Long weapon

File:Long weapons ac2.png

A sample picture of what Spears and Halberds look like.

Description

The spear and halberd appears as a usable weapon in Assassin's Creed II, but you can only acquire it through countering with your fists aka disarming. Also, once combat is over or if you sprint away Ezio will discard it. The length of the shaft keeps enemies at bay and makes it very difficult to evade. Dodging maneuvers against Halberdiers frequently fail to make sufficient distance, while blocks are overpowered. Long weapons can only be countered by Long or Heavy weapons, with the Hidden blade being an exception as it counters any weapon, although the timing involved makes the maneuver more difficult, and thus risky. Also if you are equipped with your Hidden Gun or Poison blade Ezio will automatically counter by his Hidden Blade. Maximum Combo length for Long weapon is 3 hits. The Long weapon is equipped by the Seekers

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File:Giartnewenemies 2.jpg

The Seeker with halberd (on the right)

Special technique: Sweep attack

The Sweep is another charged move that can be interrupted, but one that can be unleashed at any time during the charge. The longer the Sweep is charged, the greater the arc it will affect. Acquired from Training, it is an attack that requires a long weapon.

A brief hold of the Weapon Hand Button performs a quick short Sweep. Keep it held and Ezio will turn the Long shaft over his shoulder, changing stance in readiness to perform a long Sweep spin when released. Enemies in front of him will trip and fall to the ground, while those behind are knocked over by a blow to the head. Sweeping more than three times with the same long weapon will cause it to break. There is an achievement that requires this skill.

Special technique: Long weapon breaking

It is possible to block a Heavy weapon's Smash attack with a Long weapon. The defender will avoid all damage but the parrying weapon will shatter in two (bottom of spear/halberd in left hand, top of spearhead/halberd with spearhead in right hand). When a Long weapon breaks, the owner may continue to wield the remaining half as if it were a bladed (or blunt depending on which half) Medium weapon. An individual half can be kept in an empty primary weapon slot for later use, however it will vanish if you save and reload.

Long weapon attributes

Name	Damage	Speed	Deflect
Spear	3	5	3
Halberd	4	3	4