Combat

How does combat work?

Chivalry (2012) pioneered a combat system that brought sword fighting to the multiplayer FPS genre. For Chivalry 2, we have taken the foundation of Chivalry 1’s combat and revamped it to allow for far more dramatic and engaging fights at all skill levels.

Left click to swing, hold for a heavy attack, right click to parry. The mouse wheel performs stabs and overheads. Duck under swings or leap into strikes. Combo attacks – flowing from one to another in a whirlwind of steel. Riposte as a fast counter after blocking. A revised feinting system lets you play intense mind games with foes and gives another layer of control for the master swordsman.

Weapon attacks and blocks are weighty and satisfying, adding the proper amount of crunch as your sword sinks into your opponent’s skull.

We have added a variety of new attack types and adjusted the flow of combat to be more natural, flowing, faster and dynamic. Whether fighting in groups or 1 on 1, the rush of combat will leave your heart pounding and provides a true opportunity for players to create their own playstyle and master the system over time.

View the Combat Guide video for more info:

What about the ballerina moves / dragging exploits?

A major development focus for Chivalry 2 has been a complete rework of the animation and movement systems to ensure that combat both looks and feels weighty and satisfying like a medieval game should. In a multiplayer game it is critical that when you die you feel you understand how you could have done better. Visual indication of all actions must be clear and readable. Chivalry 1 did not meet these standards, and over time combat became understandably frustrating – especially against high skill opponents.

Our new approach is focused on ensuring that the transfer of momentum from strikes and adjustments players can make in real-time is at the right balance of visually understandable, physical in appearance and still gives players a true sense of control over their swings.

Chivalry 2 captures the promise of what Chivalry 1 should have been in terms of its hit detection reliability and combat depth, without forcing players to resort to silly/frustrating tactics.

Is there dragging?

Yes, accelerating or slowing down your attacks by moving the mouse or controller thumbstick as you swing (simulating the torquing of your hips) remains an important part of Chivalry 2’s combat system. It is what makes it feel like you can lean into your strike, and aim with the precision you would expect from an FPS.

Dragging is an essential feature which separates our combat system from a canned animation system. However we have taken great efforts to make sure that combat looks realistic and have avoided moves that are confusing or look like exploits. As such, reverse drags will be limited. Swings will have a higher sense of momentum, able to be adjusted but not without commitment during a swing.