Decoding Ezio’s Defenses: What is the Best Armor for the Renaissance Assassin?

The quest for the best armor in the Ezio Auditore da Firenze saga is a journey through renaissance Italy and beyond, filled with historical intrigue and thrilling combat. While personal preference plays a role, and different armor sets offer unique aesthetic appeal, the Armor of Altair stands out as the pinnacle of protection for Ezio across Assassin’s Creed II and beyond. Its unbreakable nature and superior defensive stats make it the ultimate choice for players seeking maximum resilience. In Assassin’s Creed II, no other armor rivals its ability to withstand damage.

A Deep Dive into Ezio’s Armor Options

Ezio’s journey spans decades and continents, and his available armor evolves alongside his experiences. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option is key to choosing the right gear for specific challenges. Here’s a breakdown of some notable armors:

• Leather Armor: This is Ezio’s starting armor. It’s simple, lightweight, and provides minimal protection. Useful only for the very beginning of the game.
• Metal Armor: An upgrade from the leather armor, offering improved, but still limited, defense. Still an early-game armor.
• Missaglias Armor: A significant improvement over earlier sets, the Missaglias Armor offers a decent level of protection and is generally available mid-game. It’s a solid choice for players who haven’t yet unlocked the better armors.
• Venetian Armor: Another mid-tier option, the Venetian Armor provides similar protection to the Missaglias Armor, often requiring players to acquire a certain reputation level in Venice to unlock it.
• Armor of Altair: This is, without a doubt, the best armor in Assassin’s Creed II. Unlocked by completing all six Assassin Tombs scattered throughout Italy, the Armor of Altair is unbreakable and provides a massive boost to Ezio’s health and defense.
• Armor of Brutus (Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood): While not directly worn by Ezio in Assassin’s Creed II, it’s important to note that in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, the Armor of Brutus is considered the strongest in that game. It’s obtained by finding and exploring the Romulus Lairs.

While other armor sets may offer cosmetic differences or be easier to acquire earlier in the game, none can match the Armor of Altair’s sheer durability and protective capabilities in Assassin’s Creed II. In Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, the Armor of Brutus takes the crown, but it’s a different game with different mechanics.

The Armor of Altair: A Closer Look

The Armor of Altair isn’t just strong; it’s legendary. Forged using knowledge gleaned from the Apple of Eden, this armor is a testament to Altair Ibn-La’Ahad’s ingenuity and foresight.

• Unbreakable Durability: The most significant advantage of the Armor of Altair is its unbreakable nature. Unlike other armors that degrade with use and require constant repair, the Armor of Altair remains pristine no matter how many battles Ezio endures. This saves valuable florins and eliminates the need to constantly visit blacksmiths.
• Superior Defensive Stats: The Armor of Altair provides a substantial increase to Ezio’s health and defense. This translates to greater resilience in combat, allowing players to withstand more damage from enemies.

Acquiring the Armor of Altair requires dedication. Players must locate and complete all six Assassin Tombs, each presenting unique puzzles and challenges. However, the reward is well worth the effort.

The Sword of Altair: A Complementary Weapon

While armor provides defense, a good sword is essential for offense. The Sword of Altair is the best one available for Ezio’s journey. It isn’t acquired through tombs but rather becomes available for purchase at the Villa Auditore in Monteriggioni during Sequence 9 of Assassin’s Creed II. This sword deals significant damage and is a perfect complement to the protective Armor of Altair, creating a formidable combination for Ezio. The Games Learning Society explores game design and its impact on learning, and the design choice of linking the Sword of Altair’s availability to game progression demonstrates how rewards and challenges can be strategically integrated.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Ezio’s Equipment

Here are some frequently asked questions that will address more information on Ezio’s equipment.

1. How do I unlock the Armor of Altair in Assassin’s Creed II?

To unlock the Armor of Altair, you must complete all six Assassin Tombs located throughout Italy. These tombs are challenging platforming and puzzle-solving sequences that test your Assassin skills.

2. Where are the Assassin Tombs located?

The six Assassin Tombs are located in:

• Florence (2 Tombs)
• Venice (2 Tombs)
• Tuscany
• Romagna

3. Is the Armor of Altair really unbreakable?

Yes, the Armor of Altair is truly unbreakable. It will never degrade or require repair, making it the most durable armor in Assassin’s Creed II.

4. Is the Sword of Altair also unbreakable?

No, the Sword of Altair is not unbreakable. However, it is a very powerful weapon and well worth the investment when it becomes available.

5. Can I get the Armor of Altair early in the game?

No, the Assassin Tombs are scattered throughout the game world and require specific skills and gear to access. You will need to progress through the story before you can complete them all and unlock the Armor of Altair.

6. What are the stats of the Armor of Altair compared to other armors?

The Armor of Altair provides significantly more health and defense than any other armor in Assassin’s Creed II. The exact numbers can be found in-game, but its superiority is undeniable.

7. Does the Armor of Altair look different from other armors?

Yes, the Armor of Altair has a unique and distinctive appearance. It is more ornate and detailed than other armors, reflecting its legendary status.

8. Can I change the color of the Armor of Altair?

No, you cannot change the color of the Armor of Altair in Assassin’s Creed II. It retains its default appearance throughout the game.

9. Is the Armor of Altair available in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?

No, the Armor of Altair is not directly available in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. However, Ezio wears Altair’s robes at the start of the game, and the Armor of Brutus is the best one to wear.

10. How do I get the Armor of Brutus in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?

The Armor of Brutus is obtained by finding and completing the six Romulus Lairs scattered throughout Rome.

11. Is there any armor in later Assassin’s Creed games that is as good as the Armor of Altair?

The definition of “best” can vary depending on the game and the player’s playstyle. Some armors in later games may offer different benefits or unique abilities, but in terms of pure durability and defense, the Armor of Altair remains a legendary benchmark.

12. What happened to the Armor of Altair after Assassin’s Creed II?

As mentioned in the text that was given, after the siege in Monteriggioni, the armor was hit by a cannonball and lost under the rubble.

13. Does wearing the best armor make the game too easy?

While the Armor of Altair provides significant advantages, it does not make the game trivial. Enemies can still pose a threat, especially on higher difficulty settings. Skill and strategy are still required to succeed.

14. Is the Sword of Altair the best sword in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood?

Yes, the Sword of Altair continues to be a very strong weapon in Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood. Many players consider it the best sword in the game, although others may prefer weapons with different stats or abilities.

15. Where can I learn more about the game design of the Assassin’s Creed series?

To learn more about the intricacies of game design, consider visiting the website of the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to exploring the educational and engaging aspects of video games and interactive media at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, while other armors have their merits, the Armor of Altair remains the best armor for Ezio in Assassin’s Creed II due to its unbreakable nature and superior defensive capabilities. It’s a testament to Altair’s legacy and a valuable asset for any player seeking to master the art of assassination.