Combat Stances

Explore the three combat stances in Lords of the Fallen (2014): Weapon + Shield, Weapon + Gauntlet, and Two-handed. Learn their unique abilities and strategic advantages.

In Lords of the Fallen (2014), Harkyn can adopt three distinct combat stances, each offering unique advantages and limitations. Understanding these stances is crucial for effective combat.

Weapon + Shield

In this stance, Harkyn wields a weapon in one hand and a shield in the other. This allows for blocking attacks and utilizing the shield's secondary abilities. The type of shield equipped determines the available abilities. This stance prevents the use of two-handed weapons or Gauntlets.

Shield Types:

• Tower Shield: Large and bulky, offering maximum protection. Abilities include:
  • Shield Charge: Temporarily stuns enemies when running with the shield up. Can also break fragile walls to reveal secrets.
  • Shield Wall: Plants the shield to create cover, stunning charging enemies and reducing damage.
• Kite Shield: Medium-sized and lighter than a Tower Shield, offering moderate protection. Abilities include:
  • Shield Charge: Temporarily stuns enemies when running with the shield up. .
  • Shield Bash: Temporarily stuns enemies.
• Buckler Shield: Small, wrist-mounted shields that are very light, offering decent protection and a unique ability. Abilities include:
  • Shield Charge: Temporarily stuns enemies when running with the shield up. .
  • Riposte: Deflects an incoming enemy attack by hitting the secondary button at the right moment, allowing for a critical strike. This is high-risk, high-reward.

Weapon + Gauntlet

This stance involves Harkyn holding a weapon in one hand and using his other for the Gauntlet. Players can block attacks with their weapon and utilize the Gauntlet's ranged abilities. This stance prevents the use of two-handed weapons or shields.

Gauntlet Attacks:

• Explosive: Launches a small, looping energy attack resembling a grenade. Best used as an opening attack due to its fuse length and projectile arc.
• Projectile: Acts like a gun, allowing for continuous locked-on shots. It has a relatively high mana cost but is reliable.
• Blast: Similar to a shotgun blast, capable of hitting multiple enemies at close range. The charge-up animation is lengthy, leaving Harkyn vulnerable.

Two-handed

The two-handed stance allows Harkyn to wield two-handed weapons or dual-wield certain dagger and fist weapons. Players can block attacks with their weapon(s) but cannot use shield or gauntlet abilities in this stance.