The weapons in Assassin’s Creed are the following: your Fists, your Hidden Blade, your Long Sword, your Short Sword and your Knives (which you can throw). Each has a unique purpose and if you use them wisely, your assassinations will be more effective.

Assassin’s Fists
Obviously the assassin’s fists are not a lethal weapon, but they have some advantages. Use your fists to interrogate people without alarming the guards or to give a beating to thugs you dislike or are in your way. Be careful however, as in some places, you will encounter thugs that will give you a run for your money.

Assassin’s Hidden Blade
This is the ’signature’ weapon of the Assassin, as you know. It has the advantage of being very lethal and can be used in stealth attacks as well as running, fast motion attacks.

Low Profile attacks (walk): from close range, you can sneak kill someone without being detected for at least a few seconds. Some peasants might not care at all, but the guards will eventually realize what’s happening.

High Profile attacks (run): if mister fancy pants wants to show his skills off, let him! Especially effective if your target is running around, simply jump at him and deal the fatal blow to the poor sucker. This is not a stealth operation though, be prepared to run off and/or fight guards with another weapon afterwards. The Assassin’s Hidden Blade is cool, but don’t expect it to be a very efficient weapon if the guards are standing with their swords out. Use it when you can get to close range of a defenseless enemy, you’ll have more chances at a clean assassination.

Assassin’s Long Sword
If the guards have drawn their swords, draw yours! Perfect for all-out combat, the Long Sword will help you slice and dice enemies while enabling you to fend off attacks. This is a great weapon.

Assassin’s Short Blade
This blade is especially effective at short range. Kinda like the Hidden Blade, but since it’s on the same button as throwing knives, it has the advantage of automatically throwing knives if the enemy is too far. Use the Long Sword if you can, but if the enemy is closer and you need to do faster attacks, get the Short Blade out.

Assassin’s Knives (throwing)
Throwing knives is especially effective if you’re faced with many enemies at once or want to take out a standing archer or guard at range. This is the Assassin’s only range weapon and it usually kills normal opponents in one blow. You don’t have infinite amounts of knives so if you run out, steal some from a thug or go back to Masyaf. The throwing knives are not extremely useful if your enemy is running; run at him and use the Hidden Blade instead.