These NEW Mechanics in Half Sword Change EVERYTHING

Half Sword has finally launched in Early Access, and the combat system has received a massive overhaul. From new weak points to completely reworked sword mechanics, here's everything that's changed and the new techniques these updates unlock.

New Character Weak Points

Your character now has two devastating new vulnerabilities that completely change close-quarters combat. Smart players will exploit these, and smart defenders will protect them.

Groin Attacks Are Lethal

Yes, you can now kick enemies in the balls. And it's incredibly effective:

• Natural reaction animation – The enemy puts their hand down by their waist when hit
• Sustained attacks are devastating – Keep kicking and you'll hear a "crushing" sound effect
• Already nerfed! – Damage was reduced because it was "too broken" at launch

Choking Mechanic

The other lethal addition is the ability to choke your opponent. This is a finicky but incredibly satisfying way to win:

• Grab their throat or mouth and hold
• If held long enough, they give up without dying
• Opens the door to non-lethal victories

Movement System Overhaul

The biggest change to movement? You can now jump. That's right – hold Spacebar and release to leap.

Jumping Mechanics

• Flying attacks become possible (though mid-air kicks aren't working yet)
• Pre-jump crouch is very low – lower than normal crouch
• Cannot move while charging a jump
• Extremely unstable – any bump or arm movement causes you to fall backward

Voluntary Lay Down

A subtle but useful change: you can now lay down whenever you want without getting hurt first. Previously, you needed to be injured to end up on the ground.

Ground Combat Revolution

Being on the ground no longer means you're helpless:

Lighter Character Feel

Overall, characters feel much lighter than before:

• You'll trip and fall more often
• But you can take down opponents more consistently
• Dominating downed opponents is much easier
• Combined with the new declo (clothing) removal, positioning is more realistic

Combat Mechanics Rework

Kick Changes

Kicks received a nerf to spam speed:

• Can't chain kicks as fast as in the demo
• RIP Kazatski technique – the rapid kick dance move is no longer possible

Punch Overhaul

Punches are now much more controllable:

• Mouse movement width determines punch type
• Narrow movement = Jab
• Wide movement = Hook
• Better range of motion = more consistent hits

Sword Play Evolution

This is where the magic happens. Sword combat has been completely transformed:

• Swings feel dramatically smoother
• Guard transitions are buttery – this is what enables precise attacks
• Enhanced pitch, yaw, and rotation control when sword is extended
• Better weapon interaction possibilities:
  • Beat – Bat opponent's weapon aside
  • Bind – Continuous blade contact to control their weapon
  • Parry – More accurate deflections

Revolutionary Stab Mode Exit

This might be the single most impactful change for experienced players:

Old System (Demo)

• Had to release mouse button to exit stab mode
• Lost control during transition
• Clunky and interrupted flow

New System (Early Access)

• Quick flick in any direction exits stab mode
• No need to release mouse button
• Seamless transition between stabs and slashes
• Maintain full weapon control throughout

Damage System Upgrades

Helmet Splitting (Yes, Really)

In a jaw-dropping new feature, you can now cut helmets completely in half:

• Helmet AND head can be split in two
• You can pick up and throw half a helmet
• Either the material is very weak or your sword is a lightsaber...

Blunt Weapon Buff

Blunt weapons have received a significant damage increase:

• More damage to both armored and unarmored opponents
• Previously required "perfect hits" to feel impactful
• Now consistently effective – a welcome change

Other Notable Changes

Auto-Parry Status

The controversial auto-parry system is still present with no toggle option. However, it feels less pronounced than in the demo – likely because players now have much better manual control over their weapons.

Final Verdict

These changes represent a massive step forward for Half Sword's combat system. The improvements to:

• ✅ Sword control and guard transitions
• ✅ Stab mode fluidity
• ✅ Ground combat viability
• ✅ New attack options (groin, choke, jump)

...all combine to make combat feel closer to real sword fighting than ever before.

The direction Half Sword is heading is incredibly exciting. Get out there and master these new mechanics! 🗡️