In For Honor, we present 11 essential tips that will help you in battles.
For Honor is not a game where you have a weapon in hand and just need to pull the trigger to take down foes. It is also fundamentally not a game where the one who can hammer a button fastest wins.
Instead, it is about mastering the “Art of Battle” in For Honor. The basics of this combat system are quickly learned: targeting opponents, blocking attacks, executing attacks, dodging, and breaking defense. For a refresher on these basics, you can check our Beginner Guide.
If you are already familiar with the basics but still not winning duels, we now give you tips for the battles.
Knowledge is Power
After the basic training, the “martial art” truly begins. This varies from hero to hero. So choose a hero you want to master better and use these options:
- Under the “Play” tab, you will find “How to Play.” Click there on advanced training and learn what else your hero can do.
- Also click on the “Customize” tab, then “Heroes”, select your hero, then select “How to Fight.” Here you can watch tutorials, but more importantly: The Action List. Here you can view hero-specific moves and try them out directly.
Each Hero Has Different Abilities
If you initially chose a hero but cannot get along with them at all and are cursing the entire game, try a different hero. Because each hero brings a different gameplay experience, different attack combos, and special abilities. Some heroes even have “damage over time” attacks.
Which heroes are fast and which are slow but powerful can be read in our hero overview. In it, you can also find information on which heroes are easy to master.
Stick with One Hero at First
If you have found a hero that you say: “Yes, I resonate well with this one,” then train with them until you master them better and better. If you constantly switch heroes, you will not become proficient with any. First, master one class, and once your skills have matured, you can try out the next exciting hero.
For beginner heroes, the Warden, Raider, and Kensei are suitable.
Change Your Stance Often
Carefully observe your opponent’s stance. With the arrows, you can better see whether your opponent has their guard up top, left, or right. Before you strike, it can be worthwhile to frequently change your own stance. Confuse the opponent and make it difficult for them to parry your attack.
Remember Your Abilities – Gifts
Each hero has unique abilities, the Gifts. You can view and equip these in the hero under “Customize” and then by clicking on “Abilities.”
During a fight, you have a maximum of four Gifts available that you can activate with the arrow keys. They must first charge up. Note: Some Gifts are also passive buffs that remain active all the time.
Use Executions!
In the customization menu, where you find the Gifts, there are also executions. You can unlock and assign these.
In combat, you execute an execution by delivering the final blow to the enemy with a Heavy Attack (R2, RT). If they go down, you have a brief moment to press one of two buttons. Your hero will then perform a brutal execution.
Executions are particularly important in game modes where there is no respawn (for example, 4v4 elimination). Because this prevents the opponent from reviving their teammates. If you want to ensure the opponent stays down, you have to execute them.
Communication!
Communication is crucial in all game modes that you do not play in 1v1. Especially in the “Dominion” mode. Where is the enemy, which zone should be captured, where are the teammates, who needs support?
Use Your Environment
If you are currently fighting an enemy and there is a cliff next to you? Then try to position yourself so that the enemy has their back to the edge. Now break the enemy’s guard (on PS4 with Square) and press the button again to push them off the cliff.
Besides cliffs, you should also look for spear walls and other objects that can deal damage or kill the opponent instantly.
Also Pay Attention to the Mini-Map
Especially in Dominion mode, things can get chaotic. To keep your overview amidst the chaos, you have a mini-map at the bottom right of the screen. There you can see buffs and the positions of your enemies and allies.
Watch Your Stamina
Those who have played Dark Souls or Bloodborne know how important proper stamina management is. In For Honor, you also need to watch your stamina bar, which is displayed under your health bar.
Dodging consumes a lot of stamina, so you should only do it when necessary. Parrying attacks consumes less stamina. If your stamina is depleted, you cannot move quickly anymore. Your attacks will also become extremely slow.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Lastly, the tip: Practice! No master has fallen from the sky, and for many, such a melee game is uncharted territory. Get familiar with the mechanics, learn the “Art of Battle,” the heroes and the game modes.
Good luck!
