Combat Fundamentals — Dreams of Aether Guide

Learn the combat fundamentals of Rivals of Aether! This guide covers movement, controls, and essential tips for new players to get started and improve their gameplay.

Hey there! So you're jumping into Rivals of Aether and want to get a handle on the combat? That's awesome! This game is a blast, but it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially since it's a platform fighter. Unlike traditional fighting games where you focus on depleting a health bar, the main goal here is to knock your opponents right off the stage. Think of it like Super Smash Bros., but with its own unique flair and a bit more depth, drawing inspiration from games like Super Smash Bros: Melee. It's fast-paced and can be pretty punishing, so don't worry if you feel a bit lost against seasoned players online – everyone starts somewhere! Getting Your Copy First things first, you'll need the game. You can grab it from the official store or platforms like Steam, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. Most players recommend the PC version, as it generally has the most active community. Starting Out: Tutorial or Offline? Not a fan of tutorials? Totally understandable. If you'd rather jump straight into the action, I'd suggest starting by playing against AI opponents or with friends locally first. Jumping straight into online play can be really tough for newcomers, as you'll likely get matched with players who have way more experience. Here’s a good approach: * Experiment with different characters against the AI to find one that clicks with your playstyle. * Alternatively, you could try playing through the Story Mode. * To really focus on learning, try maining just one character at first. This lets you concentrate on the game's other mechanics without juggling too many new things. Some characters that are generally considered beginner-friendly are [Zetterburn](https://rivals-of-aether.fandom.com/wiki/Zetterburn "Zetterburn"), [Clairen](https://rivals-of-aether.fandom.com/wiki/Clairen "Clairen"), and [Kragg](https://rivals-of-aether.fandom.com/wiki/Kragg "Kragg"). Movement and Controls: Your Bread and Butter Most players will tell you a controller is the way to go, though some pros can rock it on keyboard and mouse too. Movement is *super* important in Rivals of Aether. Since there's no shield like in some other fighting games, your movement is your main defense. Being able to move strategically and position yourself well, combined with your character's unique abilities, can really control the pace of a match. Mastering movement is the fastest way to get better. Focus on these areas: 1. Character-Specific Movement: Each character moves a bit differently. Get a feel for your chosen character's unique movement options, like their recovery moves or special attacks. 2. Aerial Movement: This is huge in platform fighters. Practice short hops, fast falls, and controlling your drift in the air. Also, work on using aerial attacks while still managing your position. 3. Dash Dancing and Spacing: Try dash dancing – quickly moving back and forth to keep your opponent guessing. Practice wavedashing on the ground and onto platforms. Spacing is also key; it's about making tiny movements to adjust your position, especially to dodge incoming attacks you predict. 4. Edge Movement and Recovery: Practice getting back to the stage from the edge, wall hopping, and wavedashing onto the platform. 5. Movement Meets Attacks: Don't just move randomly. Think about *why* you're moving where you are when you attack. Integrate your movement into your offense. 6. Practice Makes Perfect: Play by yourself or with friends on a stage, using the platforms to your advantage. 7. Watch the Pros: Check out high-level gameplay from tournaments. See how experienced players move around the stage and analyze their choices. 8. Be Consistent: Keep practicing! Gradually try more complex movements as you get comfortable. Taking it Online Once you feel pretty good with the basics and can handle most of the AI, you might be ready for online play. A good tip is to find other beginners on the main Rivals Academy Discord to queue up with. If you want to jump in with strangers, try Ranked mode first. Even though it's 'Ranked,' it's often better for beginners because it tries to match you with players of a similar skill level, giving you a fairer fight. Casual mode, on the other hand, can throw you in with anyone, including seasoned veterans!