In the cutthroat criminal ranks, power largely determines hierarchy. Hulking, experienced enemy officers sometimes join the fracas themselves, bringing onto the field extra defense, more vigilante-busting strength, bigger guns, and better tools. Like enemies carrying blades, guns, or stun rods, the presence of a Brute onscreen immediately commands your attention. Thanks to their raw defense, regular Strikes don’t make much headway on Brutes, and normal Counters don’t deal damage at all. Against unarmed Brutes, you have to first daze them with a Cape Stun attack, then follow up with a full Beat Down for the K.O. A Beat Down is a high-commitment attack, so you won’t be able to pull this off if the Brute’s allies are swarming nearby. You may have to avoid a Brute and put off taking him out until you’ve cleared out some of his underlings first. Otherwise, if you have a Combo going and a Super Combo Takedown ready, you can spend it to instantly subdue a Brute, greatly simplifying your plan of attack.
Brutes wielding miniguns are, it should go without saying, the center of attention whenever they’re around. Should they notice Batman sneaking, they’ll cut loose with a horrific torrent of bullets that Batman won’t survive unless you immediately find cover or escape their field of view. In the unlikely event that you run into a minigun wielder in close quarters combat, wear them down with Beat Down after Beat Down up close. While pummeling a minigunner, be ready to Counter repeatedly, since they retaliate even in the midst of Batman’s punches. Go back and forth swinging at a minigunner for several rounds to actually knock them out, so you won’t be able to pull this off with any of their friends around. When stalking minigunners, look for chances to K.O. them more easily with an Environment Takedown, or with a trap set with the Disruptor or Explosive Gel.