Enemy Archetypes

We cover all of the different enemy varieties (and strategies on how to defeat them with ease) in great detail later in the Reference & Analysis chapter. For now, study the following tips and illustrations to identify and exploit the weaknesses of foes that Haytham faces during early Sequences.

British Regular

The most common archetype, and ubiquitous during early Sequences, the British Regular is vulnerable to all attacking moves.
Armed with muskets, Regulars can form firing lines that require Haytham to move behind cover or utilize a human shield to avoid injury.
Regulars are divided into two sub-types: Militia, who only perform single attacks, and Soldiers, who can execute combos.

Sniper

These soldiers occupy rooftops, and take a dim view of those who enter their exclusive domain.
When they detect Haytham, Snipers will open fire with their muskets after an initial warning.
Be very careful while under fire from Snipers: a single hit can cause Haytham to fall while climbing or free running. Press towards ledges within reach to grab them.
In close proximity, Snipers switch to melee combat. They are functionally identical to British Regulars.

Officer

Officers can be identified by their rather ostentatious headgear and use of a sword as primary weapon. They usually march at the head of a patrol, and may stop to investigate hiding places that they pass.
They can resist Counter Kills, and will foil the opening blow of a combo (and even counterattack if you insist) unless put off-balance with the Weapon Swipe ability.
Officers may draw a pistol to shoot at Haytham independently of other antagonists; grab a human shield, take cover or attack them to prevent them from firing.
Disarm them, knock them from their feet with two consecutive Weapon Swipes, or use a Special Counter with the Pistol to defeat them instantly in a fight – or simply avoid them until you defeat their allies.

Snitch

Snitches do not play an active part in combat encounters. Instead, they will flee the scene in an attempt to locate reinforcements.
When they run from conflict, Snitches are represented on the mini-map by the icon.