Stealth Takedown

Lore & Background

The Stealth Takedown reflects Nathan Drake's resourcefulness and adaptability as a treasure hunter. Unlike a trained soldier, Drake relies on surprise and the environment to dispatch foes quietly, often using ledges, tall grass, or corners to set up his attacks. This mechanic underscores the series' emphasis on improvisation and the tension of navigating hostile territories without triggering a full firefight.

In later entries, the mechanic evolved to include takedowns from above (e.g., hanging from ledges) and from cover, rewarding players who scout ahead and plan their approach. The system encourages replayability, as players can choose to ghost through encounters or use stealth as a prelude to open combat.

While not as deep as dedicated stealth games, the Stealth Takedown in Uncharted serves as a vital tool for managing enemy numbers and preserving ammunition, especially on higher difficulties. It also reinforces the cinematic feel, allowing for dramatic moments where Drake emerges from the shadows to neutralize a guard. On Crushing difficulty, a single well-timed takedown can mean the difference between a clean escape and a bloodbath.

In Their Own Story

The rain-slicked ruins of the temple offered no shelter from the patrols. Drake pressed himself against the crumbling wall, listening to the guard's footsteps grow closer. As the man rounded the corner, Drake lunged, one hand clamping over his mouth, the other driving the pistol grip into his temple. The body slumped silently, and Drake dragged it into the shadows, the only sound the steady drip of water from the canopy above.

Reader's Guide

To perform a Stealth Takedown, approach an unaware enemy from behind or above and press the designated button (usually Triangle on PlayStation). This instantly eliminates the target without alerting nearby foes. The mechanic was introduced in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and refined in later games.

In Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception, takedowns from ledges were added, allowing you to hang from an edge and pull an enemy off a cliff or into a chokehold. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End introduced a more robust stealth system with tall grass, marking enemies, and the ability to use the rope swing for aerial takedowns.

For example, in Uncharted 4's Madagascar chapter, you can hide in the tall grass, whistle to lure a guard, then perform a takedown when he investigates. This interacts with the climbing system: you can scale a building, perch on a ledge, and drop down on an unsuspecting guard below. Stealth takedowns also conserve ammunition, which is crucial on Crushing difficulty where resources are scarce. In Uncharted 4, you can even chain takedowns by quickly moving between cover spots, turning a crowded courtyard into a ghost town before the first body hits the ground.

Did You Know?

• The Stealth Takedown was not present in the first Uncharted game; it debuted in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
• In Uncharted 4, you can perform a takedown while swinging on a rope, allowing for dynamic aerial eliminations.
• The animation for a Stealth Takedown varies depending on the weapon Drake is holding at the time.
• Enemy AI in Uncharted 4 will investigate the last known position of a guard who disappears, adding tension to stealth sequences.