If you're fighting against an opponent that blocks all of your attacks, a counter is a good way to get around his defense. If timed properly, Ezio will intercept the incoming attack and reverse it into an instant kill. While holding up your guard, press the attack button just before an opponent's strike hits Ezio. The strength of defense is the counter attack. Virtually any and all incoming attacks will be deflected if you simply hold down the guard, which is good-but it won't win you a fight. While locked onto an opponent, holding the guard button puts Ezio into a defensive stance. Indeed, if you want to do the most killing with the least possible effort in Assassin's Creed, developing a solid defense is crucial. If you immediately release your guard and press the attack button again, Ezio will follow the disarm with an instant kill.Īny yay-hoo with a sword can swing wildly and do some damage, but the real sign of a good sword fighter is a solid defense. Ezio should catch the enemy's weapons and rip it from his hands, leaving the enemy defenseless. When the enemy swings on you, time an attack button press just before you get hit. With no weapon equipped, hold up your guard and wait for the enemy to attack. You won't learn the disarm ability until you're well into the game, but it is a very useful skill.