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General Info

Item Name	Hidden Blade

The Hidden Knife, first introduced in Assassin's Creed, is the exclusive weapon of members of the Assassin Brotherhood. A short, retractable, concealable blade, mainly used for stealth kills. Innovative design ensures a clean and precise kill. While the adaptations of the Assassin's Creed series were originally aimed at the Link vein, they improved the lethality and versatility of the Hidden Blade. It has many functions beyond killing, and includes projectile throwing capabilities, poison use, and even as a backup climbing tool. Indeed, the hidden blade symbolizes the cunning, precision and adaptability of the assassins themselves.

Overview

The Hidden Blade is a game-changing weapon in the Assassin's Creed universe. It combines deadly efficiency with stealthy design. Primarily used for assassinations, the Hidden Blade is the signature weapon of Assassin Brotherhood members. Mounted on a wristband and designed to remain highly visible, the user can send targets unnoticed.
Unlike conventional weapons, the hidden blade has a symbolic meaning. For Assassins, this device shows their commitment to Assassin's Creed. Its use requires the sacrifice of a finger, signifying a commitment to freedom from tyranny. Blades can be upgraded during gameplay, allowing for more flexibility and combat options.
The Hidden Blade equivalents are the Phantom Blade, which holds a crossbow, and the Hidden Footblade. The latter can be equipped with a poison sprayer. Hidden Blade continues to evolve with each version of the game, becoming an increasingly sophisticated and advanced tool. It remains the permanent basis of the Society's strategies and methods. Despite evolution and technological advancements, the symbol and identity of the Hidden Blade remains the same: a symbol of the Assassin Brotherhood's ongoing struggle for freedom and peace.

Creation and Development

Hidden Blade has always been a cornerstone of the Assassin's Creed franchise, both in terms of theme and gameplay. Popularly known as the weapon of the Assassin Brotherhood, it has undergone significant evolution over the course of the series. Hidden Blade traces its origins to the brainchild of Patrice Désilets, lead designer of the original Assassin's Creed game. Envisioned as a hidden weapon capable of stealthy killing, it embodied his idea of what a killer's tool should be.
Creating the Hidden Blade while maintaining its stealthy appearance and deadly properties was quite a challenge. Early iterations were simplistic, essentially a retractable blade hidden in the character's arm. As the series has evolved, Hidden Blade has gained many features that reflect the innovative approach of the game developers. The Pistol Blade from Assassin's Creed II, the Hook Blade from Revelations, and the Phantom Blade from Unity are iconic examples of this evolution. Each addition not only added variety to the game, but also established the time and culture of each game.
In order to achieve a practical and realistic design, the developers of Ubisoft often turned to historical documents. For example, the idea of a working hidden blade was inspired by similar mechanical devices seen in Leonardo da Vinci's sketches. Also, each adaptation of Assassin's Hidden Blade reflected their specific eras. Ezio's multi-purpose hidden blade echoed the invention of the Renaissance, while Altaïr's humble blade echoed the utilitarian ethos of the Crusades.
When it comes to game development, Hidden Blade has always played an important role in shaping how players interact with the game. The concept of stealth kills gave players a unique thrill as they had the opportunity to defeat unseen enemies and critically shape the franchise's stealthy gameplay elements. Also, Hidden Blade was a great blend of story and gameplay, as its development directly paralleled the main character's journey and overall storyline.
The creation and development of Hidden Blade is a testament to the combined efforts of historical references, imaginative gameplay, and bold design choices. He is the symbol of the Assassin Brotherhood, the physical manifestation of their faith and the epitome of the evolutionary nature of the series.

Cultural Impact

The Hidden Blade, the iconic weapon of the Assassin's Brotherhood from Assassin's Creed, has carved out a special place in popular culture and transcends the boundaries of the video game world. He became a symbol of quiet strength and cunning, embodying the ethos of the assassin who strikes from the shadows. The artifact's maneuverability and precision reflect the secretive ideology of the Assassin Order. Furthermore, the principle of sacrifice, reflected by its placement on the killer's ring finger, shows an unwavering commitment to a greater purpose.
The design of the Hidden Blade influenced the concept of similar weapons in other media and inspired a new generation of stealth weapons that are as deadly as they are stealthy. Additionally, its influence has permeated cosplay culture, where countless fans painstakingly recreate it with a mesmerizing blend of artistry and technique.
Beneath the cold metal surface, the Hidden Blade has deep philosophical undertones: it is more than a weapon; it is a testament to courage, self-sacrifice and the relentless pursuit of justice. It reminds players of the price of freedom, and instills fear and respect in the characters they inhabit. This massive impact made Hidden Blade an unforgettable piece of the Assassin's Creed puzzle, marking its indelible influence on popular culture.