Combat: Useful Gameplay Tips

Learn essential combat tips for Outward, including locking onto enemies, executing basic and special attacks, mastering physical and spell combinations, and effectively blocking and evading.

This guide covers essential combat mechanics in Outward, including how to lock onto enemies, perform various attacks, and utilize defensive maneuvers.

Locking on Enemies

By default, you have free movement during combat, allowing for sidesteps and dodges. However, to ensure hits land accurately, you can lock onto an opponent by pressing [TAB]. This restricts movement slightly but directs your attacks to the locked target. Be aware that striking from too far away while locked on can still result in a miss, leaving you vulnerable. A target marker will appear when locked on, showing the enemy's health and stability.

Basic Attacks and Special Attacks

The most basic attack is performed by pressing [Left Mouse Button] for quick, light damage based on your weapon's attributes. Special attacks are executed with [Mouse Button 3], generally delivering heavier hits, especially with two-handed weapons.

Combination Attacks – Physical

Combination attacks offer diverse options and are easy to execute. Their effects depend on the weapon type and the sequence of attacks. For example, with a mace, a basic attack followed by two special attacks results in an upward strike. With a sword, a basic attack followed by a special attack can create a sweeping cut to the left, hitting multiple enemies. Conversely, two basic attacks followed by a special attack can result in a sweeping cut to the right, also damaging multiple enemies and causing you to sidestep, potentially dodging incoming attacks. Experiment with different weapon combinations to find what suits your playstyle.

Combination Attacks – Spells

Mages can also utilize combination attacks. Some spells require mana and specific inventory items. For instance, to cast a fireball, you need a Fire Stone. First, cast ‘Fire Sigil’ to create a sigil on the ground. While within this sigil, casting ‘Spark’ will launch fireballs at your opponent. Each ‘Sigil of Fire’ consumes a Fire Stone, but ‘Spark’ can be cast multiple times using the sigil until mana is depleted.

Defensive spells also work in combination. For example, with Rune magic, casting ‘Dez’ followed by ‘Egoth’ grants a Runic Protection buff (+15% Physical Resistance, +2 Protection) for 177 seconds. Tactical spells like ‘Runic Trap’ can be placed on the ground and detonated by the player or triggered by enemies, dealing 70 Ethereal and 75 Impact damage.

Blocking Incoming Attacks

You can block most incoming attacks by pressing [Right Mouse Button]. Block effectiveness depends on your equipment; shields improve block efficiency, consume less stamina, reduce knockback, and help maintain stability. Shields also allow blocking arrows.

Evading and Dodging Attacks

Evading and dodging are crucial in Outward due to relentless enemy assaults. While blocking is effective against one opponent, facing multiple foes requires more dynamic movement. Use sidesteps ([Hold Shift] to sprint) and dodges ([Space] to roll) to maneuver around enemies, attack from their sides or behind, and avoid being flanked. This also prevents enemies from blocking your attacks.