Stellar Blade: How to take advantage of the combat system!

The hotly anticipated PlayStation 5 exclusive Stellar Blade is nearly here, and players are eager to dive into its intricate combat system. Developed by Shift Up, this action RPG draws inspiration from titles like NieR: Automata while introducing fresh mechanics that demand skill and precision. In a recent hands-on demo, we discovered just how unforgiving yet satisfying the gameplay can be when wielding protagonist Eve’s Blood Edge blade. This combat guide will ensure you’re prepared for the challenges that await in the war against the Naytiba threat.  

Light & Heavy Attack Mastery

At the core of Stellar Blade’s combat are Eve’s light (Square) and heavy (Triangle) attacks which can be chained into lengthy combos. While simple mashing will get you through basic encounters, truly excelling requires understanding each string’s nuances. Some open defensive opportunities, others prioritize aggression – experiment to identify which suits your playstyle against various enemy types.  

The Parry Is Your Best Friend

Blocking and dodging are viable defensive options, but parrying incoming attacks is paramount in Stellar Blade. By raising your guard (L1) an instant before impact, you’ll perfectly parry the blow, nullifying all damage while depleting the enemy’s balance meter. Once drained, you can trigger a devastating Retribution attack (Triangle) to severely punish foes. Prioritize parry practice, as even unstoppable red attacks can be shut down through well-timed sequences.

When to Dodge or Blink

While parrying merits focus, dodging (Circle) and Blinking (unlockable skill) have their uses too. Yellow unblockable attacks must be dodged, while particular streaks from bosses alternate between requiring Blinks or Repulses (backward dodge). Combined with positioning and retreating when overwhelmed, evasion is a key survival tool against the Naytiba onslaught.  

Master Your Skills and Builds

Spectacular abilities let you shape Eve’s playstyle through Skills unlocked via SP earned by progressing. The Beta Skills like Triplet (stun) and Shield Breaker (bypass defenses) provide crucial offensive and defensive buffs when spent alongside your combos. Further down, you’ll obtain Burst Skills – incredibly powerful but limited by a steadily charging energy reserve. Gear, buff-providing armor, allows further gameplay enrichment.   

The Value of Consumables 

Easy to overlook but immensely helpful are Stellar Blade’s combat consumables, quickly accessed via the D-Pad. Grenades like the Pulse (anti-shield), Sonic (staggers foes), or Shock (overt knockdown) can create vital openings. Healing items are indispensable for bosses. With limited resources, using these tools judiciously alongside your blade is a recipe for success.

Enemy Attack Patterns 

Every foe has unique attack patterns requiring specific counters. Red glints warn of extended combos to parry, while yellow, blue, and purple strikes mandate dodging, Blinking, or Repulsing respectively. Studying these cues and responding accordingly is the difference between victory and defeat against Stellar Blade’s ruthless opponents.

With its fusion of NieR-inspired action and fresh gameplay hooks, Stellar Blade shapes up as a must-play title for PlayStation 5 owners craving a skill-testing challenge. Thoroughly mastering its multi-layered combat mechanics is key to triumphing against the Naytiba hordes. Let this guide’s insights prime you for the battles to come when Stellar Blade launches on April 26th.