Long weapon

The Spear and Halberd appear as a usable weapon in Assassin's Creed II, but you can only acquire it by disarming a Guard as Shops do not have them for sale. Spears and Halberds in the game classify as long weapons due to their length. Also, once combat is over or if you sprint away Ezio will discard it since whether or not the weapon is intact or broken, Ezio would not have enough inventory space to keep one. Also, a Spear or Halberd would also be too big to carry while moving freely across streets and rooftops. The length of the shaft keeps enemies at bay and makes it very difficult to evade. Dodging maneuvers against Halberdiers frequently fail to make sufficient distance, while blocks are overpowered. Long weapons can only be countered by Long or Heavy weapons, with the Hidden Blade being an exception as it counters any weapon, although the timing involved makes the maneuver more difficult, and thus risky. Also if you are equipped with your Hidden Gun or Poison Blade will automatically counter by his Hidden Blade. Maximum Combo length for Long weapon is 3 hits. The Long weapon is usually equipped by the Seekers. Some Brutes have also been seen wielding a Spear or Halberd as well.



Special Technique
The Sweep Attack is another charged move that can be interrupted, but one that can be unleashed at any time during the charge. The longer the Sweep is charged, the greater the arc it will affect. Acquired from Training, it is an attack that requires a long weapon.

A brief hold of the Weapon Hand Button performs a quick short Sweep. Keep it held and Ezio will turn the Long shaft over his shoulder, changing stance in readiness to perform a long Sweep spin when released. Enemies in front of him will trip and fall to the ground, while those behind are knocked over by a blow to the head. Sweeping more than three times with the same long weapon will cause it to break. There is an achievement that requires this skill.

Breakability
It is possible to block a Heavy weapon's Smash attack with a Long weapon. The defender will avoid all damage but the parrying weapon will shatter in two (bottom of spear/halberd in left hand, top of spearhead/halberd with spearhead in right hand). When a Long weapon breaks, the owner may continue to wield the remaining half as if it were a bladed (or blunt depending on which half) Medium weapon. An individual half can be kept in an empty primary weapon slot for later use, however it will vanish if you save and reload.You may also counter as soon as it broken which stabs both pieces into the attacker.

Trivia

 * Spears and Halberds have the longest reach out of any other melee weapons in Assassin's Creed 2, making them very effective at close quarters.
 * Out of the many weapons in the Italian Guard's arsenal, the Long weapons seem to be the rarest melee weapons.
 * The Halberd seems to be the preferred weapon of the Seekers.
 * Also, many Mercenaries seem to prefer long weapons as well.
 * The Spears and Halberds can sometimes be quite tricky to counter as the guards wielding them swipe and lunge at a fast pace.
 * After attacking or defending with Spears and Halberds frequently they can break in half leaving Ezio or the enemy open to attacks.