Game Guide: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

1. Introduction
Overview: Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a return to the series' roots, focusing on stealth and assassination in a richly detailed Middle Eastern setting. Set in Baghdad during the 9th century, the game follows Basim’s journey as he becomes an Assassin, providing a deep, narrative-driven experience.
Gameplay Style: Mirage emphasizes classic Assassin’s Creed mechanics like parkour, stealth, and strategic combat over open-world RPG elements. The game is streamlined, with a focus on focused missions rather than extensive exploration.
Unique Features: Notable for its smaller, more intimate setting, Mirage emphasizes stealth tactics, the use of classic tools like smoke bombs and throwing knives, and a return to simpler gameplay that encourages precise, skillful play.

2. Before You Play: Must-Know Tips
Brush Up on Stealth Techniques: Mirage is heavily stealth-oriented. Familiarize yourself with stealth kills, hiding spots, and how to use your environment to your advantage.
Take Time to Learn the Map: Baghdad is dense and full of hidden routes. Spend time familiarizing yourself with each area and finding rooftops, alleyways, and hidden spots for smooth escapes.
Use Classic Assassin Tools: The game brings back tools like smoke bombs and throwing knives. Learn when and how to use each one for the most impact in combat and during escapes.
Study Basim’s Skillset: Basim’s abilities differ from previous protagonists. Take time to understand his unique tools, abilities, and skill tree to optimize your playstyle.

3. Beginner Tips & Tricks
1. Stick to the Shadows: Avoid open confrontations and use the shadows. Hide in bushes, stay close to walls, and use rooftops for cover.
2. Prioritize Synchronization Points: These points reveal parts of the map and uncover objectives and resources. Unlocking them early is key to efficient navigation.
3. Use Basim’s Eagle: The eagle, Enkidu, helps spot enemies, find hidden items, and scout locations from above. Use it frequently to prepare for each mission.
4. Master Parkour for Quick Escapes: Mastering parkour is essential for getting around the city quickly and for escaping guards when things go wrong.
5. Manage Notoriety: Your notoriety level affects how enemies respond. Pay attention to wanted posters, which can help lower your notoriety if you remove them.
4. Advanced Tips & Tricks
1. Utilize the Detection System: Take note of the enemy detection meter. Once the meter fills halfway, guards become suspicious, but you can still avoid them by breaking line of sight.
2. Upgrade Key Tools First: Focus on upgrading tools like the smoke bomb and throwing knives. These will be crucial in sticky situations and allow you to handle multiple enemies more efficiently.
3. Chain Assassinations: Mirage lets you perform chained assassinations. This is perfect for clearing groups of enemies quickly and without alerting others.
4. Take Advantage of Environmental Hazards: Look for breakable objects, fire pits, and ledges to dispatch enemies without direct confrontation.
5. Use Distractions: Use coins or other tools to distract guards, which lets you separate groups or sneak by without confrontation.

5. Combat Techniques & Skills
Dodge and Counter Timing: Precision is key—wait for the right moment to dodge or counter enemies, especially tougher ones. Unlike earlier games, Mirage rewards timing over button-mashing.
Light & Heavy Attacks: Use light attacks for quick combos and heavy attacks to break guards’ defenses. A good combination of both will ensure a quick kill.
Block Breaker: Enemies with shields require a block-breaking move. Use your heavy attack to break their guard before following up with a quick kill.
Assassin’s Focus Ability: This ability lets Basim slow down time and target multiple enemies for instant kills. Use it when outnumbered for efficient crowd control.
Conserve Tools: Tools like smoke bombs and throwing knives are limited. Use them strategically, as they’re harder to replenish than ammo for your main weapons.
6. Exploration & Side Quests
Focus on Contracts: These side missions are scattered throughout the city and offer valuable rewards like gear and materials. They also help you build influence in certain districts.
Hidden Collectibles: Look out for hidden manuscripts, historical artifacts, and unique treasures throughout Baghdad. These add depth to the game’s story and reward exploration.
Parkour Challenges: Completing parkour challenges rewards you with skill points and helps you navigate the environment more skillfully.
Interact with NPCs: Speaking with NPCs can provide clues for your next mission, reveal hidden routes, and even unlock new contracts.
Unlock Safehouses: Safehouses provide safe zones and quick access to your storage. They’re invaluable for recharging between missions or restocking supplies.

7. Resources, Crafting & Upgrades
Gather Resources: Items like metal, wood, and cloth are essential for crafting tools and upgrading your gear. Keep an eye out and collect these whenever possible.
Upgrade Armor for Stealth: Armor upgrades often include stealth perks, like reducing your noise level or adding health regeneration. Focus on upgrades that match your playstyle.
Use Black Market Vendors: Vendors in the black market often carry rare items and crafting materials. Check them out periodically for useful items.
Prioritize Stealth-Based Skills: Early on, invest in skills that boost stealth, like silent takedowns and faster detection time. These will help you in tricky missions.
Ammo Crafting: Keep your tools and weapons stocked by crafting items as soon as you’re able. This includes arrows, smoke bombs, and throwing knives.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I avoid high notoriety?
A: Avoid confrontations and take down wanted posters to reduce notoriety. High notoriety makes guards much more aggressive and aware of your presence.
Q: What’s the best way to farm resources?
A: Explore each district thoroughly and loot guard camps. Certain side quests and contracts reward you with large amounts of materials.
Q: How do I get better armor and weapons?
A: Armor and weapons can be upgraded at blacksmiths. Completing contracts and collecting hidden items can also unlock rare gear.
Q: Can I change my playstyle mid-game?
A: Yes, you can switch between stealth or a more aggressive approach as you progress. However, your skill investments may favor one style over another.

9. Secrets & Hidden Content
Hidden Contracts: Some contracts are only accessible through exploration and interacting with hidden NPCs. They often provide unique rewards.
Legendary Weapons: Legendary weapons are hidden in the game, often found through contracts or by exploring Baghdad’s historical landmarks.
Secret Assassination Techniques: Some techniques are learned by observing elite assassins in the city. Seek them out to enhance your abilities.
Rooftop Challenges: Completing parkour-based rooftop challenges rewards unique skill points and helps you practice movement mechanics.
Historical Sites: Baghdad is full of historical locations that provide lore about the world and reveal unique collectibles.

10. Final Thoughts & Summary
Strengths: The game’s focus on classic stealth mechanics, densely populated environment, and storyline-driven missions make it a refreshing return to traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay.
Weaknesses: Some players might find the reduced RPG elements limiting, as the game focuses less on open-world exploration and more on mission-driven content.
Replay Value: Moderate—while it’s shorter and more linear than other Assassin’s Creed titles, its side missions and unique stealth challenges add replay value for those who enjoy perfecting their playstyle.
11. Additional Resources
Forums & Communities: Reddit and Discord groups are great for finding tips on specific missions and discussing strategies with other players.
YouTube Tutorials: Video guides offer insights on tough