Hidden Blade
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The iconic weapon of the Assassin's Creed series, the Hidden Blade is used both for stealth assassinations and for regular combat.
Assassin's Creed
Although Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to Novice. At his first promotion to Rank 2, however, he earns it back (along with his sword) so that he may perform his first assassination on Tamir, the black marketeer, in Damascus.
Basic Usage
- Main article: Assassination Techniques
thumb|300px|right|A video guide for the hidden blade in Assassin's Creed. This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon guards. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves sprinting towards the target, jumping and thrusting the blade into the victims throat, or major arteries in the neck. Alternatively, if approaching from behind, Altaïr may push the target onto his knees and stab him in the neck.
The hidden blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, he may carry out an assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down assassination targets who flee such as Talal, the slave trader, in Jerusalem.
Both low and high profile assassinations are capable of failure. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. However, attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances.
Air Assassination
In a 2007 demo of the William V of Montferrat mission, Jade Raymond introduced a move called "air to assassinate" that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his hidden blade. Due to this, all forms of Air to Assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile.
From higher ground above a target, such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist, and the controls were documented by "Stabguy" on The Hidden Blade website. Note that in Assassin's Creed II, Air to Assassinate was renamed Air Assassination and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.
Combat
The hidden blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr is unable to block any attack.
Additionally, the time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small, especially in comparison to that of the sword and the short blade. Successfully countering enables one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks, in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine.
It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention, has his back turned, is grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr. Attempting an assassination at any other time will fail, as the enemy will always be able to block the attack.
Mechanism
The hidden blade is commonly worn on the left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood as to how the blade functions, there are a number of theories:
- When the Assassin flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of the arm and gravity. The user is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade, which is normally kept locked in place. If the Assassin keeps pulling with his arm on the mechanism, the blade stays out and can be used in open combats.
- A ring mechanism is attached to the Assassin's finger, and opening the hand ejects the blade. This, however, raises the question as to why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting.
- A combination of the former two theories is used, wherein the blade won't eject or retract without the use of both systems. This would explain why Assassins flick their wrist and open their hand to eject the blade, why they can close their fist without the blade retracting, and why there is no fear of an unexpected stabbing.
- The blade functions on a spring-retraction system, where the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and would therefore return if not held in place.
- The mechanism functions in the same system as the modern, full-automatic switchblade knives. There are two springs of equal strength present, and the inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring, allowing the blade to lock into place.
- Due to the wheel shape in the back of the blade, it is suggested that something in the mechanism turns. Additionally, as the wielder must cock their hand all the way back (though with nothing visibly attached to it), the trigger is possibly located at the back of the wrist. The trigger then pulls on a rack and pinion, which turns a spool, that feeds a string that is attached to the outermost part of the blade. The trigger is attached to a spring that reverses everything, pulling the blade back into the housing by winding the string. This does prevent it from locking but could be the primary design.
Roles on the Field
Informant missions
The hidden blade is also used for some of the investigations given to you by informants, wherein you are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with fists, or any high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may only use throwing knives and/or the hidden blade to assassinate your targets.
Interrogation missions
During Interrogation missions, after successfully interrogating the target, Altaïr is forced to kill them, so they cannot reveal his plans to the enemy. He will bury the blade in their stomach to kill them, then gently lower their body onto the ground so as not to draw further attention to himself.
Save Citizen missions
In the optional Save Citizen missions involving rescuing citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you may take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.
Assassinations
The hidden blade is used in every storyline assassination you perform. Even if you begin by attacking the enemy with a sword, you will always finish them off with the hidden blade before it cuts to the death cutscene.
Assassin's Creed: Lineage
In Assassin's Creed: Lineage, the hidden blade wielded by Giovanni Auditore had been modified since Altaïr's time, with the blade base raised higher on the arm, to allow one to operate it without the need to sacrifice one's ring finger.
As outlined in the Codex, this revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement.
Additionally, as pictured, the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (though only Giovanni Auditore has been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand, as did Altaïr).
While there is a rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. There are also no shots of it operating during Lineage, and it would often be shown on the actor's arm either sheathed or already extended.
Assassin's Creed II
- "The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it."
- ―Leonardo da Vinci[src]
In Assassin's Creed II, Ezio Auditore possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one. His first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been hidden in Giovanni's secret room. After he had gained proficiency with the first, Ezio would gain the second blade from Leonardo da Vinci, who constructed it based upon designs detailed in Altaïr's Codex.
Ezio's first hidden blade had become inoperative since Giovanni had faced Rodrigo Borgia's men (in Assassin's Creed: Lineage), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism. Thus, upon suggestion by fellow Assassin Paola, Ezio brought the blade and bracer to his friend Leonardo to have it repaired.
During a Templar attack on their hideout, Desmond Miles received a similar (if not identical) model of the hidden blade from Lucy Stillman. This he used to face Warren Vidic's henchmen, though its Poison Blade and Pistol upgrades are seemingly absent or inoperable.
Combat
thumb|right|300px|A video guide for the hidden blade in Assassin's Creed II. In Assassin's Creed II, the use of the hidden blade in combat has been improved. It can be used similarly to a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly quickly, particularly after the acquisition of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, which can be used to kill an enemy or suppress their ability to attack. Unlike other weapons, no enemy can counter-attack the hidden blade.
The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly, and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible (except from very close range) with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheathe his weapon.
While the counter-kill timing window of the hidden blade is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded. Except in cases of enemy special attacks (such as that of a Brute or Seeker), a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health or is a high-ranking soldier. Brutes in particular are very vulnerable and easy to counter kill with the hidden blades.
Upgrades
Ezio would acquire several Codex pages that, upon decryption, detailed upgrades for the hidden blade, which Leonardo da Vinci was able to implement. The first of these improvements was the addition of a metal plate on top of the vambrace that, unlike in the original Assassin's Creed, would allow one to safely deflect enemy attacks with the blades.
The other upgrades include the Poison blade, which may be used to stab an enemy and leave them to die slowly, and the Pistol, which is able to kill from a distance. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from Doctors and ammunition for the pistol at Blacksmiths.
Additionally, both blades may be supplemented with various vambraces, allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks.
Techniques
- Main article: Assassination Techniques
Later on, Ezio is able to learn a variety of assassination techniques, from instructions detailed in the Codex.
Double Assassination
Due to the addition of the second hidden blade, Ezio is able to kill two enemies at once. This technique may be performed on the ground (from behind or between two guards) or from above, as elaborated mentioned below.
Air Assassination
As previously mentioned, this technique is similar to Assassin's Creed's Air to Assassinate, and allows Ezio to kill an enemy by leaping onto them from above. He may also perform a Double Air Assassination, and kill two enemies from above at once, as long as they are close to each other. However, this technique is easily noticed by guards, and they will immediately attack upon witnessing it.
Hiding Spot Assassination
Ezio may now assassinate enemies whilst hiding. Particularly useful against Seekers, Ezio may perform an assassination from hay stacks, benches, wells or any other hiding spot.
Ledge Assassination
This technique may be performed on any enemy standing above a ledge from which Ezio may hang, and is particularly used against archers. Depending whether it is done in high or low profile, he will either pull the guard from the roof, and jump up to stab him in the chest.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
In the beginning of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Ezio's two hidden blades from Assassin's Creed II are equipped as he escapes the Vatican. After he returns to Monteriggioni, however, he removes his hidden blades, and is only able to salvage the first blade and bracer during the Siege of Monteriggioni. Upon his arrival in Rome, he is equipped with a single hidden blade, though its bracer has been replaced, courtesy of Machiavelli.
Later on, however, Leonardo da Vinci is again able to reconstruct a second hidden blade for him, along with a new upgrade, Poison Darts. The dart gun is something of a combination of the poison blade and pistol upgrades, allowing one to use the effects of poison from a distance.
Additionally, Ezio's Assassin recruits are each equipped with a single hidden blade, as the right to use two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins or those who have earned the rank of the Master Assassin.
Desmond, in turn, wields a single hidden blade without a bracer, with only three straps to attach it to his arm.
Combat
In Assassins Creed: Brotherhood, combat with the hidden blade has again improved. The time segment where you can counter with the hidden blade is slightly increased, allowing for more counter kills.
Also, a new ability called execution streaks are introduced, allowing Ezio to perform multiple instant kills after killing a single guard. Each kill must be quickly followed up with another in order to keep the streak going. Being attacked cancels the streak, requiring Ezio to start another one. Ezio is also unable to block multiple attacks with the Hidden Blades, promoting a more offensive style of gameplay.
In the new Animus Virtual Training Program, among other challenges, the player may hone their skills with the hidden blade. Such challenges include Stealth Assassinations, and Flawless Kill Streaks using only the hidden blade.
Trivia
Assassin's Creed
- In the E3 teaser trailer of the game (as well as in certain concept art), Altaïr can be seen pushing a button to operate his hidden blade. In the actual games, however, no such button or other trigger mechanism exists.
- On one of the Codex Pages, it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining why Altaïr had his ring finger removed.
- In an Assassin's Creed Developer Diary video, Jade Raymond tells us about Altair's lack of his ring finger, which is due to the initiation ceremony when a novice is promoted to an Assassin. The ring finger of the left hand is cut off, the hidden blade is installed and the new born Assassin is ready to complete the missions bestowed upon him or her.
- Altaïr opens his hand and spreads his fingers whenever the blade is extended. Similarly, he never uses the blade with his hand clenched in a fist, and all stabbing moves or assassinations are performed with an open hand.
- Malik Al-Sayf was equipped with a hidden blade before he lost his arm, however he did not have an amputated finger. This is most likely an oversight.
Assassin's Creed II
- Patrice Desilets, the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in Assassin's Creed II also had a lucid reason: it's Assassin's Creed II, so there are 2 blades.
- The first recorded usage of the Hidden Blade by an Assassin was Darius, when he assassinated Xerxes of Persia. However, his ring finger is still intact and he wields it on his right hand.
- According to the Codex, since the hidden blade was constructed from a rare metal, dual blades were only given to trusted Assassins.
- The original design of Ezio's second hidden blade in Assassin's Creed II was displayed as a brown glove, however, in-game, it was replaced with a second bracer. However, in Brotherhood, his second hidden blade includes a glove, until a bracer is purchased.
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
- When Ezio faints and awakens in Rome, it is unexplained why or how he lost his father's hidden blade bracer. It simply disappears and he is given a new one. It could have been his father's blade, but the bracer was taken by Machiavelli and given a new one. This could also explain why Ezio's "new" hidden blade has the poison and gun upgrades.
- When Ezio purchases the second hidden blade by Leonardo, it resembles the design for the gloved hidden blade from the E3 trailer of Assassin's Creed II, until you buy armor for it.
- It is unknown why the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood cover and E3 Trailer depict Ezio with a secondary hidden blade bracer identical to his primary one, as in-game, no such second bracer exists.
- In Sequence 6 - Memory 3, the "Trojan Horse", when the player pressed Y or Square in French captain suit, Ezio can be seen doing his usual hand motion while ejecting the Hidden Blade, but the Hidden Blade itself is not seen ejected. Despite this, Ezio wears his usual Hidden Blade bracelet and can do assassinations using the Hidden Blade.
Others
- In the Assassin's Creed novels (Assassin's Creed: Renaissance and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel), unleashing the hidden blade required an activation switch.
- In the film Smokin' Aces, one of the assassins sports a weapon similar to the hidden blade.
- In the movie G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Storm Shadow uses a weapon similar to the hidden blade, though it is limited by the fact it must be operated with both hands.
- In the Mortal Kombat: Rebirth trailer, Dr. Alan Zane, a.k.a. Baraka has similar forearm hidden blades.
- In Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny, the character Dampierre fights with two similar hidden blades, although much bigger in size.
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