Junior Member
I believe that now nearly all the console players are aware that some character cant even consistently block the fastest light attacks. Apparently there are lots of reasons for that, frame rate limitations, controller dead zones and even the TV you're using
I am a main Warlord and I play on PS4 since release. If I play Warlord I can just stand still and block ANY incoming attack. The problem is I got bored of head but spamming and now I also play Lawbringer and Berserker, got both to rep 5 so I have some empirical experience. Facing a Pk or even a Valkyrie with any of these two is a nightmare if you are in close combat and they start to spam. You will miss blocks and even if you predict where the attack is coming from there is still a huge chance that you wont block anything (mainly if you are playing Berserker, his guard change is weird and broken).
Said that the purpose of this topic is to discuss practical strategies to deal with fast characters (mainly PK but also Valk and even Nobushi) on consoles until the devs do something about it (lets believe they will).
As a Lawbringer the only thing I found out I can do is back off and use my longer range. When they try to close the gaps dashing forward I use lights or guard breaks and when they get impatient I let some heavies go from distance. I also try to bait some easy parries spamming the pony emote (LBs life is tough), they like to do the dash fwd+ heavy when they see it).
As a Berserker life is a bit more complicated I guess (maybe when the patch comes out we'll be able to trade hits against the light spam, not sure since the infinite chain is easy to parry). Berserk guard change and blocking times are weird and seem bugged. You miss blocks all the time, there is even a topic discussing this on the Viking sub-forum. The only real counter I could find out so far is to keep some distances and once you notice they miss the first attack in the combo you do the side dodge+plus light. It will eventually hit because they will still be stuck in the combo animation. Then you can start the standard game putting some pressure. Obviously they can lead you into a free light parry so is risky.
Any thoughts about these? Any other strategies you use with other characters that have slower guard change?
Member
I main Nobushi, and with my slow guard change and horrendous dodge, PK's are a nightmare to face. Any other class I have trouble against is fun to practice, but PK sucks any and all fun out playing.
Basically just keeping range and trying to throw out heavies while they're in attack animation, but even that's tricky with the PK's now increased range and that lightning fast forward dash stab. I have Viper's Retreat which helps, but usually only works once per fight.
Member
For PK The dash attack is always top and there zone attack is always to the right.
Keep distance, and guard these two sides. The top dash attack is a good time to parry. Generally it is about catching them in mid attack with the longer reach of a weapon. As I main a Warden, my zone attack and crushing counter strike are quite good.
Against a Valk I find distance is key, keep blocking up high for there dash attack and don't be too aggressive until they wiff with an attack. Also if you get caught up in the leg sweep, don't panic, you can escape but need to be patient and use dodge.
Overall you may end up using the same move multiple times over, but then these characters are fast and thus you have to play dirty. Do not worry about using a cheap move to win, others do and the more they respect your character for using such tactics, the better you can play mind games and force them into a mistake.
Senior Member
Senior Member
