Assassin's Creed Brotherhood: Brutes Guide

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the awesome world of Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and talking about one of the most imposing enemies you'll face: the Brutes. These guys are seriously tough cookies, and if you're not prepared, they can make your life in Renaissance Italy a real nightmare. But don't you worry, by the end of this article, you'll be a Brute-busting pro! We'll cover everything from how to spot them from a mile away to the best strategies to take them down without breaking too much of a sweat. So, grab your hidden blade, and let's get ready to face these hulking adversaries!

Who are the Brutes in AC Brotherhood?

Alright, so let's get acquainted with these massive dudes. Brutes in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood are essentially the heavy hitters of the Templar forces. You'll often see them stomping around, looking like they could wrestle a bear and win. Their defining characteristic is their sheer size and the fact that they wield enormous weapons, usually a massive two-handed axe or hammer. These aren't your average grunt soldiers; these guys are built like tanks and hit like a runaway cart. Their armor is usually more substantial, making them resistant to your standard attacks. They move a bit slower than other enemies, but don't let that fool you. When they charge, they cover ground surprisingly fast, and their attacks have a huge area of effect. Getting caught in one of their swings is a recipe for disaster, often resulting in a one-hit KO or at least massive damage. You'll often find them guarding important locations or acting as elite enforcers for high-ranking Templars. Spotting them is usually easy; they stand out in a crowd due to their imposing physique and their weapon of choice. Understanding the Brute's role is key to survival; they are designed to be obstacles, to disrupt your stealth, and to punish those who get too close or aren't paying attention. Their presence signals a more challenging encounter, so always be on your guard when you see one lumbering towards you. They are the physical embodiment of brute force, and as such, they require a tactical approach rather than a straightforward brawl. Ignoring them or trying to fight them head-on with basic tactics will lead to frustration, but with the right knowledge, they become manageable, even predictable.

How to Identify a Brute

Spotting these behemoths is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for, guys. The most obvious tell is their immense size. They are significantly taller and broader than the regular guards and even the elite guards. Think of them as walking refrigerators. Seriously, they're huge! Another massive clue is their weaponry. Brutes are never armed with daggers or swords; nope, they wield gigantic, two-handed axes or hammers. These weapons are not just for show; they're the tools of their destructive trade and indicate the kind of power you're up against. You'll often notice their armor is also more robust, sometimes featuring spiked pauldrons or a more heavily armored chest piece compared to standard soldiers. Visually, they tend to have a more menacing appearance, often with a scowl that suggests they really enjoy breaking things. In terms of gameplay, their animations are also a giveaway. They have a distinct, heavy stride, and when they attack, it's with slow, powerful, sweeping motions that are much wider than a normal enemy's attack. They might also roar or make a guttural sound to announce their presence or their intention to attack. So, to recap: look for the biggest guy on the block, the one wielding a massive axe or hammer, and often clad in heavy, intimidating armor. If you see that combination, you've found yourself a Brute, and it's time to switch gears from your usual Assassin routine to a more strategic approach. Don't underestimate them; they are designed to be imposing and to disrupt your flow, so early identification is your first line of defense. Getting blindsided by a Brute is a sure way to end up with a Game Over screen.

Brute Attack Patterns and Weaknesses

Now, let's talk about how these massive dudes actually fight and, more importantly, how you can exploit their weaknesses. Brutes in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood operate with a few predictable attack patterns. They usually start with a slow, wind-up attack. This is your golden opportunity! They'll raise their massive weapon high, telegraphing their move quite clearly. This wind-up is usually followed by a powerful, sweeping attack that covers a wide arc. If you're caught in this, it's going to hurt, a lot. They also have a charging attack where they'll run directly at you, aiming to knock you down or crush you. This charge, while fast for them, is still telegraphed by them lowering their head and taking a few heavy steps forward. They can also perform a ground-pound attack if you're too close for too long, causing an area-of-effect shockwave. Now, for their weaknesses! Despite their size and strength, they have a few crucial vulnerabilities. First, they are slow. Their wind-up and recovery times after an attack are significantly longer than other enemies. This gives you ample time to dodge, reposition, and counter-attack. Second, they are susceptible to certain tools. While your standard sword strikes might bounce off their armor, certain items are highly effective. The poison dart is your best friend here. A well-aimed poison dart will slowly chip away at their health, and crucially, it interrupts their attacks and makes them flail around, leaving them open. Throwing knives can also be used to chip away at their health from a distance, but they aren't as effective as poison. Smoke bombs are fantastic for creating distance or breaking their lock-on if they're charging you. The key is to avoid direct confrontation when they're actively attacking. Use your agility and the environment to your advantage. Lure them into narrow spaces where their wide swings are less effective, or use ledges to perform aerial assassinations. Patience is a virtue when dealing with Brutes; don't get greedy with your attacks. Wait for the openings they provide after their big swings or charges.

Effective Strategies for Defeating Brutes

Alright, guys, let's get down to business and talk about how to actually defeat these walking battering rams. Simply charging in and trying to stab them repeatedly with your hidden blade is a recipe for disaster, trust me. The most effective strategy for dealing with Brutes revolves around hit-and-run tactics and exploiting their slower attack animations. First off, never try to block their attacks. You can't. Their swings will break through your guard instantly. Your primary defense is dodging. Learn the timing of their wind-ups and swings. When they raise that giant axe or hammer, be ready to dodge sideways or backwards. Once they complete their swing and are recovering, that's your window to strike. A quick counter-attack, maybe one or two hits, and then immediately disengage and prepare to dodge their next move. Rinse and repeat. Don't get greedy! Trying to land too many hits will get you clobbered. Poison darts are, as mentioned before, absolute game-changers. If you have them, use them! Shoot a Brute with a poison dart, and watch them stumble around, weakened and confused. This provides an excellent opening for several free hits or even a grapple-kill if you're quick enough. Smoke bombs are also incredibly useful. If a Brute is charging at you or you need to escape a bad situation, throw down a smoke bomb. While they're disoriented, you can either escape to safety, reposition yourself, or get in a few quick stabs. Environmental assassinations are another great tactic. If you can lure a Brute under a scaffold, a falling object, or near a ledge, you can often perform a special takedown that instantly kills them. This is especially useful in crowded areas or when you want to avoid a prolonged fight. Remember, Brutes are strong but not invincible. They are slow, predictable, and have exploitable attack patterns. Focus on patience, observation, and precise execution. Use your Assassin abilities to your advantage: dodge, reposition, strike, and fade away. Never stand your ground and trade blows. You will lose that fight every single time. By combining these tactics, you'll turn these intimidating foes into manageable challenges, and you'll be clearing out areas with Brutes like a seasoned pro!

Using Tools and Abilities Against Brutes

Alright, let's talk about the fancy gadgets and cool skills Ezio has at his disposal, because these are crucial for taking down those lumbering Brutes in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. You can't just rely on your hidden blade alone, guys! First up, we have the poison darts. Seriously, these are your best friends when it comes to Brutes. If you have them stocked up, fire one off as soon as you spot a Brute. The poison doesn't just do damage over time; it actually stuns them temporarily, making them drop their guard and flail around. This is your prime opportunity to rush in for a few quick hits or even perform a grapple kill if you're fast. Smoke bombs are another lifesaver. If a Brute is charging you, or if you've gotten yourself into a tight spot, toss a smoke bomb. They become disoriented, and you can either slip away to safety, circle around for a backstab, or just escape the encounter entirely. They're great for resetting a fight or gaining an advantage. Don't forget about your throwing knives, either. While not as immediately impactful as poison, they can be used to chip away at a Brute's health from a safe distance before they even get close. It's a good way to soften them up. Now, let's consider Ezio's combat abilities. Your basic counter-attack is essential, but you need to time it perfectly after dodging one of their massive swings. Landing just one or two counter-hits before dodging away again is the name of the game. Don't get greedy! Certain advanced combat moves, if unlocked, might also provide brief openings, but the core principle remains: dodge, counter, disengage. Aerial assassinations are incredibly powerful if you can position yourself above a Brute. Luring them under a ledge or a rooftop and then diving down for a stealth kill is often the quickest and safest way to eliminate them, especially if they're guarding something important. The hookblade ability, introduced in Brotherhood, can also be useful for quickly closing distance or escaping after an attack, but again, use it sparingly and strategically. The key is to use your tools to create openings or to avoid damage altogether. Brutes are all about overwhelming force, so you need to counter that with speed, precision, and clever use of your arsenal. Think of yourself as a surgeon dealing with a giant; you need the right instruments and the right timing for a clean operation. Master these tools and abilities, and those Brutes will be trembling in their oversized boots!

Dealing with Multiple Brutes

Okay, so fighting one Brute is a challenge, but what happens when the game throws multiple Brutes at you at once? This is where things can get really hairy, guys, but don't panic! With the right approach, you can still come out on top. The absolute key to surviving multiple Brutes is crowd control and prioritizing targets. First, separate them. If you can lure them one by one into a more confined space or an area where you have more room to maneuver, do it. Avoid fighting them in wide-open areas where their sweeping attacks can hit you from all directions. Use the environment to your advantage. Lure them through doorways or narrow alleys where their large size becomes a hindrance rather than a help. Use your tools strategically. Smoke bombs become even more valuable here. Throw a smoke bomb to disorient one Brute, then focus your attention on another. Poison darts are also excellent for managing multiple threats. Apply poison to one, and while it's weakened and distracted, deal with the other. You might even be able to get them to attack each other indirectly if you position them correctly, though this is rare. Prioritize your targets. Generally, it's best to take down one Brute completely before turning your full attention to the next. However, if one is particularly aggressive or you have a clear opening, take advantage of it. Don't get overwhelmed by trying to manage all of them simultaneously. Maintain your situational awareness. Always know where each Brute is. Use your Eagle Vision frequently to track their positions, especially when they're off-screen or obscured by smoke. This will prevent you from being blindsided. Hit-and-run tactics are absolutely essential. You cannot afford to stand and fight. Dodge, land a hit or two, and immediately reposition. Focus on staying alive and chipping away at their health whenever you have a safe opening. If things get too chaotic, don't be afraid to disengage and reset. Run away, break line of sight, and try to lure them back one or two at a time. Fighting two or more Brutes head-on is incredibly difficult and rarely the best option. Think of it like pest control; you want to isolate and eliminate each problem individually. By breaking down the overwhelming threat into smaller, manageable encounters, you can systematically defeat even the most daunting groups of Brutes. Remember, patience and smart tool usage are your greatest allies when facing overwhelming odds.

Brute Encounters in Specific Missions

Assassin's Creed Brotherhood throws some seriously memorable Brute encounters at you throughout its story, and knowing how to handle them in specific contexts can make a huge difference. One of the most iconic places you'll encounter Brutes is during the Battle of Frascati sequence, where you're defending against waves of Templar forces. Here, Brutes often appear alongside other tougher enemies, demanding a more calculated approach. When they come in groups during these assault missions, remember the advice on crowd control: separate them, use smoke bombs to create breathing room, and prioritize eliminating one before the others overwhelm you. Another critical encounter type is when Brutes are guarding high-value targets or key locations. For instance, you might find them protecting a specific building you need to infiltrate or escorting a person of interest. In these scenarios, stealth is often your primary tool. Can you use environmental assassinations from above? Can you lure them away with distractions? If direct confrontation is unavoidable, try to isolate one Brute away from the others or the main objective. A well-placed poison dart can neutralize one threat while you deal with another. During heist missions or when trying to assassinate a specific powerful Templar, Brutes often serve as elite bodyguards. These are prime opportunities to practice your stealth takedowns. If you're spotted, these bodyguards, including Brutes, will become highly aggressive. Having poison darts ready is crucial for these moments. If a mission requires you to eliminate a specific captain or lieutenant who happens to have Brutes as guards, focus on taking out the guards first if possible, or at least neutralize the Brutes to make the assassination of your main target feasible. Some Piri Reis missions or Borgia Tower defense missions might also feature Brutes. These high-stakes scenarios often test your mastery of combat mechanics. Remember, Brutes often have a particular patrol route or stand guard at specific choke points. Observing their patterns before engaging is key. If a mission requires you to fight through a heavily guarded area, think about the path of least resistance. Can you use the rooftops? Can you create diversions? The goal in these specific missions is often efficiency and survival. Don't engage Brutes unless you have to, or unless you have a clear plan to eliminate them quickly and safely. Mastering the Brute's weaknesses in these high-pressure situations will not only help you complete the mission objectives but also significantly improve your overall experience with the game. Each encounter is a lesson, so pay attention to what works and what doesn't!

Conclusion: Master the Brute

So there you have it, guys! We've covered all the ins and outs of dealing with those massive, axe-wielding Brutes in Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. These guys are designed to be intimidating, to throw a wrench in your perfectly planned assassinations, and to test your combat skills. But now, you're armed with the knowledge to turn the tables on them! Remember, identification is key – spot them by their size and their giant weapons. Understand their slow, telegraphed attacks and, crucially, their vulnerabilities. They are not invincible. Their slowness is your greatest advantage. Dodging is your primary defense, followed by quick, precise counter-attacks. Never stand and trade blows; always disengage after a few hits. Your tools are your secret weapons: poison darts to stun and weaken them, smoke bombs to escape or reposition, and throwing knives for ranged damage. Environmental assassinations can provide instant, satisfying kills if you play smart. And when facing multiples, separation and prioritization are your watchwords. Lure them apart, use your tools to manage the chaos, and take them down one by one. By applying these strategies, those hulking Brutes will go from being terrifying roadblocks to manageable challenges. You'll be able to clear out Borgia towers, complete difficult missions, and generally enjoy your time as Ezio Auditore da Firenze without constantly fearing these formidable foes. So go forth, put these tactics into practice, and master the Brute! Happy assassinating!