Revision 10

Overview

Forward Slash is a melee combat skill in Crimson Desert, available to Kliff. It belongs to the Stamina (Blue) branch of the skill tree. Take a strong step forward and deliver a powerful slash.

Skill Details

Skill Progression

Forward Slash has 2 upgrades that branch from it as you invest more Abyss Artifacts.

Combat Role

Forward Slash is considered one of the four most important skills in the game for boss encounters. The skill executes as a full combo by simply holding the button, trading Stamina for some of the best repeatable damage output available in melee combat. Unlike skills that consume Spirit, Forward Slash draws from the Stamina bar, making it a dependable damage source that you can sustain over long fights.

Damage Rotation

The standard damage rotation for melee builds centers on completing a full Forward Slash (R2) combo and then transitioning directly into a charged fire-imbued Turning Slash. This two-skill loop is the bread and butter of effective melee combat throughout the game. Forward Slash delivers consistent, heavy damage while Turning Slash adds burst and elemental pressure.

Pair Forward Slash with ranged options like Evasive Shot for stagger control and Charged Focus Shot for explosive burst damage at range. Switching between Forward Slash for sustained melee and Evasive Shot for ranged stagger-locking gives you flexibility against every boss type.

Tips

• Invest in Forward Slash early to unlock its full progression chain.

• Keep an eye on your Stamina bar when using this skill repeatedly; running out mid-combo leaves you vulnerable.

• Forward Slash trades Stamina rather than Spirit, making it the go-to sustained damage skill for longer boss fights.

• After completing the R2 combo, immediately queue a charged fire-imbued Turning Slash to maximize your damage window.

• Forward Slash works best when you already have a safe opening. Use ranged stagger-locking (Evasive Shot) to create those openings against aggressive bosses.

See Also

• Kliff Skills

• Skills

• Best Skills to Get First

• Combat System

Shadow Claw Enhancement

Socketing Shadow Claw on your main two-handed weapon significantly buffs Forward Slash, which is why it is the standard third abyss gear on a Turning Slash Nuke Build alongside Graceful Howling and Ground Search. Forward Slash stops being a filler basic and becomes a real damage contributor in the rotation.

Chain Into Turning Slash

Once Turning Slash is upgraded in the skill menu, an associated passive lets Forward Slash flow straight into Turning Slash with no animation gap. The intended high-damage opener is a Shadow Claw Forward Slash canceled directly into a Graceful Howling plus Ground Search Turning Slash. Without this upgrade the chain does not connect cleanly, so always invest the skill points before trying the nuke rotation.