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Unarmed Combat and Wrestling - Version 21 vs Version 22
Apr 11, 2026, 07:56 AM
Added 3 image(s) to article
Apr 11, 2026, 05:07 PM
Add hidden unarmed and gauntlet mechanics (mid-combo throw, raging demon, shadow step stab, shoryuken, directional wrestling)
11Overview22Unarmed combat and wrestling is one of the most distinctive elements of Crimson Desert's combat system. Rather than being a separate weapon type that players must equip, bare-handed strikes, kicks, and grapples are always available and can be chained fluidly into any combo alongside weapon attacks. Pearl Abyss has described the system as one where "attacks flow naturally between weapon strikes, bare-hand combat, kicks, and grapples, allowing players to build highly customizable combo chains."44The wrestling system draws heavily from professional wrestling, featuring moves like RKOs, chokeslams, suplexes, and the Giant Swing. Pearl Abyss has cited Samurai Shodown, Final Fight, and King of Fighters as combat inspirations, describing Crimson Desert as "a brawler with some fighting game influences" rather than a traditional action RPG.77How the System Works99Unarmed combat is not a weapon slot that players equip. Instead, bare-handed strikes, kicks, and grapples exist as an always-available combat layer that can be woven into any weapon combo. Kliff can swing a sword, transition into a kick, grab an enemy for a suplex, and follow up with another weapon strike in a single unbroken sequence.1111Bare hands have their own damage stat, suggesting the possibility of upgrading bare-knuckle fighting independently of weapon upgrades. This opens the door for dedicated unarmed builds.1414Grapple Controls1616Grapples are activated by pressing two face buttons simultaneously (Circle + Triangle on PlayStation). The resulting move changes based on directional input:1818InputResultGrab with no directionSlams the enemy to the groundGrab + directional inputTosses the enemy in that direction, potentially hitting other enemiesGrab while sprintingSprinting grab that wraps Kliff's arm around the enemy's neck and uses momentum to drag them downDifferent button combinationsProduce different grapple types (spinning, over-shoulder throw, etc.)2020Kick System2121The Triangle button (on PlayStation) is a dedicated, context-sensitive kick button. The type of kick changes based on Kliff's movement state:2323StateKick TypeStanding (tap Triangle)A powerful standing kick that can send enemies flying off cliffsSprinting + TriangleA running dropkick or missile dropkickRolling + TriangleA sweep kick that takes enemies off their feetJumping + kickA two-footed flying kickCombo chainsRoundhouse kicks, knee lifts, and Taekwondo-style strikes2525Pearl Abyss has confirmed that Taekwondo kicks were motion-captured from actual martial artists.2626Confirmed Wrestling Moves2828The following wrestling and grapple moves have been confirmed through official trailers and hands-on preview events:3030MoveDescriptionRKO / NeckbreakerKliff grabs an opponent and leaps into the air for a neckbreaker. Can be performed while sprinting for an aerial smash variation.ChokeslamKliff grabs an enemy by the throat and slams them into the ground.Angle SlamAn Olympic Slam that lifts and throws the opponent. Confirmed in the Features Overview #2 trailer.Giant SwingKliff picks up an enemy and spins them around before releasing. Described as "Cesaro-style" by journalists.DDTA hip-level grapple that drives the opponent's head into the ground.Suplex / German SuplexKliff lifts enemies off the ground and throws them backward over his head.Hammer ThrowA throwing grapple finisher that launches enemies.Izuna DropDamiane's signature move: a Ninja Gaiden-style aerial grapple where she launches an enemy into the air, grabs them mid-flight, and pile-drives them into the ground. Primarily associated with Damiane rather than Kliff.Hip Throw / Judo ThrowThrowing enemies over Kliff's shoulder.Body SlamA wrestling-style body slam performed through specific button combinations.ClotheslineA running arm strike that knocks enemies down.Shoulder TackleA charging tackle that sends enemies flying.Back BreakerBending an enemy over Kliff's knee.3232Force Palm3333The Force Palm is an additional hand-based ability activated by pressing the right stick (R3). It draws from a separate Spirit meter rather than the stamina pool. The Force Palm has multiple applications:3535Fires a wave of energy from the palm that shoves enemies backCan be aimed at the ground to launch Kliff into the air for aerial combosIs a mid-air boost for extending aerial timeIs a guard-breaking low punch against blocking enemiesCan be elementally enhanced through the Axiom Bracelet3737Axiom Bracelet and Elemental Infusion3939The Axiom Bracelet is a piece of magical equipment that enables elemental infusions for both weapon and unarmed attacks. It provides three elemental types:4141ElementEffectFireDamage over time, incineration, and explosionsIceSlows and freezes enemies solidLightningStuns and paralyzes enemies4444Both weapon strikes and bare-handed attacks can be infused with these elements, allowing for unarmed builds that combine wrestling moves with elemental effects.4545Combo Flow4747The core combat loop encourages mixing all attack types together. Typical combo patterns described in previews include:4949Parry with sword and shield, switch to spear follow-up, kick, then grapple slamSprinting grab into neckbreaker, followed by an R1 sword stabLight and heavy weapon attacks into a dive kick, then transition into a suplex or chokeslamPerfect dodge into counter-attack, flowing into a grapple finisherShield bash into a super jump, transitioning into an aerial grapple or dive attack5151Skill Tree5353Unarmed combat skills are spread across the skill tree's blue branch (Stamina) and green branch (Spirit). Skills are unlocked using Abyss Artifacts found through exploration, combat, and quests. Some abilities can also be learned through observation: watching an NPC or enemy perform a move allows the player to learn it without spending an artifact. For example, Force Palm is learned by observing a story sequence rather than unlocking it manually.5555Unarmed Combat Skills (Blue Branch)5757The Unarmed Combat skill has a maximum of 5 ranks. Each rank upgrade unlocks additional combo moves and techniques.6060SkillDescriptionUnarmed Combat (Base)A technique for striking enemies with your bare fists.Scissor TakedownTrip the enemy by wrapping your legs around them from a low stance.Unarmed Combat Mastery IAdds Unarmed Combat skill combos.Headstart IILunge forward while throwing a barrage of punches.Headstart IIIGather your strength to unleash a torrential barrage of strikes. Costs Spirit.6262Kick Skills (Blue Branch)6363SkillDescriptionCostPump KickLeap high and deliver a powerful double kick to send enemies flying. Unlocks Giant Swing at Grappling rank 3.-DropkickLaunch your body forward and strike the enemy with both feet to send them flying.-Flying KickFly toward the enemy in midair and kick them twice.-Meteor KickSlam your foot down with precision from high above.10 SpiritVaultStep on a nearby enemy to leap over them and land behind their back.40 Stamina6565Grappling Skills (Blue Branch)6666The Grappling skill has a maximum of 5 ranks. Higher ranks unlock additional grab types and follow-up attacks.6868SkillDescriptionCostGrappling (Base)Performs a grab attack.-ThrowGrab and throw enemies to reposition them.-RestrainTake the enemy hostage.-LariatSlam the enemy hard into the ground. Can chain multiple Lariat skills in a row at higher ranks.-Back HangCling to specific targets (large enemies) to attack or escape danger.-Giant SwingGrab the enemy and throw them with a spin. Requires Grappling rank 3 and Pump Kick.-ClotheslineCatch the enemy while running to slam them down.60 StaminaBody SlamSlam into enemies from the air with your body, dealing AoE damage. Requires Double Jump or Aerial Force Palm.60 Stamina7070Force Palm Skills (Green Branch)7171The Force Palm skill has a maximum of 5 ranks. It uses Spirit rather than Stamina and provides a versatile energy-based unarmed attack with multiple follow-up options.7373SkillDescriptionForce Palm (Base)Condense energy in your hands and release it to deliver an unarmed strike that reduces the target's Defense.Aerial Force PalmUnleash energy toward the floor while midair to leap even higher. Combined with Double Jump, provides up to six total jumps.Healing Force PalmStrike with healing energy to restore the health of the target.Additional Palm Strikes I & IIChain multiple consecutive palm strikes.Elemental Force PalmImbue Force Palm with an element from the Axiom Bracelet.Force Palm PulseFollow up Force Palm with a swift, powerful strike.Focused PalmUnleash a Force Palm that penetrates the target's inner core.Force CurrentChannels Force Palm energy through the Axiom Bracelet for a long-range unarmed attack. Effective at building boss stagger meters.7575Oongka's Fist Combat7676Oongka also has access to unarmed combat through his Fists weapon type. Unlike Kliff's deeply integrated wrestling system, Oongka's fists serve as a dedicated weapon type alongside his War Hammer, Great Axe, and ranged options. His bare-handed strikes have fast recovery between hits, making them ideal for aggressive rushdown against fast-moving opponents. Oongka can still use grappling moves like his signature Body Slam, which has a wider impact zone than Kliff's version due to his greater size and strength.7878Skill Learning Through Observation8080Some unarmed abilities can only be learned by watching NPCs or enemies perform them during gameplay. When an enemy executes a specific move, the player may receive a prompt to observe and learn it. Force Palm, for instance, is learned through an observation sequence during the story rather than by spending an Abyss Artifact. This mimicry system rewards exploration and attention to combat encounters, as unique moves can be permanently added to the player's repertoire by simply watching them in action.8282Recommended Builds8484For players interested in focusing on unarmed combat, the Iron Fist Monk build pairs the unarmed skill tree with the Axiom Bracelet to create a dedicated hand-to-hand playstyle. This build prioritizes Force Palm upgrades and elemental imbues to deal consistent damage without relying on traditional weapons. Early game skill guides suggest prioritizing stamina and basic combat skills first, then investing in grapple and Force Palm upgrades in the mid-game once the player has a comfortable health and stamina pool.8686Limitations Against Bosses8888Wrestling moves are not universally effective. Grapples and throws work against humanoid-sized enemies but are ineffective against very large creatures and bosses:9090BossGrapple EffectivenessStaglordGrappling completely ineffective due to the boss's size. Forces reliance on timed dodges and weapon strikes.Black BearToo large for grappling. Players must use other combat approaches.Cassius MortenHumanoid boss where grapples work. Has a finishing grapple sequence requiring a precise button chain.Reed DevilFast humanoid boss where Force Palm blasts and throws can be effective.9292The Cassius Morten boss fight specifically has a finishing grapple sequence that requires players to chain specific button inputs. If the sequence is entered incorrectly, Kliff gets staggered and takes significant damage, making the grapple mechanic a high-risk, high-reward element of the encounter.9393Environmental Interactions9696The grapple system extends beyond enemy-to-enemy interactions. Confirmed environmental grapple mechanics include:9898Grappling enemies off their mounts and commandeering the mount for yourselfGrabbing environmental objects like stakes or banners from the ground to use as improvised weaponsKicking enemies off cliffs or into hazards with the standing kickThrowing grappled enemies into other enemies, using them as projectiles100100Journalist Impressions102102The unarmed combat system has been one of the most discussed aspects of Crimson Desert across preview coverage:104104Shacknews: "You get to RKO someone whenever you want" and the system "rewards you for mastering its systems" and "dares you to experiment."PCGamesN: "When it clicks it feels like nothing else." Initially found controls complex but ultimately rewarding.Windows Central: "I can Chokeslam and Angle Slam enemies in this game? Sign me up now." Called it "so rare to see a fantasy RPG fully embrace a wrestling playstyle."GamingTrend: "Blew me away" with combat quality. Found judo throws and grapples rewarding.TechRadar: Praised combat depth but noted that many moves require pressing two to three buttons simultaneously.106106Skill Details108108DetailInfoCharacterKliff, Damiane, OongkaSkill TreeStamina (Blue)CategoryUnarmed CombatCostStaminaHow to UnlockUnlocked by default. Max Lv. 5.ControlsTriangle / Y (with weapons sheathed)110110Skill Progression111111Unarmed Combat has 5 upgrades that branch from it as you invest more Abyss Artifacts.113113SkillEffectHow to UnlockControlsLeg SweepAfter rolling, sweep your enemy's legs with a powerful low kick.Unlocked by defaultTriangle after rollingScissor TakedownWhile crouching, wrap your legs around an enemy and bring them to the ground.Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 2Hold Triangle while crouchingUnarmed Combat ProficiencyPerform an additional unarmed strike in combos.Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 3 or observe skill in actionPassiveFlying KickWhile in the air, launch yourself at an enemy and kick them twice.Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 4Hold Triangle while airborneMeteor KickDrive a precise diving kick into the enemy from high altitude.Raise Unarmed Combat to Lv. 5 or observe skill in actionTriangle while high in the air115115Hidden Unarmed and Gauntlet Mechanics121+Bare-handed fighting has several hidden extensions that the tutorial never mentions. The most important trick is a mid-combo throw, and the rest become available once you slot a Gauntlet into your Two-Handed Weapons slot. Equipping a gauntlet unlocks a brand new move set that is completely separate from the usual triangle-button melee chains, turning unarmed combat into a full fighting game style toolkit.123+Mid Combo Throw125+While you are in the middle of a standard unarmed combo, pressing the jump button partway through will interrupt the string and trigger an unlisted throw. The throw connects on most humanoid enemies and, crucially, on most bosses, which makes it an extremely useful tool for openings that do not require a weapon. If you are punished for pressing the same combo strings repeatedly, mixing in the jump-throw during the chain is often enough to break an opponent's guard pattern.127+Gauntlet Move Set129+With a Gauntlet equipped in the two-handed slot, the triangle-button melee chains are replaced with a new set of inputs built around R1 and R2. These moves behave more like an anime fighting game than the default brawler combos and they include at least three notable finishers.131+MoveInputEffectRaging Demon Turning SlashR1 plus R2 (turning slash) while unarmed with gauntlet equippedA rapid multi-hit attack that visually resembles a raging demon from classic fighting games. Kliff blurs past the target and connects with a burst of hits, making it a strong reversal option against groups.Charged Shadow Step StabR1 plus triangle (stab) while unarmed with gauntlet equippedThe stab input performs a charged shadow step style attack. Kliff dashes forward with a committed strike that feels similar to the classic Akuma shadow dash, and it covers enough distance to close large gaps on dodging bosses.Shoryuken Follow UpPress R1 again immediately after the Charged Shadow Step StabChains the stab into a rising uppercut that functions like a shoryuken, launching the enemy into the air. Use this as a juggle starter: after the launch, you can follow up with any midair option, including meteor variants or a wrestling body slam on the way down.133+Directional Wrestling Variations134+Wrestling moves change based on the directional input you hold when you trigger them. Holding back while pressing the X plus square wrestling input performs a completely different grapple than the neutral version, and unlocking the consecutive move skill lets you press the wrestling input again to chain into a unique follow-up attack. Running at an enemy from behind and using the wrestling input produces a lariat that turns into a spinning flip, which is one of the flashier options in the whole unarmed kit.136+Because each direction produces a distinct move, it is worth spending time on the training dummy to map out which inputs give you the tools you want: spacing, knockdown, juggle, or hard launcher. Plain wrestling, back-directional grapples, running lariat, and the consecutive follow-up should all be in your rotation.138+Tips121140Invest in Unarmed Combat 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.123142See Also125144Kliff SkillsDamiane SkillsOongka SkillsSkillsBest Skills to Get FirstCombat System127146Related Articles129148TopicConnectionCombat SystemThe broader combat framework that includes unarmed combatKliffThe protagonist who performs all unarmed and wrestling movesAxiom BraceletEquipment that enables elemental infusion of unarmed attacksWeapon TypesWeapon attacks that chain with unarmed combatCassius MortenBoss fight featuring a grapple finishing sequence
