Can somebody explain the nuances of the combat system to me? I'm only a couple of hours in but so far it just seems to be luring enemies so I'm not being mobbed then holding down a button whilst I have the right weapon equipped. I get that you can hold directions to change your attacks but I always feel like the best rout to go is to select the quickest swings to avoid getting surrounded.
It's something that you have to actually learn. Noctis controls like an action game character but the game doesn't intend for you to just DMC your way through fights. You just kind of have to learn the feel for when you can go in to attack and when you should ease up and be ready to evade. Also, the faster you get accustomed to your party members, the easier time you'll have with difficult fights. Prompto is good at weakening enemies and hitting ones that move fast. Gladio is good at crowd control and bringing the big hits. Ignis is like the "commander", his abilities bring alot of utility.
A few really helpful tips:
Noctis:
- Broadsword is the most balanced weapon, the left/right and back attack strings all have invincibility frames. Also the best aerial weapon for evasion.
- Spear is like Broadsword, except far more damaging. But requires you to get a few hits in before you can actually do any special attacks, meaning you have to commit harder. This is the best aerial weapon for damage.
Gladio:
- Tempest is your go-to for the situation you described. He pulls in enemies and the damage hitbox is huge. It also has a high chance of knocking enemies over.
- Dawnhammer can do some SERIOUS damage earlygame if you put a powerful weapon on Gladio.
- In general, Gladio's damage output is significantly higher than everyone elses for majority of the game.
Prompto:
- Piercer can lower enemy defense, really helpful for Tanky enemies
- Starshell weakens daemons, switch him to this anytime you're out at night if you struggle.
- Recoil hurts like hell
Ignis:
- Everyone mentions regroup, but once you get enough money to afford potions, I personally rather just turn off the item cutscene (where it pauses and shows the character using them) and just quickly make everyone use a potion.
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Overwhelm is easily one of the best skills in the game, it's total RPG damage. EVERYONE gains cutscene invincibility and all living teammates will cycle through their skills (overwhelm, deathblow). The more people alive, and the more skills they learned through ascension, the more devestating this is. It's only single target though, and when the target dies everyone stops, so it's only really useful against powerful enemies.
Next time you fight a really powerful enemy, you get it Vulnerable, and you have 3 bars? Have prompto use Piercer and then immediately use Overwhelm and watch the enemy's lifebar vanish.
