This one is for those who are newer players, where raiders simply clean up. 3 swings and you're OUT. I know everyone says raider is weak and horrible and as a raider main I definitely think his repertoire could be improved, but miss a parry and watch the life drain out of you. It'll be the quickest match you've had.

The Raider is fairly easy to counter, at any time there is really only 4-5 attacks/openers that are coming your way: a quick light attack, a slow heavy attack, a leaping stun, a very pronounced unblockable swing and a guard break. I'll leave the guard break out as it's nothing special on the raider.

The first thing you really want to get down as a beginner is simply blocking. Once you make your way to parrying, a raider will no longer be the punish you see hurtling at you from across the battlefield like a dog on a frizbee. There isn't a whole lot a raider can do against a good defence. Pronounced attacks and unblockables are all you're likely to see.

Once you've got your blocks in working order, most raiders are gonna get around that by throwing unblockables at you. These can be used on their own or added AS the ender of any combo. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT TURN AND RUN AWAY. 9/10 times an opponent dodges, turns around and tries to get some space between my axe and their face, and I teleport viki-magically behind them and host the meeting anyway. A lot of duels end this way and unless you've learnt the ropes this isn't gonna work out for you, it's got plenty of reach. This unblockable is very pronounced, it's a massive wind up swing that starts slow, if you can learn to parry it then it's an automatic damage dealer back at me. Or, if you spot it quick enough most attacks will actually interrupt the unblockable, get a couple light attacks in there and watch me reel at the awesome power you brought to a halt. This attack can also be dodged left/right, but I find that beginners have a harder time getting away and this sweep still catches you. If you see it winding up, face it head-on and try to learn the timing.

These are the basic stepping stones I find early raiders get into. After that, you will see a few good leaping stuns coming your way, followed by a single heavy or light attack. If there was no immediate follow up attack after you have been clipped by the stun, you can likely expect a round of heavy attack to come your way. They are pretty pronounced BUT you will be stunned, you'll have to look at my rather large swing direction to block or parry it without the help of your little stance visual. Avoid the visual discomfort all together with a dodge or if you've got your blocks down, you've got me in a pinch - It's kinda all I got. Now I'd have to start playing clever to get around you.

Finally as a quick close, here's the round out to try and anticipate what's coming at you next in a duel:

Light attack: can only be followed up with further light attacks or an unblockable swing.
Heavy attack: can be followed up by another heavy, a light attack or an unblockable.
Leaping stun: can be followed by either a light or a heavy attack. I'ts short on reach but covers some distance. This also dazes you so expect a couple of heavy hits from optimistic vikings if we clip you - we all think we'll get away with it while you're blind.
Unblockable: is the closer to any combo. It's open season if it's a swing and a miss.

General rule: attack quick - light attack will stop us in our tracks like a confused bull. Don't try to eat any attacks, everything I throw your grand daddy will feel in the same swing, but my swings can be stopped with a gentle tickle.

Hope it helps! If I ever get caught in a duel with you and you haven't learnt the ropes yet, I'm the raider that lets you have a go and learn what's coming!

K