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[Basic Token]

nt

[Gibbonici]

The control options will tell you everything you need to know about what button/key does what. As for the first fight, don't worry about losing that one - you're supposed to. And don't worry too much about the rot either.

The one thing that is worth knowing that might not be obvious is that you can use your Focus button in combat. You don't get the ability right away, but as you progress you'll see glowing spiral symbols appear on the mirror on your belt. For each of the three spirals you can get, you can use your Focus once.

Using Focus in combat makes incorporeal enemies attackable, it slows enemies down and will open defence on shield enemies.

There are also combos that you can chain together, but you'll figure out how to do them as you play. Also your Melee attack (which can come as a kick or a punch) is useful. Kicks will break enemy defence for a short time and punches can break enemy moves and create openings.

One last thing, use your dodge often and use it to avoid getting blocked into corner or against walls. Some enemies can only be beaten through judicious use of dodging.

[Gibbonici]

No idea TBH, like you I turned Auto off as soon as I saw the option. Presumably it adapts the difficulty to how you play.

[weaponspec]

How do you clinch!? And how do you avoid being kneed!?

[...Juѕτịcє]

I thought I was the only one thinking the exact same thing. I thought i failed, and i had no clue what buttons to hit etc. A brief explanation was all I needed.

[mayonnaise on an escalator]

Just a quick bump about auto - I was on auto the entire game, and the difficulty/amount of enemies seemed to ramp up.

Spoilers for near the end of the game, but only combat related:
You pass a bridge that, the first time I did it, was entirely choked with enemies - I died, and when I re-did that segment, about half the enemies were missing.

So, yeah, auto affects enemy amounts, and possibly enemy HP/etc, based on how well you play.

[Sejakun]

I agree with the topic creator. I just started playing the game, knowing almost nothing about it. After the first lost fight, I did a search about a tutorial and found this topic. I can't believe they were dumb enough to not make a very quick tutorial about fighting in a game with permadeath.
Good job devs, you are heroes....

[^Reddl]

there is perma death? where? ;D

[Killer Kitten]

First off, the perma death is a lie. Secondly, the fight mechanics aren't all that difficult. It's a lot of experimenting.

[Corlain]

When you fall down, mash buttons to get up. Win.

[LolaCoylyte]

There is actually a complex array of choices for you to try in combat.

This Reddit post : https://www.reddit.com/r/hellblade/comments/6sr9ff/combat_system_overview_everything_i_know/?st=j6gxu1s2&sh=db1602fb is an itroduction.

Another introduction into the not so easily guessed complexities of combat is here : https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps4/827518-hellblade-senuas-sacrifice/faqs/75195/combat-move-list

Which will work best? I do not know. Yet learning a few of the not at all obvious methods might help you with your game.

[LolaCoylyte]

And, when it comes to the tutorial. There is none. Best thing is to screw up your resolve and simply try a plan over and over against a scene until you find your tricks and rhythms which actually work.