Due to the simplicity of a hack and slash, the player need only mash the basic attack to do damage. That being said, to truly master the game, and become an adept master of the combat system, there are a few things that must be taken into account.
Advanced Attacking
Executions
When War critically wounds a foe sometimes an execution can be performed. If available, identified by (O/B) appearing above the target's head, War will perform a finisher that can't interrupted by damage.
Focus
While most of the basic fighting and evading tactics are covered in the beginning section of the game, Focus is not covered in depth. Holding L2/LT, War will focus on one enemy, basically locking-on.
Combo Skills
Although War's basic attacks and executions can get the job done for most battles, more advanced battles require more advanced tactics. Therefore, in true hack and slash tradition the game has added basic attack combos, such as:
- X Delay X or A Delay A
For all combos, see the appropriate weapon page.
Chaos Form
As War fights, he gathers Chaos energy. When enough energy is gathered, War can activate his Chaos Form, which acts similar to Dante's Devil Trigger in Devil May Cry, transforming War into a flaming beast more resilient to attacks and stronger.
Wrath Skills
Wrath energy is Darksider's mana system. Gained over the course of battles, the energy can be used for special abilities in combat to ease the battles. Available for use at any time, these abilities can be hotkeyed via the menu.
