Bloodborne
Bloodborne

Advanced Combat Techniques — Bloodborne Guide

Bloodborne Hunters learn advanced combat with our guide. Master Visceral Attacks and parrying to control battles and exploit enemy weaknesses.

·Multi-source verified (131/131)

Advanced Combat Techniques

Beyond the fundamental strikes and dodges, Bloodborne rewards Hunters who delve deeper into its combat mechanics. Mastering these advanced techniques can turn the tide in even the most desperate encounters, allowing you to control the flow of battle and exploit enemy weaknesses with surgical precision.

Visceral Attacks & Parrying

The Visceral Attack is Bloodborne's signature critical hit, dealing immense damage and often providing a moment of invulnerability. Executing a Visceral Attack requires setting up an enemy for a critical state, most commonly through a well-timed parry.

  • Parrying with Firearms:
    1. Equip a firearm in your left hand (e.g., the Hunter Pistol or Blunderbuss).
    2. Observe enemy attack patterns. The optimal parry window is typically just before an enemy's attack connects, or during the wind-up of a particularly telegraphed move.
    3. Fire your weapon. A successful parry will cause a distinct sound effect and stagger the enemy, leaving them momentarily vulnerable.
    4. Immediately move forward and press R1 for a Visceral Attack.
    5. Strategy Tip: Larger enemies and beasts often have longer parry windows, while faster humanoid enemies require more precise timing. Experiment with different firearms; the Blunderbuss has a wider spread but slower firing rate, while the Hunter Pistol is faster but requires more accuracy.
  • Backstabs & Charged R2:
    1. Maneuver behind an unsuspecting or distracted enemy.
    2. Perform a fully charged R2 attack with your right-hand Trick Weapon. This will often stagger the enemy.
    3. Immediately move forward and press R1 for a Visceral Attack.
    4. Strategy Tip: This technique is particularly effective against larger, slower enemies or when approaching enemies from stealth. Weapons like the Kirkhammer or Ludwig's Holy Blade in their transformed states excel at charged R2 attacks.

Rally Mechanic Exploitation

The Rally mechanic allows Hunters to regain a portion of recently lost health by aggressively attacking enemies within a short timeframe. This encourages an offensive playstyle and can be crucial for survival.

  • Aggressive Recovery:
    1. When you take damage, observe the orange health bar segment. This indicates the recoverable health.
    2. Immediately counter-attack the enemy that damaged you. Each successful hit will restore a portion of that orange segment.
    3. Strategy Tip: Don't be afraid to trade blows if you know you can recover the health. Fast-hitting weapons like the Saw Cleaver or Threaded Cane (whip mode) are excellent for quickly regaining health through Rally.
    4. Item Synergy: Consider using Blood Vials strategically. If you've taken heavy damage but can't safely Rally, use a vial. If you can Rally effectively, save your vials for more critical moments.
  • Rally with Transformed Attacks: Many Trick Weapons have unique attack patterns in their transformed states that can hit multiple enemies or deal significant damage, making them ideal for Rallying against groups. For example, the Hunter Axe's transformed R2 spin attack can hit several foes, allowing for massive health recovery.

Stamina Management & Dash Attacks

Efficient stamina management is paramount. Every dodge, attack, and sprint consumes stamina. Learning to conserve and use it effectively is key to advanced combat.

  • Dash Attacks (R1 after Dodge/Sprint):
    1. Initiate a dash (hold Circle) or a quickstep (tap Circle).
    2. Immediately press R1. Your Hunter will perform a unique, often fast and far-reaching attack.
    3. Strategy Tip: Dash attacks are excellent for closing distances, initiating combat, or quickly repositioning and striking. They often have different properties than standard R1 attacks, such as increased reach or a wider arc.
    4. Weapon Specifics: The Saw Spear's dash R1 is a quick thrust, while the Ludwig's Holy Blade's transformed dash R1 is a powerful overhead swing. Experiment with your chosen weapon to discover its unique dash attack properties.
  • Charged R2 Follow-ups:
    1. Many enemies will be staggered or knocked down by a fully charged R2 attack.
    2. While they are recovering, you can often follow up with additional attacks or even another charged R2 if your stamina allows.
    3. Strategy Tip: This is particularly effective against enemies with low poise or when you've created an opening. The Kirkhammer's transformed charged R2 can flatten many foes, allowing for easy follow-up damage.