If you’re looking to prove your dominance in Sleeping Dogs and earn the coveted Martial Law achievement, then it’s time to step into the ring — again and again. This achievement is unlocked by beating all of the fight clubs scattered throughout Hong Kong, and while some can be breezed through with a few sharp kicks and lucky counters, others — like the infamous Aberdeen Fight Club — demand real finesse and endurance.
This guide focuses on strategy over repetition. We’ll break down the types of enemies you’ll face, provide tips on handling the toughest opponents, and share a winning mentality that blends aggression with adaptability.
Step One: Prioritize the Grapplers
When the bell rings and the fists start flying, your first priority should always be the grapplers — the larger, tougher enemies who can’t be grappled themselves. These brutes have a nasty habit of breaking your rhythm, ruining carefully planned combos, and generally making life miserable if left standing too long.
Since you can’t grab them, you’ll need to focus on relentless strikes. Heavy attacks can knock them off balance, and stringing together basic combos (X button mashing) is often the fastest way to wear them down. Don’t hesitate — once you identify a grappler, swarm them before they can isolate you or disrupt your flow.
Two Combat Styles: Defensive vs. Aggressive
There are two broad approaches you can take when tackling the fight clubs, and your success might depend on your preferred rhythm:
- Defensive Counter-Fighter:
If you’ve mastered the game’s countering system (Y when enemies flash red), you can slowly chip away at opponents by baiting attacks and responding with precise timing. This method is methodical and safer — ideal for players who can read the enemy and keep cool under pressure. - Aggressive Chaos Fighter:
Alternatively, you can go full throttle. This style is about overwhelming your opponents with movement, constant pressure, and a flurry of strikes. As the guide’s author puts it: “never stop kicking, never stop flailing your arms.” It’s a beautiful mess of aggression that works surprisingly well in the crowded melee of fight clubs.
Regardless of which you lean toward, flexibility is key. Don’t be afraid to switch tactics mid-fight, especially when a particular wave of enemies is giving you trouble.
Aberdeen Fight Club: The Real Test
Among all the fight clubs, Aberdeen is widely considered the toughest. The enemies are stronger, more coordinated, and more persistent. But with the right mindset and attention to patterns, you can get through it.
- Keep mobile. Staying in one spot is asking to be surrounded.
- Always know where the grappler is — even when you’re not targeting him.
- Mix in counters when things get too hectic. One well-timed Y press can stop a brawl from turning into a beatdown.
- Use the environment when possible. Knockdowns buy time and space.
The key to Aberdeen isn’t perfection — it’s persistence. You’ll get hit. You’ll get overwhelmed. But if you keep moving and stay unpredictable, you’ll carve your way through.
Final Thoughts
The Martial Law achievement isn’t just a badge of honor — it’s a celebration of Sleeping Dogs’ deeply satisfying combat mechanics. The fight clubs challenge you to refine everything you’ve learned in the main game and push it to the limit.
Whether you’re a tactical counter-puncher or a windmill-swinging chaos artist, the road to Martial Law is paved with bruises, broken noses, and well-earned victories. So keep swinging, keep dodging, and make sure the streets of Hong Kong know your name.
And when you’ve beaten every fight club, don’t forget to sit back, relax… and maybe give your fingers a rest.
Achievement unlocked: Martial Law.
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