Revision 3

Overview

Crimson Desert features an extensive combo system allowing players to chain attacks and special skills through specific multi-button inputs. Pearl Abyss wanted to highlight the combat system, it's both challenging and rewarding, and players will enjoy experimenting with its vast array of combos.

The combat draws inspiration from action games like Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden, featuring button combos and sequences that feel more like a fighting game than a typical action RPG. The combat pace is incredibly faster than Souls-likes, it's about performing infinite attacks while incorporating evasion/defense.

Basic Attacks

Players have access to light attacks (R1) and heavy attacks (R2) forming the foundation of combat. These can be extended through dodges, blocks, parries, and ripostes.

A kick attack is available at any time with Triangle, transforming into a powerful two-footed kick when performed after a jump. These basic moves chain together to create offensive pressure. R1+R2 generates a powerful down-swing attack.

Special Skills

On top of basic combat, players perform special skills through specific multi-button inputs. Examples include the Neckbreaker attack (circle + triangle grab into RKO, followed by R1 sword stab), the Blinding Flash skill (L1 + R1) for stunning enemies, Precision Focus for slow-motion arrow shots, Flurry Slash for deadly sword combos, and Turning Slash for dealing damage while hurling enemies away.

Face button combinations allow feints. A sweeping reverse slash and rapid flurry sequences are performed through button combos.

Wrestling and Hand-to-Hand

The combat system incorporates wrestling-inspired moves: hip throws, grapples that look like DDTs, TKO headlocking takedowns, and devastating chargeable attacks. These moves help manage groups of enemies and provide stylish combat options.

However, against massive bosses like the Staglord, grapples and wrestling moves are completely ineffective, forcing players to rely on precise timing and movement instead.

Weapon Switching

An equipment wheel allows quick swapping between different weapons during combat. Players have complete freedom in choosing weapons: swords, bows, shields, and more can be seamlessly integrated into combo sequences.

The bow can be deployed at any moment with L2. Explosive and freezing arrows offer tactical options within combo strings. Switching weapons takes a moment, so it's best saved for gaps in combat.

Elemental Combos

The Axiom Bracelet grants elemental abilities: fire, ice, and lightning, that can enhance attacks. Fire arrows explode on impact and are great against clustered enemies. Ice-enhanced melee attacks freeze foes for shattering follow-ups. Lightning disrupts shielded enemies.

Elemental palm attacks can be weaved into combos using the L3 and R3 buttons for left and right hand Force Palm attacks. Pressing both sticks (L3+R3) enters superpower mode for enhanced abilities.

Aerial Combos

One highlight technique: double-jump, slow down time with Precision Focus, then unleash a barrage of explosive arrows at enemies below. This stylish aerial approach works particularly well against Hexe Marie's minions.

The Axiom Force maneuver while airborne causes Kliff to crash into the ground in a damaging shockwave, providing combat applications for aerial approaches.

Combat Philosophy

Combat is viewed as a problem for which players choose the solution. Environmental mechanics like kicking enemies off ledges, throwing foes into fire, stunning enemies and using pillars to crush them offer alternatives to pure weapon combos.

While the game features stamina bars and emphasizes guarding and parrying, combat is faster-paced than Souls-like games. Enemies attack quickly, rewarding aggressive combo-based play.