Clockwork Soldiers are among the most formidable enemies in Dishonored 2, combining durability, agility, and lethal attacks. Fighting them can be a major challenge, especially on higher difficulties, but with the right strategy, you can take them down efficiently. This guide covers everything from stealth takedowns to head-on combat strategies to help you defeat these mechanical nightmares.

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Weak Spots and Disabling Clockwork Soldiers

Clockwork Soldiers have several vulnerabilities that can be exploited:

• Whale Oil Canisters (Arms & Back): Destroying the oil canisters on their arms will disable their attacks, but the major weak spot is on their back. A well-placed strike to the back panel will destroy them instantly.
• Head Removal: Severing their head blinds them, making them rely solely on sound to locate you. This can cause them to attack their own allies.
• Rewire Tools: If you have a Rewire Tool, use it on the right leg panel to turn Clockwork Soldiers into allies.

Weapon Options for Targeting Weak Spots

• Grenades & Sticky Grenades: Excellent for dealing explosive damage to weak points.
• Drop Assassinations: A properly executed drop attack will remove their head instantly.
• Sword Attacks: Effective in targeting the arms or head, but requires precision.

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Stealth Strategies: How to Avoid and Confuse Clockwork Soldiers

If you prefer a stealthy approach, understanding a Clockwork Soldier’s perception is crucial.

• Front & Back Cameras: They have exceptional vision in the front and back, but limited awareness on the sides.
• Blind Spots: You can sneak up from the side, drop down beside them, or use cover-to-cover movement to stay hidden.
• Drop Assassinations: If performed from an elevated position, a drop attack removes their head and blinds them instantly.

Once blinded, a Clockwork Soldier will attack any noise source, including other enemies. Use this to your advantage by creating distractions and letting them take out other foes.

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Combat Tactics: Taking Down a Clockwork Soldier in Battle

If you find yourself in direct combat, these tips will keep you alive:

1. Constantly Block: Blocking is essential, as Clockwork Soldiers perform rapid and heavy attacks.
2. Force an Overheat: After five to six blocked attacks, a Clockwork Soldier will overheat, creating a brief vulnerability window.
3. Attack the Back Panel: Use this overheating moment to strike the back panel, exposing the primary oil tank.
4. Use Blink for Positioning: If you’re playing as Corvo, use Blink to quickly reposition behind the enemy.
5. Stay Out of Range After a Kill: When destroyed, Clockwork Soldiers emit a powerful electrostatic dischargethat deals heavy damage.

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Evading and Escaping Clockwork Soldiers

If you need to escape from a Clockwork Soldier:

• Break Line of Sight: Use cover and vertical movement to lose them.
• Blink or Far Reach: Move behind obstacles and reposition before they can track you.
• Beware of Jumps: Clockwork Soldiers can follow you onto balconies and jump after you, so don’t assume height is a safe escape.

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Advanced Techniques and Special Situations

Trapping and Manipulating Clockwork Soldiers

• Rewire Them: If you use a rewire tool, they’ll attack enemies instead of you.
• Use the Environment: Lure them into tight spaces where their mobility is limited.
• Exploit Their Blindness: Once the head is removed, they attack sound sources, so you can bait them into fighting each other.

Fighting in Small Spaces

If you’re stuck in a small room and can’t escape:

1. Block Constantly – Don’t stop blocking, as their attacks are relentless.
2. Exploit Overheating – Let them swing five or six times, then counterattack.
3. Aim for the Back – When they overheat, get behind them and strike the oil tank.

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Final Thoughts

Clockwork Soldiers can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, they become manageable threats. Whether you prefer stealth, manipulation, or direct combat, mastering their weaknesses will ensure that you come out on top.

Got more tips? Leave a comment or check out our other guides for more Dishonored 2 strategies!