[[File:Giartnewenemies_2.jpg|thumb|The Seeker with halberd (on the very right)]]
[[File:Giartnewenemies_2.jpg|thumb|The Seeker with halberd (on the very right)]]
===Special Technique===
===[[File:Spear.jpg|thumb|left|260px|The Spear in action]]Special Technique===
The Sweep Attack 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.
The Sweep Attack 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.
The Spear and Halberd appear as usable weapons in Assassin's Creed II, but you can only acquire it by disarming a Guard, as Shops do not have them for sale. Spears and Halberds in the game classify as long weapons due to their length. Also, once combat is over or if you sprint away, Ezio will discard the new weapon, since whether or not the weapon is intact or broken, Ezio would not have had enough inventory space to safely keep it. Also, a Spear or Halberd would be too big to carry while moving freely across streets and rooftops. 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 will automatically counter by his Hidden Blade. Maximum Combo length for Long weapon is 3 hits. The Long weapon is usually equipped by the Seekers. Some Brutes have also been seen wielding a Spear or Halberd as well.
The Sweep Attack 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.
Breakability
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.You may also counter as soon as it broken which stabs both pieces into the attacker.
Attributes
Name
Damage
Speed
Deflect
Spear
3
2
3
Halberd
5
3
2
Papal Staff
5
5
5
Trivia
Spears and Halberds have the longest reach out of any other melee weapons in Assassin's Creed 2, making them very effective at close quarters.
Out of the many weapons in the Italian Guard's arsenal, the Long weapons seem to be the rarest melee weapons.
The Spear seems to be the preferred weapon of the Seekers.
Spears/Halberds are one of the few weapon types that are preferred by the Mercenaries.
The Spears and Halberds can sometimes be quite tricky to counter as the guards wielding them swipe and lunge at a fast pace.
The Papal Staff is the only Long Weapon to have all stats maxed out, and the only other weapon in the entire game.
