Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Hello! Welcome to my guide to Souls games combat.
This guide is based on 5000+ hours of experience playing and doing challenge runs in the Souls series over the last 6 years, condensed into one complete video showcasing all of the mechanics of the combat system.

This guide covers combat in Dark Souls 1, Dark Souls 2, Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring. Major spoilers for areas and bosses in those games are included, alongside a couple clips of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Nightreign.

I will start with fundamentals for beginners and returning players, then dive into more complex combat mechanics with advanced tips and tricks along the way, and then give my insight as a long term player on how to survive and overcome the world of Souls games.

Useful links:
Elden Ring Enemies/Bosses Data Spreadsheet:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BVwmKqB8pvuyJkSTGYOM2kAJxFMQ0jVsc6aKYz_Upes/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Elden Ring Motion Values for weapons stance damage, stagger, etc:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1j4bpTbsnp5Xsgw9TP2xv6d8R4qk0ErpE9r_5LGIDraU/edit?gid=1512110930#gid=1512110930

Dark Souls Boss Weakness Spreadsheet:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k_cihIDnNSndEw3iVspu_34Pa30SYxWuzK3q1aaXAGs/edit?gid=1647926148#gid=1647926148

Dark Souls 3 Enemy Breakdown: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TF221ZUkjLK7Q9a_NcjbX5dW1-LMn6s7yyPuLh-7kbs/edit?gid=0#gid=0

Dark Souls 3 PvE Damage Calculator & Enemy Info: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K4FwS61pLzfQPXAfTZxVMLmRdxohUMhaW5jbZXHG814/edit?gid=256854874#gid=256854874

FromSoft I-frame Data Sheet:
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18JuYshFKmHm2wkyUmxnBV6B34799QdbBpuHVG6IMrHM/edit?gid=905932361#gid=905932361

Chapters Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:46 Fundamentals
00:01:53 Attribute Bars
00:03:35 Defenses & Absorptions
00:05:14 Resistances
00:06:12 Damage Types
00:11:09 Light Attack (R1)
00:12:41 Heavy Attack (R2)
00:13:17 Charged Heavy Attack (CR2)
00:13:57 Weapon Skill (L2)
00:15:39 Sprinting
00:17:02 Dodge Rolls
00:18:50 I-frames
00:19:16 Recovery Rolls
00:19:42 Combat Mechanics: Offense
00:19:48 Melee Fighting Styles
00:22:59 Plunge Attacks
00:23:26 Headshots
00:24:19 Counter Damage
00:25:52 Sweet Spots
00:26:23 Status Effects
00:30:40 Ladder Fights
00:31:02 Horseback Combat
00:33:10 Combat Mechanics: Defense & Mobility
00:33:15 Backsteps
00:34:23 Jumps
00:36:29 Crouch (ER)
00:37:12 Blocking
00:39:58 Deflections (ER)
00:40:48 Parrying
00:42:51 General Mechanics
00:42:56 Poise/Stance & Stagger
00:48:39 Critical Attacks
00:51:44 Backstabs
00:53:07 Stealth (ER)
00:54:18 Player Poise
00:55:41 Stun Levels
00:59:52 Hyperarmor
01:00:31 Superarmor
01:02:28 Recovery
01:03:00 Animation Cancel
01:03:39 The Silver Rules of Combat
01:05:02 Target Assessment
01:06:08 Situational Awareness
01:09:46 Safe Exploration
01:11:14 Survivability
01:13:51 Camera Control
01:16:11 Exploring Your Options
01:17:41 Learning Your Character
01:23:28 Understanding Enemies
01:23:38 Quick Overview
01:24:44 Aggro Behavior
01:26:56 Animations Based Combat
01:27:56 Baiting Attacks & Spacing
01:30:11 Enemies Attack Selection
01:31:30 AI Animation Reads
01:33:27 Aggressive & Defensive Stances
01:34:10 Forcing Enemies Reactions
01:35:14 Manipulating Enemies
01:36:53 Exploiting Weaknesses
01:38:30 Quit Outs
01:39:54 Closing Statement

Background music sources:
Dark Souls 1 & 3, Elden Ring, Baldur's Gate 3, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Ori and the Blind Forest, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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