Combat Mechanics: Gameplay 2

Learn the combat mechanics in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Master light/heavy attacks, blocking, parrying, dodging, and understanding enemy attack types (white, blue, red glints).

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, combat begins when an enemy's awareness turns red. To gain an advantage, press the right analog stick to lock onto your target, which helps track them, though it can be challenging against multiple foes. You have two primary attacks: Light Attack (R1/RB) and Heavy Attack (R2/RT). Use Circle/B to dodge and L1/LB to block and parry incoming attacks. It's crucial to react to enemy actions rather than button mashing.

Enemies are defeated when their health bar is depleted. Most also have an armor bar that typically depletes before health. Some attacks can bypass armor, and destroying armor can open enemies to other combat mechanics. Pay close attention to enemy attack indicators:

• White Flash: A normal attack that can be blocked or parried. A successful parry can interrupt the enemy's attack sequence.
• Blue Flash: Part of a combo. Even if blocked or parried, you must wait for the combo to finish before attacking.
• Red Glint: An unblockable attack. Blocking or parrying will result in taking damage; only dodging can avoid it. Some enemies may mix unblockable attacks into combos.

Successfully parrying or dodging attacks at the last second can put enemies into a Vulnerable state, indicated by an orangish glow. This dazed state lasts a few seconds or until the enemy is hit. Passive and weapon skills often utilize this state. Landing a Light Posture attack on a vulnerable enemy triggers a deadly Weak Point attack.

Posture Attacks are charged maneuvers (hold both attack buttons) effective against enemies who block frequently, as they can break their guard. Ending a combo on a vulnerable enemy with a Posture Attack deals significant damage and is a key tactic in combat.

Adrenaline, indicated by a diamond icon above your health bar, fuels weapon abilities. Hold R2/RT and press the corresponding skill button to activate. Adrenaline builds by landing hits, especially Light Attacks, or by parrying. Skill trees offer nodes to increase Adrenaline capacity.

Initially, you'll wield only a Katana. As you progress, you'll unlock more weapon types. Each character has two weapon slots (primary and secondary), and you can equip any weapon type in either, but not two of the same type. To switch between equipped weapons, press right on the directional pad. This switch takes a few seconds, so be mindful of the timing during combat. Holding right on the directional pad sheathes your weapon.