The Evolution of the Dual Hidden Blade in Assassin's Creed

Introduction

• Hidden blade: iconic weapon in Assassin's Creed series
• Identifiable symbol of the franchise
• Integral to many assassins' successes

Altair and the Concept of Dual Hidden Blades

• Altair introduced the idea to use two hidden blades
  • Increases versatility and combat efficiency
  • Enables double assassinations more effectively
• Early adoption by an Ottoman assassin in the 9th century
  • Willingly sacrificed his ring finger to dual wield
• Dual blades without finger sacrifice created by Altair
  • Reserved for master assassins initially
  • Scarce material led to limited use

Ezio and the Popularization of Dual Hidden Blades

• Codex for dual blades discovered by Ezio
  • Enhanced by Leonardo da Vinci
  • Ezio able to use dual blades without finger sacrifice
• Assassin's Creed 2: first game to feature dual wielding
  • Became standard for protagonists onward

Evolution and Changes in Later Games

Assassin's Creed Unity

• Featured only one hidden blade
  • Despite ability to perform double assassinations
• French Brotherhood: traditionalists, reserved dual blades

Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Rogue, and Syndicate

• Colonial and Caribbean assassins used dual blades as custom
• Syndicate: Frye twins had dual blades but animations mostly used one

Post-Syndicate Changes

• Games set before Altair's Codex creation had single blades
  • Bayek, Eivor, and Basim used a single hidden blade

Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Nai’s Single Hidden Blade

• Takes place in the 16th century
  • Post Codex and Ezio's dual wielding era
• Nai may have received a single blade as a gift from her father
  • Japanese Brotherhood customs uncertain
  • Hidden blade and Tonto combination in gameplay

Conclusion

• Dual hidden blades have had a varied history
• Consistent with lore based on time periods
• Possible return in future games (e.g., Codename Hexe)
• Dual assassinations make a return in Shadows

Key Takeaways

• Dual hidden blades increased efficiency and versatility in assassinations
• Cultural and historical context within the game series influenced the use of dual blades
• Modern games strive for consistency with established lore while updating gameplay mechanics