How to avoid endless fights or at least win them?

[Black Hammer]

I've tried getting into this game twice, and both times, within the first day, I keep getting chased by people who want to punch me to death. No idea why, they seem to spawn in from nowhere in particular with murder on their mind. The combat mechanics are kind of crap: hitstun, stamina bars, and janky animations don't add up to an immersive experience, but a very gamey one. Also nonlethal self-defense is apparently a crime?

Seems like you're punished for running, punished for fighting, and while I'm totally OK with lots of mystery in the actual plot, the mystery of why infinite murderhobos chase you across town seemingly has no connection to the plot.

[Timewave Zero]

In no way you can be punished for running.

[IncompleteEssence]

Yup, combat isn't fun. Just run away. Don't bother fighting them or even just turning your back to see who chases you. Just run. Also, they can't reach you inside houses (which doesn't mean that you are going to have an easy time getting into them). The public opinion of you will get better after you visited Lara and slept at her place in the north of the town.

Originally posted by Black Hammer:

The combat mechanics are kind of crap: hitstun, stamina bars, and janky animations don't add up to an immersive experience, but a very gamey one

Don't go into this game expecting a comfy walking sim. It is immersive, but a frustratingly hard experience, which is, at least in my opinion, not at odds with it's immersivity.

[Gerry]

In the early (and even later) game don't stick around for fights once you're being attacked, it's easy to outrun enemies and with enough distance between you they stop chasing - that or go indoors somewhere. Later on if you must, utilise the sneak mechanic and strong attack from behind, it will stun enemies and makes it easier to kill them before they can retaliate.

It's worth killing some of the muggers/looters (NOT the normal townsfolk during the first day) as this raises your reputation and they frequently have useful or valuable items on them. Also there's a knife in Lara's house, I'd recommend keeping hold of it, it's super useful throughout the whole game. I didn't use a gun at all in my playthrough, just that beginning knife. Have people in the town repair it for you.

[Sirlion]

You seem confused by the starting area of the game. The chase is scripted you're supposed to reach the town hall. then people will gradually stop bothering you if you behave correctly.
Also if possible NEVER fight anyone unless you're forced to. The game forces you to fight only once in a very specific scenario, for 99 percent of the game you're better off avoiding any kind of confrontation.

[Griffith]

Originally posted by Sirlion Chad Ziodynecock:

You seem confused by the starting area of the game. The chase is scripted you're supposed to reach the town hall. then people will gradually stop bothering you if you behave correctly.
Also if possible NEVER fight anyone unless you're forced to. The game forces you to fight only once in a very specific scenario, for 99 percent of the game you're better off avoiding any kind of confrontation.

What?? Scripted chase? Town Hall? Town Hall doesn't "really" stop them, but it is a way to be safe. I don't know what you mean about a scripted chase though...

[Mikeavelli]

The reputation loss on the first day is scripted, it causes NPCs who are normally friendly to start chasing you.

The reputation gain after you clear things up with Town Hall (and Big Vlad) is also scripted, and makes normal townsfolk stop attacking you.

[Sirlion]

Originally posted by 7thHeaven:

Originally posted by Sirlion Chad Ziodynecock:

You seem confused by the starting area of the game. The chase is scripted you're supposed to reach the town hall. then people will gradually stop bothering you if you behave correctly.
Also if possible NEVER fight anyone unless you're forced to. The game forces you to fight only once in a very specific scenario, for 99 percent of the game you're better off avoiding any kind of confrontation.

What?? Scripted chase? Town Hall? Town Hall doesn't "really" stop them, but it is a way to be safe. I don't know what you mean about a scripted chase though...

It means exactly what I said. Read the post below yours. Day 1 events are scripted. People will stop attacking upon reaching the town hall.