Assassin's Creed Unity, set amidst the chaos of the French Revolution, offers players a gripping narrative and a wealth of gameplay mechanics. Among these is the intriguing "Hand of Science" feature, a collection of gadgets and upgrades that significantly enhance Arno Dorian's capabilities. This guide delves deep into the Hand of Science, explaining its mechanics, unlocking its potential, and answering common player questions.
What is the Hand of Science in Assassin's Creed Unity?
The Hand of Science is essentially Arno's tech tree, a system allowing him to upgrade his arsenal of gadgets and tools. Unlike many upgrade systems, the Hand of Science isn't just about boosting raw damage or health. It unlocks entirely new gameplay possibilities, impacting stealth, combat, and navigation. These upgrades are crucial for tackling the game's challenges, especially on higher difficulty levels. You unlock new upgrades by collecting blueprints scattered throughout the game world.
How Do I Unlock Hand of Science Upgrades?
Unlocking Hand of Science upgrades requires finding and collecting blueprints hidden throughout Paris. These aren't always easy to find, often tucked away in hard-to-reach locations or requiring specific actions to reveal them. Many blueprints are found during main story missions, but a significant number are discovered through exploration and side activities. The game doesn't always explicitly guide you to these blueprints, encouraging exploration and rewarding players for their curiosity.
What are the Best Hand of Science Upgrades?
Choosing the "best" Hand of Science upgrades depends largely on your preferred playstyle. However, some consistently prove highly valuable. The improvements to the rope dart, for instance, significantly enhance navigation and traversal, particularly useful for swiftly escaping pursuers or reaching hidden areas. Similarly, upgrades to Arno's smoke bombs can dramatically improve stealth capabilities, allowing for more effective distractions and escapes. Finally, the various combat-related upgrades can transform Arno from a capable assassin to a devastating fighting force.
What are the different types of Hand of Science upgrades?
The Hand of Science upgrades fall into several categories, each influencing a different aspect of gameplay:
- Stealth: These upgrades enhance Arno's ability to remain undetected, improving the effectiveness of smoke bombs, improving the range of his detection, and allowing for quieter movements.
- Combat: These upgrades bolster Arno's fighting skills, enhancing his attack power, speed, and defenses.
- Navigation: These upgrades refine Arno's movement and traversal capabilities, particularly his use of the rope dart and parkour abilities.
- Utility: This category includes upgrades that improve Arno's overall efficiency, such as increased health or faster healing.
Where can I find all the Hand of Science blueprints?
A complete guide detailing the location of every Hand of Science blueprint would be exceptionally lengthy. However, many online resources provide detailed maps and walkthroughs. Remember that exploration is key. Pay close attention to your surroundings and don't be afraid to investigate every nook and cranny of Paris. Often, the most rewarding discoveries are found in the least expected places.
Are there any missable Hand of Science upgrades?
While many upgrades are tied to story missions and are therefore difficult to miss, some are only obtainable during specific sequences or side quests. To maximize your chances of obtaining all upgrades, aim for 100% completion of the game. Online guides can help track any potential missable upgrades.
How do Hand of Science upgrades impact gameplay difficulty?
The Hand of Science upgrades directly affect the difficulty of Assassin's Creed Unity. Investing in upgrades allows Arno to better manage various challenges, such as tougher enemies or complex environmental obstacles. Fully upgrading the Hand of Science can significantly reduce the difficulty, especially on higher difficulty settings. However, choosing to play without focusing on upgrades offers a more challenging, yet rewarding experience.
By strategically upgrading Arno's tools and abilities through the Hand of Science, players can tailor their experience to their preferred playstyle and conquer the challenges of revolutionary Paris. Remember, exploration and persistent searching are key to uncovering the secrets of this powerful system.