Overview
The QTE (Quick Time Event) combat system is a core part of Silver Palace's action gameplay. Rather than relegating QTEs to occasional cutscene prompts, the game weaves them directly into the moment-to-moment combat flow. Timed button presses trigger devastating combo chains, finisher moves, and character-specific attack sequences. The overall combat style has been compared to Zenless Zone Zero by multiple outlets, with an emphasis on stylish action, responsive controls, and visceral feedback.
QTE combo chains
During combat, QTE prompts appear at specific moments, typically at the end of attack strings or after successfully parrying an enemy. Hitting the prompt at the right time extends the combo into a more powerful chain that deals additional damage and often triggers special animations. Missing the prompt results in a standard combo ender with less damage and no special effect. The system rewards players who stay attentive during combat rather than relying on button mashing.
Character-specific QTEs
Each playable character has unique QTE actions tailored to their weapon and fighting style. For example, Firtho has a QTE sequence where he uses needles on pinned enemies, turning his Radiatio damage-over-time theme into a visceral animation. Other characters have their own signature QTE moves that reflect their personality and combat identity. These character-specific sequences are one of the ways Silver Palace differentiates its roster beyond simple stat differences.
Parry and dodge system
Silver Palace features a parry-and-dodge defensive system that feeds directly into the QTE flow:
Parrying: Well-timed parries deflect enemy attacks and immediately open the enemy to a counterattack window. Successful parries often trigger a QTE prompt for a powerful riposte combo.
Dodging: Well-timed dodges activate a temporary slowdown effect on all nearby enemies. This mechanic functions similarly to Bayonetta's "Witch Time," giving players a brief window where the world slows down and they can unleash rapid attacks or reposition safely.
Both defensive options reward precise timing. Players who master the parry and dodge windows gain major combat advantages: more QTE triggers, more damage windows, and better survival in difficult encounters.
Stun gauge and Executions
Enemies in Silver Palace have a Stun gauge that fills as they take damage, particularly from parry counterattacks and Fulmen (lightning) abilities. When the Stun gauge is completely filled, the enemy enters a stunned state and becomes vulnerable to an Execution finisher.
Executions are cinematic finishing moves that deal heavy damage and fully charge one or more Silverdrip segments. These finishers are among the most visually dramatic moments in combat, with unique animations depending on the character performing them and the type of enemy being executed. The Silverdrip charge from Executions feeds back into the team rotation by enabling immediate Ambush attacks on the next character swap.
For details on how Silverdrip and Ambush mechanics connect to the broader team system, see the character switching article.
Combat tone
Silver Palace's combat is notably more mature and violent than many of its peers in the free-to-play action RPG space. Execution animations include graphic depictions of combat violence: skull impacts, neck breaks, and other forceful finishing blows. This mature tone extends to the general combat feel, where attacks have visible physical impact and enemies react dramatically to hits. The game appears to be targeting an older audience compared to the more stylized violence of titles like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail.
Relationship to the broader combat system
QTEs are one layer of Silver Palace's multi-system combat system. They interact with character switching (Ambush attacks after swaps), elemental abilities (each element has different QTE behaviors), and the Silverdrip resource economy. Mastering QTE timing is necessary but not sufficient for high-level play; players also need to manage their team rotation, element coverage, and resource spending.