Clockwork Soldiers are super scary, intimidating opponents in Dishonored 2. With two to four bladed arms and near immunity to most conventional attacks, many would advise you to just avoid these adversaries. But these cowards probably also want you to play a ‘Stealth’ playstyle like a big baby. Editor’s Note: Stealth Playstyle is very valid and very fun. Writer’s Note: Don’t argue with me.
As I was saying, even your most powerful standard move - the Drop assassination, will not destroy a clockwork soldier, but merely knock off their head. A second is needed to finish the job. Make sure you go for that second because things walking around without heads like everything is normal is creepy.
When sneaking near Clockwork Soldiers, be aware that they have cones of vision in front AND in back. Meaning the only way to sneak up on them is approaching from the sides, or above. Your normal Dark Vision will fail to detect them, so tread lightly until you unlock Greater Dark Vision.
Enough about how strong they are, how do you kill them?!
You can destroy a Clockwork Soldier with the old double drop assassination, as mentioned above, by severing all their arms, or by destroying the whaleoil battery tank on their backs. If you hit at the armor on the arms a few times you will break through and can sever the limb.
If you do manage to knock the head off, it won’t be able to see and will hunt you by sound alone. Try throwing something to lure it where you want and then strike at the limbs. If a drop assassination is difficult due to the terranean, then get a little higher up on a platform or table and you can target the head.
With some stealth proficiency, you can also open up their panels and use the rewire tool to turn them into your robo-friends. They’ll then attack your enemies instead of you. But, for completely non-gameplay reasons, your humble writer advises you to destroy them all.
Stun mines will also disable these foes, so don’t waste them on easier enemies.
After getting all heated up in battle, Clockwork Soldiers will freeze to vent some steam. Wait for these moments and move in, hitting them hard while they’re disoriented. Good luck dealing with these foes. Fight on, for the glory of Empress Emily.
