Blade of Fire’scombat is brutal, and every hit feels like it has weight, but it’s also challenging, where even the Queen’s Hounds can land two shots and send Aran back to the nearest Anvil to restart the loop again. It shares many similarities with theDark Soulsseries but features a combat system more akin to the newer God of War games. However, it distinguishes itself through a variety of available weapons, directional attacks, and dismemberment.
Most battles inBlades of Firerequire strategy and timing, but few things beat landing those spectacularly bloody finishing blows. Use the following combat tips to ensure success inBlades of Fire.
7Aran Is Stronger With Better Weapons
Aran’s Strength Is Tied To The Quality Of The Steel
Unlike similar games, Aran doesn’t level up beyond finding items to increase his stamina and health bar. His strength is tied to the weapons he creates at the Forge of the Gods. The better the weapon, the more damage it does against enemies.
you may create better weapons bydefeating enemies that drop a lot of iron, coal, and other crafting materials that can be used to forge a weapon. Enemies with armor usually drop more materials, and mini-bosses like the Warmongers of Mayhem and the Trolls can reveal better steel that can be crafted.
6Lock On To Aran’s Enemies
Highlight The Enemy’s Weaknesses
Pressing the lock-on button will highlight the enemy Aran is about to attack, but the outline’s color will show whether the weapon being used will inflict damage.
However, some enemies have armor with vulnerabilities; for example, most of their body will have a red outline, but the head, torso, or arms will be green. So, you can just attack the vulnerable areas with quick attacks or time a finishing attack.
5Keep An Eye On Aran’s Stamina
Heavy Swings & Dodges Will Slow Him Down
Aran will use stamina when dodging enemy attacks and using heavy attacks.Combat inBlades of Fireis designed to feel like a hard-fought duel where picking one’s shots matters. Overcommitting and missing will drain Aran’s stamina and slow him down. However, this can be avoided using the following methods:
4Change Stances To Find Openings
Slashing & Piercing Weapons Utilize Stances
Aran can change stances while blocking attacks when he’s wielding swords and spears. One stance will utilize stabbing, which is good for fast attacks and targeting weak spots in the armor. The slashing stance will hit enemies with swinging attacks that could potentially decapitate or cut off limbs.
3Save The Best Weapons For Stronger Enemies
Use Weaker Or Damaged Weapons On Smaller Foes
As players progress throughBlades of Fire’sstory, they’ll unlock more Forge Scrolls to create new weapons. However, these weapons wear down and break after use. Players can create more powerful weapons, but may want to keep them for stronger and more dangerous enemies.
For example, slashing through hordes of the undead usually takes one swing of the blade, but it’ll wear the weapon down, and it will need to be repaired at the cost of one Forge Star. Either purposely create a weapon with lower quality steel that gets the job done, or use a weapon that’s on its last star, and save the best weapons for mini-bosses and armored enemies.
2Don’t Commit To Finishing Every Enemy
Use Tactics To Look For Openings
Sneaking up on an enemy and chopping their heads off or crushing them with a Warhammer is incredibly satisfying. However, aside from draining Aran’s stamina, the attacks are slower, making him an easy target for fast enemies wielding swords and daggers.
Instead, move or dodge their attacks to the side and make short swings with chaining attacks when appropriate. The fights are designed to be duels, and going for the one-hit kill shot all the time will prove costly for Aran. Try to gain the tactical advantage by using blocks and parries to finish stronger and faster enemies instead.
1Keep Adso Around
Aran’s Chronicler Keeps Records Of Everything
Aran’s companion Adso chronicles their adventure and makes notes of every encounter with enemies, collectible items, and more. He can be sent away, but he won’t make any notes, and worse still, won’t record Aran’s kills to create Forge Scrolls for new weapons after defeating enemies. He also makes notes that outline strategies and tactics for beating all the enemies he encountered.
He can communicate strategies during combat and unlock sealed doors as well. Additionally, Adso serves as an excellent distraction. While he cannot be harmed, enemies will attempt to attack him when he is nearby. This creates opportunities for finishing moves and helps to scatter groups of enemies.
