Combat Techniques and Stances

Identify your current stance via the icon below Harkyn's magic bar (HUD (heads-up display — the on-screen icons showing health, ammo and the minimap) - Heads-Up Display).

Utilize general combat techniques:

Light/Heavy Attacks: Light attacks are faster, cost less Stamina, and deal less damage. Heavy attacks are slower, consume more Stamina, and deal more damage, but leave you open to counterattacks. Use heavy attacks on stunned or unaware enemies.

Chaining Attacks: Press the attack button repeatedly before the first attack finishes to perform combos. Combo length depends on weapon weight and available Stamina. Chained attacks deal bonus damage and consume less Stamina.

Jump Attack: While running at an enemy, jump and press attack mid-air for an overhead smash that can stagger enemies and break shields.

Rolling Attack: Run at an enemy, roll, and press the melee button during the roll animation for a special melee attack that deals more damage than a standard swing.

Backstabbing: Position yourself directly behind an opponent and perform a light attack to execute a backstab, dealing significant damage and leaving them vulnerable.

Blocking: Hold the block button to block attacks. Shields are more effective than weapons, and all stances offer some form of block to reduce incoming damage.

Dodging: Dive out of the way of most attacks. Timing is crucial to avoid damage; learn enemy attack patterns to know when to block and when to roll.

Side-stepping: Move sideways during an attack to evade slower strikes. This is easier with light armor or low armor loading for quicker movement.

Master stance-specific abilities:

Weapon + Shield Stance: Harkyn wields a weapon and a shield. You can block and use the shield's secondary ability. Cannot use two-handed weapons or Gauntlets.

Tower Shield: Offers maximum protection.

• Shield Charge: Run at enemies with your shield up to temporarily stun them.

Shield Charge: Can break fragile walls to reveal secret areas.

Shield Wall: Plant your shield to take cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects), stun charging enemies, and reduce damage.

Kite Shield: Medium-sized, offering balanced protection.

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Shield Bash: Temporarily stun enemies with a shield bash.

Buckler Shield: Small, wrist-bound shields offering decent protection and a unique ability.

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Riposte: Deflect an incoming enemy attack by pressing the secondary button as it lands, avoiding damage and following up with a critical strike. Requires precise timing.

Weapon + Gauntlet Stance: Harkyn wields a weapon and uses his other hand for the Gauntlet. You can block with your weapon and use the Gauntlet's ranged abilities. Cannot use two-handed weapons or block with a shield. Gauntlet ability effects depend on equipped runes.

Explosive: Launches a grenade-like energy attack with a fuse. Best used as an opening attack on patrolling or ranged enemies due to fuse length and projectile arc.

Projectile: Fires like a gun, allowing you to lock on and shoot continuously. Has a relatively high mana cost compared to other abilities.