Rank

During the course of Assassin's Creed, the player will lead Altaïr as he rises through the ranks of the Assassin's Order after being demoted from the highest rank to the lowest. When he is demoted, he loses many pieces of equipment, many abilities, seventy percent of his base Synchronization levels, and all weapons; as he is promoted he will earn back a few each time.

Rank Ten (Start of Game)
Throughout Memory Block 1 at the beginning of the game, Altaïr is at the highest rank in the Order, rank Ten. All the abilities, equipment, and weapons that will be available to him during the game are available at the very beginning; in addition, his base Synchronization is maximized.

Rank One
In Memory Block 2, Altaïr is demoted for breaking the Tenets of the Assassins' Order. Rank One (also known as Novice or Apprentice rank)) is the very first rank, the one in which Altaïr is provided no weapons, provided no equipment, and has the lowest base Synchronization in the game, four bars.

Rank Two
After Altaïr exposes the Traitor to Al Mualim, he is promoted to rank two. He is then given the sword that Al Mualim himself had just used to slay the Traitor, as well as the Hidden Blade. This sword is much less ornate and powerful than his original sword, but Altaïr is grateful nonetheless, as he will need both these weapons if he is going to slay Tamir.

Rank Three
When Altaïr returns to Masyaf holding a feather stained with Tamir's blood, he is again promoted by Al Mualim, to rank three. His Short Blade is returned to him (albeit reduced in quality), as well as his Counter Kills ability. From this point on, all successful Assassinations (except for that of Robert de Sable) will earn Altaïr promotions.

Rank Four
After Altaïr's second assassination, be it that of Garnier de Naplouse or Talal, he is promoted again to rank four. Throwing Knives, the last weapon to be returned, is presented to him (albeit reduced in knife capacity), as well as the Tackle ability.

Rank Five
After Altaïr's third assassination, be it that of Garnier de Naplouse or Talal, he is promoted again to rank five. He is presented the Assassin's Gloves by Al Mualim, allowing him to perform Grab Breaks. In addition, he can now Catch Ledges.

Rank Six
After Altaïr's fourth assassination, be it that of Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, or Majd Addin, he is promoted again to rank six. He is presented the Assassin's Boots by Al Mualim, allowing him to perform Dodges. In addition, they enable him to regain his balance when thrown in combat, meaning that he will not fall onto his face, instead rolling and immediately standing up. If you kill Abu'l, you can get the Level 2 blade.

Rank Seven
After Altaïr's fifth assassination, be it that of Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, or Majd Addin, he is promoted again to rank seven. He is given a Knife Belt, allowing him to hold 5 extra Throwing Knives, a total of 10. Also he might get his longsword upgraded to level 2

Rank Eight
After Altaïr's sixth assassination, be it that of Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, or Majd Addin, he is promoted again to rank eight. He is finally returned his own sword. While not the most powerful longsword in the game, it is his symbolic eagle-shaped blade, and the most powerful weapon in Assassin's Creed II.

Rank Nine
After Altaïr's seventh assassination, be it that of Sibrand or Jubair al Hakim, he is promoted again to rank nine. His Short Blade is upgraded, to a more sleek, powerful one.

Rank Ten
After Altaïr's eighth assassination, be it that of Sibrand or Jubair al Hakim, he is promoted. Altaïr is once more at the top of the Assassins' Order, rank ten. His Longsword is upgraded again, to a very ornate gold-hilted sword that is more powerful than the previous ones. While this sword is not his personal one, the shape of the blade and color of the hilt indicate high status. It is believed that after the events of Assassin's Creed, he returns to using the Rank Nine blade: the Sword Of Altaïr. In addition, he receives a second Knife Belt, increasing his capacity of Throwing Knives to 15.

Altaïr will need all his abilities to fight Robert de Sable and to be ready for that which will come after it, Al Mualim.