I play KCD on PC. It's beautiful. The story is rich and interesting. But, I cannot seem to attack very well in melee combat. I wind up attacking with a bow and back pedaling while trying to fire arrows, losing many arrows and fights... It seems like combat moves SO fast and I'm not sure how to get a good strike in consistently. How do I perfect block and counter attack? I see the green shield appear for a split second and then unsure of how to take advantage of it. Do I hold the Q key to block and then click the mouse to counter attack? Do I tap the Q key and then click immediately?

I've tried watching a few YouTube videos, but they don't seem to really show exactly how to fight. And I've trained with Bernard, practiced, etc. but I just don't get it.

Help a button masher out...how does combat work ?

Don't just smash buttons :-D

Best use short sword and shield.
Train more with Bernhard, learn the right timing for blocking and the counter attack.
And for now ... just run, if they come in numbers :-)

Combat moves really fast, and seems pretty random. When I'm trying to do a combo, do I immediately do all parts of the combo in quick succession? How exactly do I take advantage of the perfect block? I've trained with Bernard, but just not really understanding the game mechanics. I understand the principles of melee combat, but not how I'm supposed to execute them in-game.

I'm something like level 11 now...and manage to win some fights, but it's mainly by using my bow while running backward and having Mutt help. Not exactly heroic...

I have been swordfighting in the medieval reenactment scene for a few years and can tell you: Real swordfighting can be even faster!
But the game does a great job recreating the experience.

Did you do all the training lessons bernhard has to offer?
I found him a bit late and had a good armor already. My first training with him took a good 30 minutes as I lost not much health (but armor repair was really expensive, afterward :-D ). I got lots of strength, agility and combat level ups during these 30 minutes. He teached me the perfect block, counter attack and the concept of combos, afair. But maybe there are level requirements for these lessons.

The real point of Perfect Block is it's used to initiate a counter attack. You have to (perfect) block and hit the attack button at the same moment. Focus on this. Your opponent does this, too. This is the reason why combos are hard to pull. Even if you get the timing and order of moves right, the guy on the other side counter attacks on your first or second move most of the time.

Another thing to be aware of is combat distance. You can try to step back and change your position to interupt his combat plans as well as run into him to overwelm him (Firm Grip recommended).

Have fun training ... it's half of the game ;-) .


Add: You do the next move of a combo "on hit" of the former move.

Quote: I'm something like level 11 now...and manage to win some fights, but it's mainly by using my bow while running backward and having Mutt help. Not exactly heroic...

Well, I'm at level 19 and have a full plate armor and excelent weapons. 20 points in strenght, agility and vitality. 17 in combat, 20 in defense and sword. BUT If I bluntly attack multiple enemies head on I'm still dead meat! :-D
As in history, even a knight can easily get killed by peasans when they get him surrounded. More so if your enemies got armor, better weapons and dogs.
Maybe it's not heroic, but to work in stealth and take out one after one makes life a lot easier. :-D

I have trained with Bernard up to a couple combo attacks. I'll have to practice more. I've got the Executioner's Sword and some good armor, so I'm able to muddle my way through more fights. Those peasant bandits are pretty easy, they go down fast...A well armored bandit knight took several arrows, Mutt and some chops from my sword before I luckily won.

I'll keep at it...I really am enjoying the game. It's beautiful and the story and side quests are interesting and fun.

I have kept at it and learned master strike. I can manage to get in a couple here and there and now am more likely to win. I also started using potions and that really helps. So, before battle I drink an Auqa Vitas, Buck's Blood and a Lazarus as well as putting Bane on my sword and better piercing arrows. That gives me damage resistance, stamina regeneration, extra damage, and health regeneration. I also completed the sword quest and bought the blade. It's nice and really helps me in battle.

So, while I'm still mainly button mashing, I do actually manage a few good hits and actually win. Except for the tourney. That I still haven't managed to win... My best is getting to the third round of the second battle before losing.

Im at the beginning on level 3, so far I can manange to win every 1:1 fight with shield blocks and quick stab moves with my sword