Mastering the Art of Kicking in Dark Souls 3: A Tactical Guide

Dark Souls 3, renowned for its challenging combat mechanics, requires players to master various moves, including the often overlooked but essential kick. In this detailed guide, we'll explore the intricacies of kicking in Dark Souls 3, offering insights and strategies to enhance your combat prowess.

1. Understanding the Kick Mechanic

a. Purpose of the Kick:

• The kick is a versatile move designed to break an opponent's guard. It creates an opening for a critical strike, allowing you to follow up with powerful attacks.

b. Execution:

• To execute a kick, players need to perform a specific input. On most platforms, this involves pressing the "Forward" key or stick and attacking simultaneously. Mastering the timing is crucial for a successful kick.

2. Perfecting the Timing

a. Observing Enemy Patterns:

• Different enemies in Dark Souls 3 have distinct attack patterns and vulnerabilities. Study your opponent's movements, and time your kicks when they are in a defensive stance.

b. Practice in Safe Zones:

• Use safe zones, such as Firelink Shrine, to practice the kick mechanic. Experiment with different timings to understand when the kick effectively interrupts an opponent's guard.

3. Combining Kicks with Attacks

a. Setting Up Critical Strikes:

• Use the kick strategically to set up critical strikes. After a successful kick, your opponent will be briefly staggered, providing an opportunity for a devastating follow-up attack.

b. Mixing Up Your Moves:

• Integrate kicks into your combat repertoire by seamlessly transitioning between regular attacks, dodges, and kicks. This keeps your opponents guessing and adds unpredictability to your fighting style.

4. Adapting to Enemy Types

a. Shielded Enemies:

• Kicking is particularly effective against enemies wielding shields. A well-timed kick breaks their guard, leaving them vulnerable to your subsequent attacks.

b. Lighter Armored Foes:

• Against lightly armored foes, kicks can interrupt their attacks and create openings for punishing counterattacks.

5. Utilizing Environmental Hazards

a. Leveraging Terrain:

• Use the environment to your advantage. Position enemies near ledges or hazards where a successful kick can lead to environmental kills.

b. Environmental Interactions:

• Some areas feature elements like trapdoors or cliffs. Experiment with kicks near these elements to discover unique interactions and strategic opportunities.

6. Incorporating Kick into PvP Battles

a. Mind Games:

• In player-versus-player (PvP) scenarios, the kick becomes a psychological tool. Use it sparingly to keep opponents guessing and disrupt their rhythm.

b. Combo Potential:

• Combine kicks with quick weapon switches or magic spells for unpredictable and potent combos. This adds depth to your PvP strategy.

7. Advisory Notes for Beginners

a. Start Slow:

• If you're new to the kick mechanic, start by incorporating it into your encounters gradually. Over time, you'll develop a sense of when to use it effectively.

b. Patience is Key:

• Learning the kick's timing requires patience. Don't be discouraged by initial failures; practice consistently to refine your skills.

Conclusion

In Dark Souls 3, mastering the art of kicking is a valuable skill that adds depth to your combat strategy. By understanding the mechanics, perfecting the timing, and incorporating kicks into your overall approach, you'll gain a significant advantage in both PvE and PvP encounters.

Embark on the journey of mastering the kick, and let the staggered foes in Dark Souls 3 pave the way for your triumphant victories!

Note: This guide is crafted for informational purposes and provides general advice on using kicks in Dark Souls 3. Individual experiences may vary based on player styles and in-game situations.