Combat strategies...

[lordblade]

What are your tips and tricks for combat?

Personally... I find it's all about the block.
I used to love a good two handed weapon, and just beating things down.
But with the new combat system... proper blocking is essential. And weapon blocks just don't cut it.

A good shield bash will let you slaughter opponents. As well as the shield keeping you safe from ranged attackers.

I also like to use the forward power attack. Great range with a longsword... and nice damage. I can usually pull it off from just out of their reach, for an easy hit.

[eek]

Yep, I looove my shield. ;D

I find the sideways power attack with the Blade to be most useful. Sometimes it disarms the opponent, so they end up facing my Katana with their fists!

[lordblade]

Yeah, disarms are sweet. Especially for those annoying shamans and liches and such who rely on their staff for most of their offense.

[Ratwar]

I haven't used the disarm much, but I have developed two different stratagys...

The first I use mainly against armed opponents (NPCs, Skeletons). Basically it is just hide behind the shield until they attack. Usually with the from power attack.

The second is for the creatures. It is most effective, when you're fast than the critter you're fighting. All it is is the slow draw back with a quick attack every so often and then a retreat before they can counter. I've found it to be very effective against Clanfears...

[Twitchmonkey]

Personally I rarely ever use power attacks of any sort, they too seldom work and they leave you open to attack. Mostly with NPCs and armed characters I block quickly and get in some slices when they stagger, but generally with mosters I just dodge and wait for an opening. I'm not surre how to do a shield bash, though I probably have the required block level. Acrobatics also has a skill that allows you to roll backwards or left and right away from an attack but I haven't been able to use it very effectively in combat yet.

[lordblade]

Shield bash is automatic when your Block is high enough.

You know it worked when you hear a lot louder "bang" when they try to hit you while blocking.

[Ratwar]

twitchmonkey said:

Personally I rarely ever use power attacks of any sort, they too seldom work and they leave you open to attack.

That is true, but when that enemy has just a sliver more health than you take off in one hit, using a power attack to finish 'em off is great.

[eek]

I usually get a power attack in when they stagger back from being blocked. That and, as Ratwar said, as the killing blow.

[lordblade]

Also fun killing them off with a nice powerful spell... to see them fly through the air.

[darkhelmet]

I was wearing all Blade armour, and an Akaviri katana up until a few minutes ago. So my basic strategy (as a Spellsword) was block when they attack, counter, and if they block, throw a fireball. I've yet to come up with an effective one for multiple enemies, like those three Argonians in the arena. Can't beat 'em.

[eek]

It's good if you can pick 'em off one at a time, like using a corridor to secure your flanks.

[lordblade]

I find circling works pretty well to help keep groups under control. If you're fast enough anyway.

[thevikinggoddess]

Say what you will, nothing beats a Stealth Kill with a Katana in VtM:Bloodlines.

Yeeeeeeeeah.

[eek]

lordblade said:

I find circling works pretty well to help keep groups under control. If you're fast enough anyway.

That too.

I just kicked the 3 Argonians. You HAVE to keep moving (well, you should do that anyway, but it's especially true against multiple foes) and make sure they're all in front of you if they're close enough to attack.