NPC Finisher Animations for Arno (Combat)

Description

This mod completely overhauls Arno's combat pacing and kill animations. I was never a big fan of his default, almost "dance-like" finishers, so I decided to change that and make him fight as brutally as the enemies we face on the streets of Paris.

The result is a much more aggressive, unpredictable, and lethal combat system. Instead of fighting like a perfectly trained, elegant Assassin, Arno now uses the raw, dirty instincts of Soldiers, Brutes, and Elite enemies.

And all those previously "non-lethal" or blunt moves? They are now fully lethal. Welcome to the real French Revolution.

Installation Instructions

First method (Manual):

1. Unpack the `DataPC_patch_01.forge` file (using AnvilToolkit or your preferred forge unpacker).

2. Inside the unpacked folder, locate and unpack the `0_-_Game Bootstrap Settings. Data` file.

3. Drop the mod files into the unpacked Bootstrap Settings folder and replace the existing files when prompted.

4. Repack the `0_-_Game Bootstrap Settings. Data` file.

5. Repack the `DataPC_patch_01.forge` file.

6. Launch the game and enjoy the brutal combat.

(Always make sure to backup your original `.forge` files before installing any mods!)

Easy Installation via ACUFixes Plugin Loader (Recommended)

1. Download and extract the mod.

2. Go to the folder:Assassin's Creed Unity\ACUFixes\plugins\AssetOverrides\

3. Create a new folder (name it whatever you want, e.g. NPCFinisherArno).

Inside that folder, create a subfolder named LooseFiles.

4. Place the file 776_-_NetFightSettings_0XFC6619A95. NetFightSettings into the LooseFiles folder.

5. Launch the game and press INSERT to open the ACUFixes menu.

6. Select AssetOverrides.dll → enable “Enable Asset Overrides” and “Enable on startup”.

7. Click “Refresh load order”, right-click on your folder → Activate, then save load order and configuration.

Done! You can now easily toggle the mod on/off.

Main Features 

NPC Kill Animations: Fully deplete an enemy's health bar with normal attacks to trigger aggressive, lethal NPC execution animations.

Dynamic Combat Pacing: Attack speeds, combo windows, and kill animations now vary (fast, slow, normal) depending on NPC combat logic, making fights more dynamic and unpredictable.

Lethal Movesets: All previously "non-lethal" or blunt weapon moves are now fully lethal.

Vanilla Arno Kills (Optional): If you want to see Arno’s original cinematic finishers, beat the enemy down to low health and hold LMB (Heavy Attack) to trigger his original kill animation (works with Sword, Spear, Axe, and Musket).

Weapon Variety: Sword, Spear, and Musket get 2 unique NPC kill animations. Axes get multiple backstab animations and 3 frontal kill animations.

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH MULTIPLAYER. Using this mod in Co-op/MP will break the game and likely get you banned.

Story Missions Warning: Minor desyncs or script issues may occur in heavily scripted story missions. It is highly recommended to play this mod in Free Roam or after completing the main story.

Requirements 

AnvilToolkit (or any other tool capable of unpacking/repacking `.forge` and `.data` files).

Basic knowledge of how to unpack and repack AC Unity archive files.

ACUFixes + Plugin Loader

Asset Overrides plugin by ACUFixes

Shout outs

Huge thanks to Kamzik123 for creating AnvilToolkit, without which this mod (and any serious AC Unity modding) would be completely impossible..

And thanks to everyone testing this and providing feedback. Enjoy the bloodbath in Paris!.