Updated October 29, 2026
If enemies keep blocking your sword attacks in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, the Sweep move can help Edward Kenway break through their defenses and create an opportunity for a Ground Takedown.
However, using Sweep doesn't automatically guarantee a finisher. You need to land the move correctly, knock your opponent down, and follow the contextual Takedown prompt.
This guide explains the Sweep controls on Xbox and PlayStation, how to perform a Ground Takedown, and what to do when Sweep doesn't work as expected.
📋 Table of Contents
Quick Answer: How to Sweep Enemies in Black Flag Resynced
To Sweep an enemy, use these default controller inputs:
- Xbox: Hold RT and press A.
- PlayStation: Hold R2 and press × (Cross).
- PC keyboard: Check the Sweep binding under Options → Controls → Mouse & Keyboard → Customize Controls → Combat.
Sweep is particularly useful against enemies who repeatedly block normal sword attacks.
When a successful Sweep knocks an enemy to the ground, watch for the Takedown prompt:
- Xbox: Press Y.
- PlayStation: Press △ (Triangle).
- PC keyboard: Press E with the default Takedown binding.
Important: The enemy must be vulnerable to a Ground Takedown. If the opponent remains standing or no Takedown prompt appears, continue fighting and look for another opening.
Sweep Enemy Controls on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC
Sweep is an offensive combat ability designed to counter opponents who repeatedly block Edward's sword attacks.
The default controller inputs are:
| Action | Xbox | PlayStation |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep | Hold RT + A | Hold R2 + × |
| Takedown | Y | △ |
To perform Sweep, hold the appropriate trigger while pressing the face button.
On PC, keyboard abilities use configurable bindings. Open Options → Controls → Mouse & Keyboard → Customize Controls → Combat to check which key activates Sweep.
The default keyboard input for a contextual Takedown is E.
If you've customized your controls, follow your current in-game button prompts rather than the default combinations.
[Insert screenshot: Sweep enemy controller prompt during combat]
How to Sweep an Enemy and Perform a Ground Takedown
Sweep can create an opportunity to finish an opponent who is difficult to defeat with regular sword attacks.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Engage an enemy in melee combat
Approach an opponent and begin attacking with Edward's swords.
Pay attention to enemies who repeatedly block your attacks. Instead of continuing the same combination, prepare to use Sweep to disrupt their defense.
Step 2: Perform the Sweep move
Use the appropriate controller input:
- Xbox: Hold RT + A.
- PlayStation: Hold R2 + ×.
- On PC: use your assigned Sweep key.
Edward will attempt the sweeping attack.
A properly landed Sweep can break the enemy's defense and knock them down. Simply activating the move doesn't guarantee that the opponent will fall.
Step 3: Watch for the knockdown
After performing Sweep, check whether the opponent falls to the ground.
This is the key condition for a Ground Takedown opportunity.
If the enemy remains standing, don't immediately repeat the same move. Continue pressuring their defense or reposition before attempting another attack.
Step 4: Perform the Ground Takedown
Once the enemy is grounded and the contextual Takedown prompt appears, press the displayed button.
The default inputs are:
- Xbox: Y.
- PlayStation: Triangle.
- PC keyboard: E.
Edward can then perform the finishing attack.
Wait for the appropriate opportunity instead of pressing the Takedown button before the enemy becomes vulnerable.
Step 5: Watch nearby enemies
Other guards may continue attacking while you're trying to finish a grounded opponent.
If several enemies surround Edward, prioritize staying alive. Dodge incoming attacks, create space, and use a takedown when you have a suitable opening.
The basic Sweep-to-Takedown sequence
Enemy blocks → Successful Sweep → Enemy falls → Ground Takedown
The sequence depends on the Sweep connecting correctly and the enemy becoming vulnerable.
[Optional screenshot: Contextual Y Takedown prompt during melee combat]
When Should You Use Sweep?
Sweep is especially effective against opponents who repeatedly defend against your normal sword attacks.
In Black Flag Resynced, enemies have a defense bar that can be reduced through attacks and special combat moves.
Breaking their defense creates opportunities for powerful finishers.
Against enemies who keep blocking
If your regular attacks are consistently stopped, switch tactics.
A well-executed Sweep can interrupt the enemy's defense and knock them to the ground, allowing you to follow up with a Ground Takedown.
When you want to create a finisher opportunity
Sweep is useful for more than dealing damage.
Its main advantage is creating a vulnerable state that can lead to a finishing move.
This can help you end an encounter without repeatedly attacking the same opponent.
When an enemy becomes predictable
Enemies in Black Flag Resynced can adapt to repeated combat actions.
If an opponent begins blocking your usual sword combinations, changing to Sweep can help disrupt that pattern.
However, avoid relying exclusively on Sweep. Mix your attacks to prevent enemies from adapting to your approach.
Why Sweep or Ground Takedown Isn't Working
If Sweep fails to activate or the Ground Takedown prompt doesn't appear, check these common situations.
1. Sweep prompt appears, but Edward doesn't perform the move
Make sure you're using the complete controller combination.
- Xbox: Hold RT while pressing A.
- PlayStation: Hold R2 while pressing Cross.
Pressing the face button alone may activate another action.
If you've remapped your controls, check the current Sweep binding in the Combat controls menu.
2. Sweep activates, but the enemy doesn't fall
Not every Sweep attempt results in a knockdown.
The move must connect successfully to break the opponent's defense and create a Ground Takedown opportunity.
If the enemy stays standing, vary your attacks and try again when another opening appears.
Basic attacks and Heavy Strikes can also help pressure an opponent's defense.
3. Ground Takedown prompt doesn't appear
A Ground Takedown requires an enemy who is vulnerable while on the ground.
If your Sweep doesn't knock the opponent down, the finisher may not become available.
Check whether the enemy has fallen and whether the Takedown prompt appears.
If neither condition is present, continue fighting rather than repeatedly pressing the finisher button.
4. Sweep activates when you're trying to jump
Customized controller layouts can sometimes create overlapping inputs.
For example, remapping sprint to RT/R2 may interfere with movement actions because Sweep also uses that trigger.
If this happens after changing your controls, try assigning Sweep to another button combination.
To change controller bindings:
- Pause the game and open Options.
- Select Controls.
- Open the Controller tab.
- Choose Customize Controls.
- Select the Combat section and adjust Sweep.
You can also restore the default controls if your customized layout causes conflicts.
5. Enemies keep countering repeated Sweep attempts
Enemies can adapt when you use the same move repeatedly.
If an opponent begins avoiding or countering your approach, switch to other combat techniques.
Try combining regular attacks, Kicks, Heavy Strikes, and defensive moves instead of repeating Sweep continuously.
Remember: A failed Sweep or missing Ground Takedown prompt doesn't automatically mean the game is bugged.
Sweep vs Kick vs Perfect Parry: What's the Difference?
Sweep, Kick, and Perfect Parry can all help Edward create takedown opportunities, but each works differently.
| Move | Main Purpose | Possible Follow-up |
|---|---|---|
| Sweep | Break defense and knock enemies down | Ground Takedown |
| Kick | Stagger or reposition enemies | Wall Takedown |
| Perfect Parry | Counter an incoming attack with precise timing | Takedown or Chain Takedown |
Sweep: Best against blocking enemies
Use Sweep when an opponent repeatedly blocks normal attacks.
A successful knockdown can create an immediate Ground Takedown opportunity.
Kick: Best for controlling enemy position
Kick is useful for staggering enemies and creating space.
If you kick an opponent into a wall or ship railing, you can open an opportunity for a Wall Takedown.
Perfect Parry: Best for counterattacks
A standard Parry can stun an enemy and reduce their defense.
A Perfect Parry requires more precise timing and can open a direct takedown opportunity.
Depending on Edward's equipped sword, a successful Perfect Parry can also lead into Chain Takedowns against nearby opponents.
Which move should you choose?
Use Sweep against blocking enemies, Kick when you need to control an opponent's position, and Perfect Parry when you can confidently react to an incoming attack.
Best Combat Tips Against Blocking Enemies
Understanding Sweep is useful, but combining it with other combat techniques makes difficult encounters easier.
Mix basic attacks with special moves
Avoid repeating the same sword combination throughout a fight.
Start with regular attacks, then switch to Sweep, Kick, or another move when an enemy begins defending more effectively.
Varying your approach makes it harder for opponents to adapt.
Watch the enemy's defense bar
Enemy defense is separate from health.
Basic attacks and special moves reduce defense, while breaking it can create a takedown opportunity.
If an opponent keeps surviving your attacks, pay attention to their defense rather than focusing exclusively on their health.
Use Heavy Strikes to pressure tougher opponents
Heavy Strikes deal greater damage and can break defenses more reliably than basic attacks.
They are particularly useful at the end of an attack combination.
The effect also depends on Edward's equipped sword type:
- Rapier: Heavy Strikes can pierce through enemies.
- Cutlass: Heavy Strikes cover a wider area.
- Pistol-Sword: Heavy Attacks fire two damaging shots.
Choose the weapon type that best suits the encounter.
Dodge attacks that cannot be parried
Some tougher enemies use attacks that cannot be stopped with a normal Parry.
When facing an unblockable attack, dodge instead of trying to counter it.
This becomes particularly important against stronger enemy types such as Brutes and Captains.
Use walls and environmental hazards
Your surroundings can help create takedown opportunities.
Kicking an enemy into a wall may enable a Wall Takedown, while explosions can knock opponents down for Ground Takedowns.
Use these environmental advantages when fighting several enemies at once.
If you're replaying the campaign, our Black Flag Resynced New Game Plus save guide explains how to begin NG+ without unnecessarily risking your existing save.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you Sweep enemies in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced?
Hold RT + A on Xbox or R2 + Cross on PlayStation. On PC, check the assigned Sweep key under the Combat controls. Sweep is especially useful against enemies who repeatedly block sword attacks.
How do you perform a Ground Takedown after Sweep?
Land a successful Sweep that knocks the opponent to the ground. When the contextual Takedown prompt appears, press Y on Xbox, Triangle on PlayStation, or E with the default PC keyboard controls.
Why isn't Sweep knocking enemies down?
A Sweep must connect successfully to create a knockdown. If the opponent remains standing, vary your attacks, pressure their defense, and look for another opening.
Is Sweep the same as Perfect Parry?
No. Sweep is an offensive move designed to break an opponent's defense and knock them down. Perfect Parry is a precisely timed defensive counter that can create takedown and chain-takedown opportunities.
Can you perform a Ground Takedown without Sweep?
Yes. Sweep isn't the only way to knock opponents down. Explosions can also leave enemies grounded and vulnerable to Ground Takedowns.
Can you change the Sweep button?
Yes. Open Options → Controls → Controller → Customize Controls → Combat to change your controller bindings. Keyboard players can customize their Combat controls under the Mouse & Keyboard tab.
Final Tips
The key to using Sweep effectively is understanding that it creates a takedown opportunity rather than guaranteeing an automatic finisher.
Use the correct input, look for opponents who repeatedly block your attacks, and watch for the enemy to fall before attempting a Ground Takedown.
Mix Sweep with regular attacks, Kicks, Heavy Strikes, and well-timed defensive moves to handle different enemy types more effectively.
If you're progressing through New Game Plus and need more currency for upgrades and equipment, see our Black Flag Resynced Escudos farming guide for additional ways to earn Escudos.
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