Melee weapons form the core of Crimson Desert's Combat System. The game draws inspiration from fighting games like Street Fighter, with developers wanting players to 'master Kliff as if he were a Street Fighter character, learning each move, combo, and ability.' Every attack has personality, and the combat flow feels like a fighting game wearing the skin of a cinematic RPG. Players can wield single-handed weapons with shields, dual-wield for faster attacks, or use massive two-handed weapons for devastating damage.
Weapon Categories
Weapon Type | Attack Style | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
Light, heavy, thrusting attacks | Balanced speed and damage, pairs with shield for defense | |
Wide sweeping attacks | Higher damage, slower recovery, good for crowd control | |
Rapid slashing combos | High attack speed, used by NPCs and available to players | |
Moderate speed strikes | Versatile combat with shield option available | |
Devastating heavy blows | Breaks enemy defenses, high damage per hit | |
Rapid attack chains | Fast combos, agility-focused hit-and-run tactics | |
Extended reach thrusts | Superior range, effective for mounted combat | |
Cavalry charges |
Swords
Swords are the most versatile weapon type in Crimson Desert, with an abundance to choose from. The classic sword and shield combination is presented as the primary combat style, offering a balance of offense and protection. As one preview noted, 'As for melee weapons, my character had the classic sword and shield as well as a spear, which came with their own moves and combos.'
Sword | Details |
|---|---|
One-Handed Swords | Light attacks (R1) for fast combos, heavy attacks (R2) for powerful strikes |
Two-Handed Swords | Wide sweeping attacks effective against groups |
Dual Curved Swords | Seen in NPC combat, offering rapid slash combinations |
Lightning Sword | Special elemental weapon spotted in gameplay footage |
Axes
Axes deliver heavy, crushing blows that can break enemy guards. Two-handed axes are featured prominently in trailers showing Kliff wielding them against both human enemies and massive creatures. The weight behind each swing creates opportunities for staggering opponents.
High stagger potential against armored enemies
Can be combined with environmental attacks
Effective for breaking through shielded opponents
Daggers
Dual daggers emphasize speed and agility over raw damage. They allow for rapid attack chains ideal for players who prefer a nimble, evasive combat style with hit-and-run tactics. The lower damage per hit is compensated by high damage-per-second potential through rapid combos.
Spears & Lances
Spears offer superior reach, allowing players to strike enemies from a safer distance. They are particularly effective for mounted combat, with lances providing momentum-based damage during cavalry charges. Spears also feature unique movesets with thrusting attacks effective against armored foes.
Combat Mechanics
All melee weapons share core combat mechanics through Crimson Desert's complex control system:
Input | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
R1 | Light Attack | Fast strikes for building combos |
R2 | Heavy Attack | Powerful charged blows with longer wind-up |
R1+R2 (Hold) | Special Attack | Devastating down-swing attack |
L1 | Defend against incoming attacks | |
Circle | Evasive roll with invincibility frames | |
Triangle | Kick/Interact | Stagger enemies, two-footed jump kick |
Circle+Triangle | Grab | Initiate grapple moves like Neckbreaker |
Combo System
Crimson Desert's combo system has 'the depth of an ocean,' expressed through a myriad of different button combinations. The developers prioritize the 'rule of cool,' allowing players to pull off unexpected move combinations. Combat flows naturally with each move chaining into the next.
Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
Flurry Slash | Unleashes a deadly combo of sword swipes |
Deals a vicious blow before hurling enemies away | |
Neckbreaker (RKO) | Wrestling move activated with Circle+Triangle, direction-dependent |
Sprint Grab | Wrap arm around enemy's neck using momentum to drag them down |
Jump Kick Combo | Jump kick followed by big sword combo chains |
Environmental Combos | Grab enemies and throw them into walls, spikes, or other enemies |
Weapon Evolution
Weapons in Crimson Desert evolve dramatically as players progress. Expect a spear that unleashes wind blasts, a sword possessed by a raging spirit, or enhanced versions with elemental properties. Character progression focuses on obtaining better equipment from defeating bosses and unlocking new moves.
Environmental Combat
Beyond traditional weapons, players can use the terrain creatively. Spike walls, trees, rocks, and cliffsides are all at your disposal. You can grab enemies and chuck them into terrain hazards, use grapple attacks, or combine grapple attacks with sword strikes. As one preview described: 'You can grab an enemy and chuck them into terrain, or even at other enemies.'