Combat Guide

The combat of Sui Generis and Exanima is difficult to grasp but amazing to behold. Once the basics are learned, the mechanics open up into a near endless world of possibilities. In its most basic form, the controls are easy enough to see, but understanding the mechanics of the game is something that will take time, and the best way to learn is to simply play.

There are four main, basic aspects of combat; positioning, timing, skills, and movement. All of these, bar skills, are things that player has to control 'ad lib,' and are therefore, difficult to put into normal contextualized formats. Know this; if you are struggling with combat in the game, this game can't be learned like other games, you must 'feel' how your weapon swings with your movement, you must 'feel' how your weapon handles, and ultimately, the things that become most important are not 'stats,' but your own, well learned, ability with a certain weapon or play style. You may master the short-sword and shield, but wield a two-hander axe, and you might find yourself under pressure.

Positioning is different for all weapons. Knowing your strike distance, as well as knowing the enemies, is vital to winning a battle.

Timing is all about reading the enemy. When they swing, you step back, or side step, or move the mouse in direction of their swing. Blocking will happen automatically, within reason. If your back is to the enemy, you will have a hard time blocking the blow. But timing, as well as feinting attacks, is crucial to opening up your enemies to your attacks. Attacking enemies while they hold a solid position will result in them gaining parries, and setting yourself up for counter-strikes. Don't be afraid to hold you ground, position wise, if you think the enemies will miss, timing a mighty swing when their arm has just passed you can create some of the most devastating results.

Skills are the subtle differences in combat techniques you and the enemy learn while leveling up. They make a big difference to the amount of fury you can bring to the table.

Movement has different aspects to it. The first, and most important aspect, is to remain facing your enemy. When you have multiply enemies, try never to move between them, keep them to one side of yourself and keep them at bay. The second aspect is speed. This can be controlled by holding shift, increasing your (in combat) lunge range, and can greatly increasing your effective damage, while also increasing your own susceptibility to incoming attacks. Keep this in mind, as enemies who oft think they are out of your range can be brutalized by a well set up, long weapon swing. Thirdly is mouse movement. Moving the mouse with your swings is hugely important to landing fight-winning blows on your enemies. It is possible to end your foe with one strike. This is extremely difficult, but the ability to do so is a testament to variability in which you can hit your enemy. Again, mouse movement is heavily dependent on your weapon choice, however the basic understanding is that your weapons will 'follow' your mouse pointer, and that your swing, can be 'boosted' or 'thrust' by your mouse, as well as your initial click.

"I've seen a man in full armour, hit so hard with a hammer, he did an acrobatic flip before hitting the ground."