Edit 31 March 2017: This achievement had been glitched but players are now unlocking it. If you have met the conditions for the achievement and it has not unlocked, it is likely it will unlock in a new game. Note that you cannot rely on the takedown counter in the game hub. If you start a new game, take note of what the takedown counter is and assume that this number represents the starting point. The takedown counter includes both stealth and non-stealth takedowns. The below guide describes how to get the achievement early in the game even with the high count of stealth takedowns required.Edit 30 Apr 2017 - Caution: This achievement had been glitched but, based on the number or recent winners, the problem has been solved. If you have difficulties refer to the strike-thru comment above.
This should come naturally in the normal progression of the game because it is often advantageous to perform stealth takedowns. However, you may want to grind it whether for instant gratification or to practice the technique. Moreover,
since the achievement had been glitched, you may want to satisfy the conditions to unlock it as soon as possible to verify that it will not present a problem.
Stealth Takedown:
A stealth takedown is a lethal or non-lethal takedown performed when the target has not been alerted to Lincoln's presence. This can be the case where Lincoln sneaks up behind an enemy while crouching. It is, perhaps, most easily performed when Lincoln is in cover and whistles. A nearby enemy will come to investigate and can be caught unawares with the stealth takedown.
Technique: When Lincoln gets close to an enemy who is unaware of his presence, usually, but not always, the
symbol will appear on the enemy signifying a stealth takedown can be performed. However, this indicator is not perfectly reliable and so practicing in a controlled environment may be of benefit to perfect the timing. You will quickly learn when a stealth takedown can be performed and will be able to execute it regardless of whether the
prompt appears or not. The takedown itself is performed by tapping or holding
.
The use of
for a stealth takedown differs from its use against an alert enemy. In the latter case, tapping
is a light attack and holding
is a heavy attack (with the option of performing a brutal attack with the right timing). Against an unalert enemy, all uses of
are the same--a stealth takedown with corresponding animation. As
Mobius Evalon appropriately advises, the easiest technique is a light tap of the B button at the appropriate time.
Grinding the Achievement:The achievement can be grinded in many places should players want to unlock the achievement without waiting for it to pop in normal game play. The below video shows a controlled, set-piece type environment where stealth takedowns can be practiced. It is early in the game. Cassandra has become Lincoln's ally and the
Way of Flesh mission is underway. It is during the Prostitution Racket sub-mission. At that point in the game, members of the Dixie Mafia have started loitering in pairs at certain locations.
The grinding location has Lincoln do a stealth takedown at a corner on one of the loitering Dixie Mafia members. Then he goes into the First Baptist Church complex and performs two more stealth takedowns. When Lincoln returns to the street corner where he started, the loitering Dixie Mafia duo will have respawned. So, Lincoln can go back and forth doing three takedowns between the street corner and the house or garage in the First Baptist Church complex.
The First Baptist Church complex plays a part in the Smack sub-mission. So, the location becomes unavailable partway through the Smack sub-mission. Even though it becomes unavailable early on, it is still a good location. There is a Tac vest and a First Aid box in the house or garage near the Church. So, Lincoln can take care of his health. Even though the takedowns are stealth takedowns other enemies are alerted and will attack Lincoln. So, should Lincoln take damage, he can reconstitute his health and protection. The Tac Vest, if used, respawns when Lincoln goes as far as the street corner with the Dixie Mafia pair.