Batman: Arkham City combat guide: shields, armor, beatdowns and blade dodges
Find the correct response to Arkham City’s special enemies and protect Batman’s FreeFlow combo.
Edition covered
The original 2011 Arkham City campaign; WB Games Steam pictures show the PC Game of the Year Edition. Catwoman content is identified separately. Return to Arkham and Wii U Armored Edition differences are outside this guide.
Read enemy equipment before striking
An ordinary thug accepts a normal strike; armored enemies and shield carriers need an opening move. Identify these threats while keeping an eye on attacks from the surrounding crowd.
| Enemy | Response | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Armored thug | Cape stun then beatdown | Other thugs interrupting |
| Riot shield | Cape stun then aerial attack | Mistaking the shield for armor |
| Stun baton | Redirect behind the carrier | Frontal attacks are unsafe |
| Knife enemy | Blade dodge | Repeated slashes in the sequence |
| Gun carrier | Disarm or close safely | Shots from beyond the brawl |
Keep the useful moves distinct
Cape stun leads into a beatdown on armor. A shield carrier needs the aerial attack, while a stun baton is safer to approach from behind after a redirect.
| Move | Purpose | Good moment |
|---|---|---|
| Counter | Stop an incoming strike | An attacker commits nearby |
| Redirect | Cross over an enemy | The crowd closes in |
| Quickfire Batarang | Interrupt an exposed opponent | A gap opens in the combo |
| Special combo takedown | Remove a dangerous target | The move becomes available |
Do not overcommit to a beatdown
A beatdown takes time, and nearby enemies can interrupt it. Counter incoming attacks during the sequence or reposition if gunfire becomes the greater threat.
Practise blade defense deliberately
Knife attacks use the blade-dodge response. Learn the hold-and-back-away rhythm before attempting the upgraded blade-dodge takedown, which demands more precise timing.
Knife attacks use the blade-dodge response.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Batman: Arkham City publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Official Arkham City manual | store.steampowered.com |
| Arkham City campaign walkthrough | gamefaqs.gamespot.com |
| Mr. Freeze encounter methods | gamefaqs.gamespot.com |