Summary
TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise is filled with memorable iconography, from the signature symbol of the Brotherhood, to the distinct hoods that each assassin uses to hide their face. If one thing stands out the most, however, it’s the franchise’s signature weapon: the hidden blade. This unique assassination tool has been at the heart of the series since the very firstAssassin’s Creedgame, dazzling fans with its clever design.AClikely wouldn’t be the same without the hidden blade, and Ubisoft has spent the better part of 16 years turning it into one of the most recognizable video game weapons ever.
On its own, the hidden blade is a rather simple weapon that benefits from some eye-catching presentation. Part ofUbisoft’s workin ensuring the weapon never feels repetitive, however, is how much it innovates on the original design with certain entries. Whether it’s the blade’s placement on the user’s arm, or revolutionary new features, no two hidden blades are made equal. Many of them also stand out visually, with certain hidden blades featuring ornate designs, and others being a bit more brutish. Though they all serve the same purpose,Assassin’s Creed’s hidden blades each bear a personality all their own.
S Tier Hidden Blades
S Tier Hidden Blades Explained
Assassin’s Creedhas seen a lot of unique hidden blades over the years, but two share the distinction of being the most spectacular. In the case of Ezio’s first set of hidden blades, these weapons combine an exquisite design with a fleet of features. ArguablyAC’s most iconic assassin, Ezio’s hidden blades sport an ornate recreation of the Brotherhood’s insignia, with all the proper styling of the Italian Renaissance. ByAC Brotherhood, Ezio’s hidden blades became a multitool, containing the standard blades, poison blades, and a hidden gun. When many fans think of the quintessential hidden blade, Ezio’s often come to mind.
Whereas Ezio’s hidden blades benefit from their elegance and relative simplicity, Jacob and Evie Frye’s hidden blades excel in their crude industrialism. Appearing more like a gauntlet than the streamlined design of other assassins, the Frye twins' hidden blades feature bold gold and silver accents and beautiful leather detailing. The sheer amount of tools contained within their blades is also befittingAC Syndicate’s Industrial Revolution setting, as the skilled assassins are able to access a rope launcher and dart launcher right from their wrist.
A Tier Hidden Blades
A Tier Hidden Blades Explained
Some of the most memorable hidden blades inject a welcome amount of creativity into the simple weapon, and there’s no shortage of creativity inAC’s A tier hidden blades. Ezio’s blades fromAC Revelationsintroduced the hookblade, a modification to the usual design that allowed for creative kills and additional traversal opportunities. In the case ofAC3’s Connor Kenway, his pivot blade design allowed one hidden blade to be wielded like a dagger, giving the Native American assassin opportunities to pair it with other weapons in combat.
AC Unity’s Arno Dorian added greater range to his hidden blade with the phantom blade, a feature that turned one of his blades into a sort of crossbow capable of incapacitating foes from a distance. Lastly, though it may not dazzle with its features, the Greek mercenary Kassandra wields a hidden blade that perfectly capturesher Ancient Greek origins. The golden head of Medusa is the star of the show, making Kassandra’s weapon one ofAC’s most visually striking.
B Tier Hidden Blades
B Tier Hidden Blades Explained
Altair wasAC’s inaugural assassin, and his hidden blade is fittingly simple and to the point. While the blade’s bracer does feature some gorgeous silver accents, it’s an otherwise unremarkable weapon that does exactly what it’s supposed to. Much of the same is true with Basim’s hidden blades, which seems appropriate givenAC Mirage’s back-to-basics approach. Arbaaz Mir fromAC Chronicles: Indiahas the most unique hidden blade from this group, featuring a trident-like style. This unique blade is restricted by its game, however, as its smaller scope means most players don’t get as many opportunities to become attached to it.
C Tier Hidden Blades
C Tier Hidden Blades Explained
These middle-of-the-road hidden blades either just manage to impress with their novelty, or have enough visual detail to dismiss how unremarkable they are otherwise. Shao Jun’s hidden blade fits into the former category, as the protagonist ofAC Chronicles: Chinasports a footblade instead of the traditional hidden blade. This makes for some creative assassinations compared to previous entries, though it can sometimes feel like an afterthought.
AC Valhalla’s Eivorwears her hidden blade on the outside of her forearm as opposed to the inside, and though this may seem unique, her assassinations don’t stand out much as a result. Bayek’s hidden blade is one ofAC’s first chronologically, adding to its mystique but making it one of the series' least visually appealing.
D Tier Hidden Blades
D Tier Hidden Blades Explained
The 18th century didn’t exactly breed much innovation in terms of hidden blades, as some of the most notable assassins from this time period have some of the most unremarkable ones. All three of Shay, Edward, and Haytham wield some of the most simplistic hidden blades thatAChas ever seen, both in visual design and baked-in features. To the swashbuckling Edward’s credit, raiding ships inAC 4: Black Flagis much more effective with cutlasses than with the diminutive hidden blades.
Assassin’s Creedhas innovated a lot over the years, and the hidden blades are no exception. With the franchise ready to take players tofeudal Japan withAC Redand Eastern Europe withAC Hexe, there’s no telling how hidden blades could continue to evolve in the future.
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin’s Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin’s Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin’s caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
