[Provided by Game Meca] Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Basic Combat Guide

‘Game of Thrones: Kingsroad’ was unveiled through PC Early Access on May 14. The fact that the original series' brutal world has been perfectly recreated means that the combat is just as challenging. In fact, many players who have yet to adapt to the heavy action and the combat system including parrying are being defeated by episode bosses like 'Stel'. 

If you find yourself repeatedly falling to the cold ground because of enemy attacks, it is likely due to a lack of preparation or combat know-how. To help with this, KukminTree has organized some essential tips to make combat much easier without mastering the art of parrying.

▲ Only 10% of players managed to clear it during the CBT.

( Photo: Screenshot from Game of Thrones: King's Road official YouTube channel  )

Don't forget Slot Enhancement and Titles.   

There are many ways to increase your stats in the game. Titles are particularly useful, as they provide stats as soon as you earn them, and you can boost your power even further by equipping them. The process is simple: just go to \[Menu], click \[Title], and equip the one you want. Note that titles are divided into three categories 'Attack, Defense, and Misc' and you can equip one from each category. 

Slot enhancement is a system that enhances the equipment slots themselves. Therefore, the enhancement level and stats are maintained even if you change your equipment. Additionally, there is less pressure since there are no penalties for failure other than the loss of materials. The slot enhancement tools needed for each part can be obtained from various quests, the shop, or from 'Wanderer's Corpses' found throughout the world.

▲ You can equip up to 3 Titles, one from each category. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

▲ You can enhance the equipment slots themselves. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

Skill Engraving and Mastery

Engravings significantly increase skill effects. Since these values are higher than those gained from leveling up skills, it is essential to focus on Engravings for your primary skills. In particular, Engraving effects marked with '(Enhanced)' do not just increase stats, they change the skill's direction and increase its utility. You can obtain Skill Engravings through the effects granted when acquiring equipment. 

Skill Mastery actually enhances the effects of Strike Combos. It adds bonus effects to your combos, such as increased damage, unblockable attacks, and HP recovery. Furthermore, you must invest in Mastery to trigger the unique skills of each class. However, since 'Mastery Books' are scarce in the early stages, it is recommended to focus your investment on a single, primary combo. 

▲ Engraved Poison now leaves a lingering pool on the ground, making it much easier to use. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

▲ The author prefers using the short and simple Strike Combo II. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

Equip your Equipment Sets 

A difference of even 1 stat point is felt much more significantly in the early game than in the later stages. Furthermore, equipment set effects are a major growth factor that can be acquired early on, yet provide a massive boost to your performance. 

Set effects can be activated by equipping specific gear. Equipping 3 pieces of the same set grants the '3-set effect,' while 6 pieces grant the '6-set effect.' Since there are a total of 7 equipment slots, you can activate either one 6-set effect or up to two 3-set effects. Note that both the set rank and its effects increase according to the grade of the equipped gear. 

Secondary set effects are acquired through 'Set Research.' You can increase your stats and Set Level by consuming unused equipment from each set. Once you achieve a breakthrough in your Set Research stage, you can select and equip one secondary set effect. However, please note that if the gear set effect and secondary set effect are identical, the secondary effect will not be applied. 

In the beginning, it is hard to unlock Level 2 Set Research, so focus on Level 1 effects instead. We recommend the ‘Brute’ set for everyone because it simply boosts your attack and defense without any tricky rules. If you are good at parrying, the ‘Duelist’ set is also a nice pick. However, avoid the ‘Guardian’ set since it only works when you get hit. Remember, you should change your set bonuses later once your character grows stronger in the late game. 

▲ You have to experiment with every set anyway. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

▲ Brute Set is a solid early-game choice. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

Focus on 1v1 fights as much as possible  

Combat flow may be interrupted when surrounded by a large group of enemies. Taking damage not only reduces your HP but also breaks your combo, preventing you from dealing high damage. While mastering parrying can turn the tide in your favor, failing to do so will significantly increase the game's difficulty. 

Therefore, you must make the most of the in-game systems to create 1v1 combat situations. A prime example is the ‘Sneak Attack.’ By pressing the ‘C’ key to crouch and approaching an enemy from behind, you can perform this move. Against regular monsters, it deals enough damage to eliminate them in a single strike. Mastering this allows you to reduce the enemy's numbers before a major combat begins 

If a ‘Sneak Attack’ is not an option, you can use a secondary weapon to lure enemies out. Although secondary weapons have limited uses, they allow you to deal damage from a distance. For humanoid enemies, aiming for the head deals massive damage, so focus on landing headshots. Additionally, secondary weapon damage can be enhanced through the Trait Tree or Artifacts. However, due to their limited situational effectiveness, they tend to have a lower preference among players.

▲ Enemies will not notice you if you stay out of their sight. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

▲ Headshots deal significantly more damage. 

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

Decide your target priority.

If you are surrounded by a large group of enemies, decide your priority for defeat. You should defeat enemies who use ranged attacks first. Ranged attacks cannot be parried, and it is difficult to time your evasion if they attack from outside your view. Fortunately, ranged enemies have low HP, so you can defeat them quickly. 

On the other hand, you can lower the priority for enemies wielding blunt weapons like warhammers or two-handed axes. Their attacks are slower and more telegraphed, making them easier to counter during combat. Naturally, it is recommended to deal with Bosses or Elites only after all other minor enemies have been defeated.

▲ It is easier to take down ranged enemies first.

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

▲ Enemies using two-handed maces or dual axes are relatively easier to handle.

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

Time your Mighty Strike perfectly.  

When an enemy is stunned (Groggy), you can use a ‘Mighty Strike.' This move is great because you deal big damage without getting hurt. However, do not use it too fast! Stunned enemies take much more damage for a short time.To get the best result, hit them with a heavy combo first, then finish with the ‘Mighty Strike.' Although it depends on your class, most have enough time to fit in one full heavy combo before the enemy recovers.

▲ Using a mighty strike just before the gray gauge disappears is effective.

(Photo: Created by Gukmintree)

Provided by Game Meca