This should come naturally in the normal progression of the game because it is often advantageous to perform brutal takedowns. However, you may want to grind it whether for instant gratification or to practice the technique. The achievement is unlocked when 50 brutal takedowns are performed.
Brutal Takedown: When a heavy melee attack is performed by holding
, a white sector in the circle surrounding the
prompt may appear. If the
button is released while the indicator is at that white sector, a brutal takedown will be performed. Controller vibration (if enabled) and a ‘ping’ sound effect may help the player with the timing on when to release the
button. If the B button is not released when the indicator is in the white sector then the ensuing takedown is a normal rather than a brutal takedown. Note, also, that a heavy attack by holding
may not be able to be performed against alert, capable enemies unless they are first softened up with one or more light attacks performed by tapping the B button.
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 brutal 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 is in the First Baptist Church complex and a nearby street corner where two Dixie Mafia goons loiter. Lincoln can go back and forth between the church complex and the corner doing five or more takedowns between the street corner and the house or garage in the First Baptist Church complex. The enemies inside the complex respawn when Lincoln goes to the street corner and the enemies on the street corner respawn when Lincoln goes a short distance into the 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, 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.
If three brutal takedowns are executed in quick succession, the following achievement will be unlocked: