Released in 2016,Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collectionis a remastered trilogy coveringthe franchise’s most beloved protagonist: Ezio Auditore da Firenze. His remarkable growth as a character — from vengeful teen to distinguished elder — is a testament to the trilogy’s popularity among fans, and there’s no better way for newcomers to join the creed than as Ezio.
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From blending into crowds to investing in renovations, taking advantage ofThe Ezio Collection’s riveting world can yield riches and valuable perks. WhileAssassin’s Creedgames aren’t exactly known for their difficulty, it pays off to understand this trilogy’s in-depth mechanics. Here are some tips for rookie assassins as they begin their journey.
6Use The Hookblade (Revelations)
Introduced inAssassin’s Creed: Revelationsas a tool to help Ezio stay competitive in his old age, the hookblade is one of the franchise’s most underrated gadgets. Because Ezio activates the blade automatically while starting to climb a structure, it’s easy to forget that it can be used manually as well. Byholding the buttons required to leap upwards and extend his reach(rather than just tapping, like inIIandBrotherhood), Ezio will scale buildings at an exceptional speed. Ziplines are also widely available around the city, permitting players to soar across the marigold sky and ambush guards below.
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In combat, the hookblade can be used tosweep enemies off their feet or even roll across their backsto strike from behind. It offers further depth to an alreadysuperb combat system (one of the best in gaming), presenting some gruesome finishers as well.
5Wear The Right Cape (II & Brotherhood)
Ezio’s shoulder cape is an iconic feature of his assassin robes, but it’s not just for show. Every game in the trilogy includes a notoriety system, where committing too many crimes leads to the player being wanted by the city guard (Revelationsworks differently). However,certain capes can actually alter Ezio’s social status.The Venetian cape, for instance, negates all notoriety across the regions of Venice and Romagna/Forli, and can be unlocked after completing sequence 11 inAssassin’s Creed II. Guards will still react to his crimes and attack as needed, but hiscrimes won’t be remembered (like many crime-based games).
Capes inAssassin’s Creed: Brotherhoodare purely cosmetic, though there are two exceptions. Collecting all 101 Borgia flags and rebuilding Rome to 100% will unlock the Borgia and Auditore capes, respectively. Both function identically toAssassin’s Creed II’s special capes, disabling notoriety in Rome.
4Rebuild The City
All three games ofThe Ezio Collectionoffer renovations as the primary method to earn money, across Monteriggioni, Rome, and Constantinople. As investments, abandoned buildings found throughout these cities can berenovated into banks, shops, and even faction buildings,each one earning Ezio unique benefits. Regular shops, like blacksmiths and tailors, unlock discounts on items and generate passive income every 20 minutes(similar toGTA Online’s businesses). Renovating banks, however, allows Ezio to collect his earnings and increase the vault capacity, preventing income from being halted. InAssassin’s Creed II, money must be collected from the Villa Auditore.
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Available inBrotherhoodandRevelations, faction buildings can be assigned to one of three factions: mercenaries, thieves, or courtesans (Revelationsreplaces courtesans with Romani) who will populate the district. They can aid Ezio in different situations, like distracting enemies or serving as bodyguards.
3Recruit Assassins (Brotherhood & Revelations)
Despite working solitarily throughout much ofAssassin’s Creed II, the trilogy’s latter two games introduce an assassin recruitment system.Potential recruits can be found surrounded by Templar soldiers and, if rescued, will join Ezio to become assassins. Each one can be upgraded, customized, and even called in to help in combat. Assassin recruits are most useful while infiltrating Borgia towers and Templar dens, as it’s easy to get overwhelmed by enemies while fighting alone. Conquering these locations removes the threat of Templars and allows for more assassins to be recruited.
They can also be sent on missions across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, returning with money and valuables for Ezio. However, players should note thatassassins can be killed, much like operatives inWatch Dogs: Legion.
2Prioritize Using Stealth
As a franchise geared towards hiding in the shadows, stealth is anACplayer’s best friend.Hiding within hay or flowersis the most rudimentary but effective way to stay concealed, though it lacks mobility and guards frequently check these spots. Alternatively, Ezio canblend in with crowdsto approach unsuspecting targets, hide from pursuers, or even infiltrate restricted areas, whether it’s with courtesans or just ordinary civilians. Hidden amongst a crowd, the player has full control over theireclectic arsenal (akin to theHitmangames), it’s only a matter of getting close enough to strike.
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Albeit limited, crouching is in fact available to Ezio as a functioning stealth mechanic. Byholding the jump buttons rather than tapping them,he will descend into a low crouch and can conceal himself behind cover. Moving while crouched isn’t possible, unfortunately, but it still opens the door to new stealth strategies. Luckily, 2014’sAssassin’s Creed Unityfully introduced this mechanic for future games.
1Craft Bombs (Revelations)
Unique toAssassin’s Creed:Revelations, bomb crafting adds an expansive array of lethal, tactical, and diversionary instruments. There areten bomb types available to Ezio,including splinter bombs and cherry bombs, with up to 120 variations across Constantinople’s range of ingredients and bomb casings. Pyrite coins, for instance, can be used to attract crowds of poverty-stricken civilians and distract guards, as opposed to lamb blood’s ability to stun frightened enemies. Ingredients can be purchased from Piri Reis and other vendors, or looted off dead bodies and chests.
Janissaries are elite Ottoman soldiers who roam the city after sequence 7, and are amongthe strongest enemies in the franchise. Facing them in combat can be challenging, negating most of Ezio’s attacks and dealing high damage, so it’s recommended to use ranged equipment over melee weapons. The smoke screen bomb can be used to blind Janissaries,allowing for easy kills or a swift escape. Though less advanced,Assassin’s Creed: IIandBrotherhoodalso showcase smoke bombs.
Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collectionis available now, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
