Unleashing the Thrilling Art of Pickpocketing: Assassin's Creed Mirage Takes It to the Next Level

Highlights

Assassin's Creed Mirage brings back the pickpocketing mechanic, adding a twist that requires players to time their button presses correctly for a more realistic feel.

In AC Mirage, players can now steal from anyone carrying a coin purse, unlike previous games in the franchise that either removed pickpocketing or restricted it to specific missions. Additionally, this installment introduces exclusive collectibles that can only be acquired through pickpocketing. The incorporation of this new pickpocketing mechanic not only adds an element of challenge and skill to the gameplay but also makes it a valuable addition, one that we hope to see in upcoming games.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is making a deliberate effort to recreate the early days of the franchise, moving away from the RPG games that exhausted the fanbase. The game not only shortens the experience and brings players to a familiar location, but also reintroduces beloved features that fans have missed. While many players are discussing the exceptional stealth gameplay in AC Mirage, another feature that deserves equal recognition is the pickpocketing mechanic. While not all players may utilize this feature, those who do may find themselves captivated by it.

Unlike previous games that omitted pickpocketing, Assassin's Creed Mirage brings it back with a twist. Instead of mindlessly clicking a button to pickpocket, players now have to carefully time their button presses to avoid detection. While experienced players may not find this mechanic challenging, its inclusion adds a more realistic touch to the feature. Combined with the fact that pickpocketing is actually present in the game, it creates a sense of nostalgia for the franchise's highlights.

AC Mirage's Pickpocketing is a Great Addition to the Formula

The Assassin's Creed franchise once allowed players to enjoy the thrill of pickpocketing as a side activity. They could discreetly maneuver through crowds, snagging money from unsuspecting NPCs whenever they pleased. In Assassin's Creed 3, players could even pilfer ammunition from guards, as long as they remained unnoticed. Although it may not have been a significant game-changer, this addition added a delightful touch to the open world.

However, for reasons unknown, Ubisoft decided to remove this mechanic as the series progressed. Assassin's Creed Unity was the first game to limit players' ability to pickpocket indiscriminately. Instead, they were restricted to specific mission objectives, which felt like an odd departure. This trend continued with Syndicate, and later installments such as Origins and Odyssey completely eliminated pickpocketing from missions as well. Valhalla made a return to the concept by allowing players to pickpocket important items, but, once again, prevented them from stealing money from just anyone.

AC Mirage has finally reintroduced the long-awaited pickpocket feature, allowing players to stealthily relieve NPCs of their coin purses. While not every NPC is susceptible, those carrying a coin purse are fair game. The added bonus is the inclusion of exclusive collectibles that can only be obtained through successful pickpocketing. Ubisoft has enhanced this mechanic by introducing a new twist. No longer can players simply hold down a button to execute a steal; now, they must employ precise timing. Upon initiating a pickpocket attempt, a blue shape with a surrounding moving white line appears. Players must accurately click the button again when the white line intersects with the blue shape. Failure to do so will result in the NPC detecting their actions, potentially leading to turmoil.

The pickpocketing minigame in AC Mirage adds a sense of realism that previous AC games lacked. Players must now master their timing in order to successfully steal, which is a great change to the formula. Hopefully, Ubisoft continues to include pickpocketing in future games. AC Mirage is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.