Top 5 Best Half Sword Tips & Tricks to Master the Game Quickly

Half Sword's physics-based medieval combat can be tough to grasp as a beginner, so here are the top 5 best tips and tricks for mastering the game.

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Half Sword finally launched into Early Access this January. However, mastering the physics-based mechanics of this medieval combat simulator is harder than you’d expect. A mindful player will not only focus on offense but also on defense to control the tide of battle. So, here are the top 5 best Half Sword tips and tricks to master the game quickly.

5 Insure Items You Want to Keep

Once you begin your medieval journey in Half Sword, you can trade items with the Merchant using Pfennings. But as you progress, don’t just stick to the Shop for items; take anything you need from defeated enemies, as their equipment can be picked up. Suppose you need a weapon, pick it up from the ground after a battle (Q for left arm and E for right), then head to the menu.

If you were carrying the weapon after the fight, it will be present on your loadout screen. Unequip it to send it to your inventory (chest), and if you want to keep the weapon, head to the Merchant and Insure it. Now, if you lose the weapon in combat or die while fighting with it, it will reappear in your inventory. Uninsured items, on the other hand, won’t reappear, so Insure all the items and armor you want to keep.

4 Stop Mashing Buttons When You’re Downed

While playing Half Sword, you’ll be getting knocked down more than you’d like to admit. When that happens, do not start mashing buttons in an effort to get up, as it’ll only make things worse. If you fall on your back, hold W, and if you fall on your stomach, hold S. This will make your character try to stand up.

After you’re knocked down, the enemy will consistently try to hit you and prevent you from getting up. The situation will be a bit frantic, so don’t mash buttons and instead, hold W or S, depending on your position, to get up. Once you’re up, hit them back with everything you have and start swinging.

3 Understand the Hidden Strength Mechanic

There’s a hidden strength mechanic in Half Sword that the game doesn’t explicitly mention or explain. At the beginning of your combat journey, your character and combat will feel extremely weak, thanks to low strength. But as you progress and rise in ranks, your strength and stamina will get better.

Swinging heavier weapons will also allow your character to gain more strength. So, focus on training with heavier weapons and equipment for better gains and an overall higher strength. Keep fighting and progressing through the game to become stronger, and naturally, your character will start feeling more powerful during combat.

2 Time Your Weapon Swings

Mindlessly swinging your weapon won’t get you success in Half Sword. It’s all about timing, precision, and exploiting the weak spots of your enemies. Time and aim your swings and stay calm during combat. If you’re banking on speed, you’ll fall face-first on the ground without any hopes of getting up. So, focus on placing your hits well to hit harder and conserve stamina.

If you want to catch your breath, hold Shift and any of the directional buttons to dodge incoming enemy attacks. Dodge backwards rather than side-to-side for maximum protection. Once you’re confident in your skills, time your attacks, look for openings, and strike true with your weapon to take the enemy down.

1 Master Your Defense

After beginning Half Sword, any player will focus on offense and try to bring down their opponents by consistently swinging. However, you’re as good as dead if you only focus on offense and let defense take a backseat. Granted, there’s no dedicated blocking button in the game, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to block incoming attacks.

Manually block your opponent’s hits using your weapon by putting it in the way of theirs. Observe your enemy’s movement and directions and plan your hits accordingly. Manual blocking can feel overwhelming, but as long as you’re focused on their swings, defense won’t be an issue. Balance defense and offense to win every encounter.

So, have you tried out Half Sword yet? How’s your experience with the game so far? Share your thoughts and opinions on it in the comment section below.

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