Assassin’s Creed Mirage doesn’t quite employ the extensive gear systems of its RPG predecessors, but there is still a decent number of options when it comes to what outfit to wear. The wardrobe Basim can collect throughout the game is largely comprised of robes resembling those traditionally worn by the Hidden Ones – often primarily white or off-white and hooded – but some, and particularly some costumes, have a bit more variety, including a few that are definitely more armored than Basim’s default attire. The most exclusive outfit in the game, however, is disappointing compared to the verisimilitude offered by most others.
[Warning: The following article contains minor spoilers for Assassin’s Creed Mirage.]
Taking players to 9th century Baghdad, AC Mirage is a refreshing return to the series’ central, long-running conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients – two shadowy organizations that would manifest the Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order respectively in later centuries. Mirage‘s gameplay reflects this return to the series’ earlier era as well, in part including a number of outfits which don’t have defensive stats, but do provide unique perks. There is also a certain set of collectibles, which offers a mysterious set of armor as its ultimate reward, a quest line which has seen multiple variations in the series since Assassin’s Creed 2.
AC Mirage’s Best Armor Is Milad’s Outfit
Fairly early in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Nehal tells Basim of a supposed treasure hidden somewhere near an oasis in the desert north of Baghdad, beginning a quest called “The Ancient Place.” The aptly named Northern Oasis is indeed holding such a treasure – three, in fact, locked behind mysterious mechanisms in a cave only accessible by diving to the bottom of the oasis’ water. The mechanisms are unlocked by inserting a certain number of Mysterious Shards, found on the person of and taken from (either through pickpocketing or killing and looting) people connected to the Order throughout Baghdad.
Five Shards will unlock the most coveted prize: Milad’s Outfit. The trait unique to Milad’s Outfit, Forgotten Terror, makes it so a bright flash of lightning disorients nearby enemies whenever a successful air assassination is performed (i.e. jumping on an enemy from above to assassinate them). Especially in the later sections of the game, when Milad’s Outfit is likely to be acquired and a breadth of other tools in Basim’s possession make Mirage‘s dangerous combat less so, this flash of lightning can help tremendously. Not only does it give the player an immediate advantage over surrounding enemies in a fight, it also makes it so performing an assassination and fleeing the scene is much easier.
Milad’s Outfit Is Unexplained Isu Technology
While helpful in a variety of gameplay situations, Milad’s Outfit looks a bit ridiculous, like an over-designed suit from a Marvel movie, and feels entirely disconnected from the rest of the game. AC Mirage – despite featuring Basim as its protagonist – actually has very little to do with the Isu. Simply collecting these Mysterious Shards and slotting them into an ancient mechanism is far less interesting than a reward that has a meaningful connection to the story. For instance, the Armor of Altaïr, which can be acquired by Ezio in Assassin’s Creed 2, deepens the connection between the two master assassins, fits into the story of Ezio recovering Altaïr’s codex, and is in sync with the general aesthetic of the Assassin Brotherhood.
Milad’s Outfit’s only connection to Mirage‘s story is that Order members are seeking it, and apparently covet the Mysterious Shards. Milad is never mentioned in any other capacity, and the outfit is woefully anachronistic. It even goes so far as to alter Basim’s voice, making it deeper and slightly digitized – an understandable feat for a bit of Isu technology, but it feels shoe-horned into Mirage like something of an obligation. Having powerful and unique rewards for potentially lengthy side adventures is always welcome, but the reward for collecting the Mysterious Shards in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Milad’s Outfit, is quite a letdown. Luckily, its powerful perk can still be utilized with its appearance changed by equipping a Costume.
