Stray Blade Beginner’s Guide – Tips for Getting Started

by Fernando Diaz / Game Guides, General Guides / 01 Feb 2021

Numerous Souls-like games have launched this year, originating from publishers worldwide. It’s no surprise given the genre’s soaring popularity, but few have reached the heights of Elden Ring and Dark Souls franchises. Stray Blade sets itself apart by moving away from the dark atmosphere of Dark Souls and Bloodborne, embracing vibrant graphics and lively gameplay for a refreshing Souls-like experience. In this Stray Blade guide, we’ll supply you with essential tips to start and elevate your game. Let’s dive in!

Character and Story

Before diving into tips on combat, exploration, and more, let’s discuss the game’s story and objectives. You play as Ferran West, a seasoned historian and explorer. You have the option to choose Ferran’s gender as male or female. Boji, a mystical wolf-like creature, accompanies Ferran on their journey, assisting with combat, exploration, and unraveling the plot. Together, their mission is to decipher Acrea’s mysteries, defeat the God-Kings, and break the bond tying them to the realm.

Exploration

Stay vigilant, as Stray Blade lacks a world map, waypoints, or hidden chest markers. Thorough exploration is essential, so examine each area closely and search for secrets.

Rely on Boji when you’re lost; he can guide you, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Use the compass feature to see quest points by making Ferran kneel and inspect the compass.

Revisit earlier areas, as gaining new abilities may make previously unreachable locations accessible. Revisiting these places may unveil new paths and secrets.

Combat, Weapons and Skill Trees

Choose your weapon style: Stray Blade offers a variety of combat styles based on your weapon preference. Experiment with dual-wielding, two-handed weapons, or the classic sword and shield combo to discover your ideal fit. With 30 unique weapons in the game, stay open to testing new equipment to diversify your combat strategies. Each weapon provides a distinct experience and can offer advantages in different combat scenarios.

Master dodging and parrying: Enemies exhibit yellow and blue attack indicators. Yellow signals the need to dodge, while blue is your cue to parry. Perfecting these reactions is critical for combat success.

Utilize Boji’s skills: Boji can pounce on enemies, allowing you to focus on other threats. Collaborate with him to efficiently manage multiple adversaries. Boji can also destabilize foes, creating brief opportunities for backstabbing. Seize these opportunities to inflict substantial damage. As your bond with Boji grows, he will unleash powerful magical shockwaves that scatter enemies and create openings for you to engage in combat.

Watch your stamina: Carefully monitor your stamina to avoid leaving yourself defenseless against enemy attacks. Stamina management is crucial, especially when performing dodges and parries.

Target enemy stamina: Stray Blade’s combat emphasizes an enemy’s stamina over health. Employ dodges, parries, and well-timed strikes to deplete enemy stamina and leave them vulnerable.

Explore new finishers, as each weapon type features unique finishing moves. Continually experiment with various weapons to uncover and master these potent moves.

Craft and improve weapons: Find blueprints and materials to forge and upgrade your weapons. Numerous forges are scattered across Acrea, giving you frequent opportunities to enhance your gear.

Specialize and level up weapons: Individual weapons level up with use, so focus on a select few to increase their effectiveness.

Personalize your fighting style: Alternating between two chosen weapons can help you establish your distinctive playstyle.

Upgrade Ferran and Boji: Both you and your companion have your own skill trees for leveling up and improving abilities. Ferran’s skill tree is more extensive and requires blueprints to unlock abilities.

Keep an eye out for materials, which are frequently dropped and essential for upgrades. Keep an eye out for resources as you explore.

World Evolution and Persistence

World evolution: The game world evolves over time as you progress. Enemy camps you’ve cleared may be taken over by other factions or creatures when you revisit them.

Persistence after death: Upon death, you respawn at a checkpoint, and enemies respawn as well. However, gear, collectibles, and experience are retained, making death feel less punishing.

Fernando Diaz

Fernando is doing what he always did, sharing his honest opinions about games whenever he can. The difference is now he is writing and not talking about it.
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