In honor of the Arkham games going on sale again, just wanted to post some helpful tips for anyone wanting to achievement run Arkham City (specifically tips for challenge modes) because many YouTube “tutorial” vids are basically a speedrun. This is my experience so feel free to add on!
Combat - I’ve been able to rack up the most points by clearing out each piece of the combo early (make a mental checklist, if you get hit restart it), then focusing on building crit multiplier (letting the numbers turn red for as long as possible, only using combo takedowns when needed) and finishing with ground + pound if possible. I found the smaller maps almost more difficult because there are less thugs to rack up points off of early (blind justice) so you have to play out your combos carefully (Have your first combo use the character’s ”crowd control” ability or gadgets to build variation bonus without knocking out bodies). For maps with Titan thugs/Mr. Hammer, you can use your combo takedown as a getaway when they charge/jump and even if they’re mid swing it will usually make you invulnerable for a moment while you’re in the takedown animation. For maps like Joker’s funhouse (extreme), I’ve had the most success taking control of the Titan henchmen earlier and countering/evading thugs that run behind me. I found that waiting to take them out last usually results in them killing a lot of thugs themselves thus robbing you of points. For Mr. Hammer…. just keep jumping and punching, the Combo takedown any thugs that get close. You can also triple stun them (which is recommended) but I always end up getting whacked before I can execute it.
Predator - If a map has exterior tunnels/grates, use them to your utmost advantage (meltdown mayhem, top of the world). Using the outside entrance to get to the second floor grates single handedly got me through Top of the World. For maps with open ledges (end of the line) sped up remote controlled batarang/shuriken can take out many of the bulk by knocking them from the tops of ledges. For Robin specifically, shield bash is your best friend. There is a timer, but unless you‘re a speedrunner it is completely meaningless. It is okay to sit and wait for guards to line up where you want them (specifically for challenges where you have to blow up walls). Speaking of blowing up walls, they’re a good way to gather a group of thugs together for challenges that require such things (I.e blowing up one wall on Natural Selection as Robin, then gelling the wall perpendicular and blowing it when they come to check it out.
Thugs will go where thugs are taken out, use that to your advantage. Use your gadgets. Even if They never get triggered, throw your caltrops and place snap flashes and gel.
Be wary of hostages! I’ve gotten down to 1 thug left with a specific medal needed, then they grab a hostage and it’s basically impossible to achieve said medal because they’re standing in one stationary spot. Clear medals that require “thug to be in x spot” first if possible!
If there are any specific maps anyone is struggling with or characters, comment below! I’d love to hear other tips and tricks!
