Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Sword Combat Guide

Footwork beats flailing

Combat is directional: attacks and blocks have angles, and positioning decides who lands the hit. The combat basics page covers the stances; the habit is to circle and pick the opening, not to swing wildly.

The master strike is the win button

The master strike is a perfect-timed counter that ends exchanges. It must be learned from Tomcat. The master strike Tomcat page covers the training; once you have it, most duels become a waiting game for the counter.

Multiple enemies change everything

One foe is a duel; three is a crisis. The fighting multiple enemies page covers the retreat-and-pick-off tactic; never let them surround you, because Henry cannot block every angle.

Stamina is the resource

Every swing and block costs stamina. Tire yourself and you cannot defend. The combat loop is attack, recover, block, repeat, never emptying the bar.

Train before you fight

The single best investment in the early game is the master strike lesson from Tomcat, because it turns a fair duel into a controlled counter. Until you have it, every sword fight is a coin flip you do not need to flip. Spend the time sparring, learn the timing, and the rest of the game’s melee opens up. The clinch mechanic and fighting multiple enemies build on the same footwork, so the training pays off everywhere.

Do not trade blows

Henry is not a damage sponge. Trade swings and you lose the exchange. Wait for the opening the master strike gives you and end it there.

Master strike wins duels

The master strike punishes an enemy’s attack, so learn it early and use it in every formal fight. The combat basics page covers the footwork. A Henry who parries lives; one who trades blows often dies.

Related guides

• KCD2 Combat Basics
• KCD2 Master Strike Tomcat
• KCD2 Fighting Multiple Enemies