Half Sword Guides & Resources
Master medieval combat with our comprehensive guides. Combat techniques, weapon mastery, and survival strategies.
Featured Guides
Early Access Secrets, Tips & Tricks
Hidden mechanics that can save your life: beehive traps, environmental kills, gear looting, jumping, vengeful spirits, and map exploits.
10 Advanced Combat Tips You Need to Know
Half-swording, active parry, gap targeting, overhead crushers, footwork, and stamina management techniques that transform your gameplay.
Master the Poleaxe: Complete Technique Guide
Hand-swap techniques, looping strikes, reverse attacks, blocking tips, and devastating combo chains for Half Sword's strongest weapon.
How to Fix Performance Issues in Half Sword
DX12 fix, graphics settings, map avoidance, weapon tips, and combat techniques for smooth gameplay.
Half Sword's New Update Changes EVERYTHING
Official trailer breakdown: crossbows, skull bashing, First Blood mode, character customization, new maps, and graphics overhaul.
Ultimate Guide 2026: Beggar to Baron
Complete walkthrough: knife techniques, pitchfork mastery, attack canceling, spear dodge mechanics, and every boss strategy.
Is Half Sword Early Access Worth $20?
Honest review: new graphics, maps, weapons, progression system – plus optimization issues, combat changes, and who should buy vs wait.
New Combat Mechanics That Change Everything
Early Access overhaul: jumping, groin attacks, choking, smooth sword transitions, stab mode rework, and blunt weapon buffs.
Hidden Features The Game Never Explains
Discover crossbow location, muscle system, paying off sins, insurance mechanics, mercenary tips, and more secret features.
Quick Start Guide
New to Half Sword? Follow these 5 essential steps when starting in Gauntlet mode:
- 1 Accept your first Fistplay duel at the Jester's booth
- 2 Focus on kicks and grappling since you start with no weapons
- 3 Win fights to earn points toward your first tournament
- 4 Grab the knife in Carnage mode – it spawns in the center
- 5 Surrender if you're about to die – press G to save progress
DO: Loot everything, save gold, practice spacing, target unarmored body parts
DON'T: Be afraid to surrender – losing rank progress beats dying and going to the Abyss
Rank System
Climb from lowly Beggar to legendary Baron. Your rank is permanent – you won't drop below your current rank even if you die.
1
Beggar
2
Peasant
3
Commoner
4
Soldier
5
Veteran
6
Man-at-Arms
7
Knight
8
Champion
👑
Baron
How to Rank Up
- • Earn points by winning duels in various game modes
- • Fill your progress bar (visible above the Jester's booth)
- • Win the Tournament – 7 rounds of combat against random opponents
- • Receive ~90 gold reward and advance to the next rank
Game Modes Overview
| Mode | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Gauntlet | Main progression mode. Start as Beggar with fists only. | Rank-based |
| Single Combat | 1v1 duels. Best for practicing mechanics. | +1 point |
| Carnage | Free-for-all deathmatch vs 3 opponents. | +2 points |
| Spoilance | 5-player FFA with improvised weapons only. | +2 points |
| Melee | 3v3 team battles. Coordination is key. | +2 points |
| Abyss | Survival mode triggered by dying. Fight Vengeful Spirits. | Preserves rank |
When to Surrender
Surrendering (press G) is a smart survival strategy. Know when to use it:
⚠️ When to Surrender
- • Fatal wound but not dead yet
- • Outnumbered in team modes
- • Disarmed vs armed enemies
- • Critical limb loss
✓ Why Surrender?
- • Avoid the brutal Abyss
- • Only lose 1-2 rank points
- • Keep your current rank
- • Smart long-term strategy
💀 Abyss Alternative
- • Fight waves of Vengeful Spirits
- • Dying wipes back to Beggar
- • Can hire NPC to clear it
- • Very risky for beginners
Ready to Enter the Arena?
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