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
The ability to replenish supplies for you and your allies which is very helpful during co-op missions.
Bombs: Money Pouch
How to Unlock: This skill costs 2 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
The ability to throw money on the ground to create better blending options and distractions.
Bombs: Stun Bombs
How to Unlock: This skill costs 2 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
The ability to toss Stun Bombs to incapacitate targets for five seconds.
Improved Phantom Blade
How to Unlock: This skill costs 8 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 09
The ability to throw two Phantom Blades without the need to of reloading.
Bombs: Poison Gas
How to Unlock: This skill costs 8 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 09
The ability to toss Poison Gas Bombs for AOE damage.
Stealth Skills
Communal Sense
How to Unlock: This skill costs 4 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
The ability to use Eagle Vision with allied players is pretty useful in co-op missions.
Disguise
How to Unlock: This skill costs 6 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
The ability to transform you and your allies into a targeted enemy for a short duration of time. However, performing bad deeds will get you caught.
Apprentice Locksmith
How to Unlock: This skill costs 2 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
This gives Arno the ability to lockpick doors and treasure chests – one of the most important skills to acquire in the early game.
Journeyman Locksmith
How to Unlock: This skill costs 6 points and is unlocked by unlocking the Apprentice Locksmith skill and completing Sequence 05
This is related to Apprentice Locksmith and increases Arno’s proficiency in lockpicking.
Master Locksmith
How to Unlock: This skill costs 9 points and is unlocked by unlocking the Journeyman Locksmith skill and completing Sequence 09
This is related to Apprentice Locksmith and further increases Arno’s proficiency in lockpicking.
Roll Recovery
How to Unlock: This skill costs 2 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
Arno has increased recovery time after falling from a height and takes reduced damage. You need to press Circle/B when falling to perform this move.
Double Air Assassination
How to Unlock: This skill costs 4 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 05
This gives Arno the ability to assassinate two targets who are standing close to one another. Another important skill to acquire during mid-game.
Double Assassination
How to Unlock: This skill costs 4 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 05
This gives Arno the ability to assassinate two targets who are standing close to one another. Another important skill to acquire during mid-game.
Environmental Blending
How to Unlock: This skill costs 1 point and is unlocked by completing Sequence 05
This skill increases Arno’s ability to blend into the environment like benches, etc.
Health Skills
Group Healing
How to Unlock: This skill costs 10 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
This skill is particularly useful in co-op mode and heals nearby players.
Thick Skin
How to Unlock: This skill costs 2 points and is unlocked by completing Sequence 02
This increases Arno’s total health.
Thicker Skin
How to Unlock: This skill costs 5 points and is unlocked by unlocking Thick Skin and completing Sequence 05
This increases Arno’s total health.
Thickest Skin
How to Unlock: This skill costs 9 points and is unlocked by unlocking Thicker Skin and completing Sequence 09
This increases Arno’s total health.
Iron Skin
How to Unlock: This skill costs 12 points and is unlocked by unlocking Thickest Skin and completing Sequence 09
This increases Arno’s total health.
Found anything missing or confusing? Let us know in the comments below!
