There're two ways to execute an enemy with the Katana. The first is relatively easy and works on almost every character except for some bosses. The second requires a few enemies closer together and is more situational.

Let's go over our controls. This is specifically for the gamepad. On the keyboard Right Trigger corresponds to "Attack Primary" or the left mouse button. And Left Trigger corresponds to "Attack Secondary" or the right mouse button.

does a basic swipe to the right.



Does a basic swipe to the left



Holding down either button does a different power attack.

The trick is to find an NPC, and do a power attack on them. And then immediately do a regular attack.

If done correctly the player will perform an execution move and either kill them outright or do massive damage.

There are four execution moves. Based on which combination of power attack and regular attack you perform.

Thrust attack:
The thrust attack requires you do a power attack, and immediately doing a regular attack.


Mouth attack
The mouth attack requires doing a power attack, and immediately performing a regular attack.


Kick attack
The kick attack requires doing a power attack and immediately a regular attack right after


Impale attack
The impale attack requires that you do a power attack and immediately a regular attack right after

Method 2 is slightly harder. You need to hit a pedestrian 3 times with the Katana. No power attack is needed.

The trouble is, when you hit a guy twice, the second attack knocks him down. But there is another way. You can hit a pedestrian twice with the katana and hit a different pedestrian. Which will immediately do an execution move.

Step 1: Find a group of people

Step 2: start hitting one of them with the Katana. Make sure you land the third attack on another enemy. You will perform an execution move.

This is the most unpredictable way of doing it and won't always work. It's recommended you do the first method if you wish to consistently execute NPCs.

And voila. That's all there is to it

Practice, practice, practice and you'll eventually be able to nail most every enemy with an execution move, and be a badass ninja gangster.