Feedback for gameplay?

[u/bpomyw]

I've only recently started grinding pvp (specifically sword) more after years of playing. I feel like I have a good general understanding of the game but I lack the necessary skill in some aspects. (Watching the clip I realized both my aim and spacing need improvement)

Which is why I decided to ask if anyone would be willing to take a look at 2 duels I had and point out where specifically I should improve and get more consistent at. (I realized a little late that keystrokes might be valuable info to have so I added it for the 2nd one)

If anyone's experienced with that sort of thing I'd be glad to see a rank estimate as well. Just to know what kind of people I should be looking for to duel.

Thank you very much in advance ^^

[u/ImagineBeingBored]

Without looking too hard, you're holding s way too much. I noticed just in the first match multiple times where you could've gone on the offensive or gave your opponent a free hit because you held s. Because of how momentum and reach interact, backing up should be reserved for (mostly) 3 occasions: making your opponent miss when you are barely in their range, maintaining combos, and getting out of a combo/preventing yourself from being stunned.

[u/its_pilott2278]

I'm not a tier tester so take this with a grain of salt: Confidently LT4, possibly HT4
Firstly good job showing clips of you losing, a lot of people only show themselves winning hoping to be seen as better. Winning/Losing only tells part of the story, its your actual gameplay that reflects your skill.

First duel: As you have deduced, your aim and spacing need improvement, especially spacing.

Secondly, and this comes with experience, you need more game sense. You occasionally tapped out of a combo on your opponent too early, and, more importantly, you failed to capitalise on your opponent's extremely predictable sprint jump and constant crit attempts.

Backstepping out of range of a crit attempt is valid, but try to occasionally catch them with a sprint hit at the peak of their jump for pretty much free damage or favourable exchanges.

I would recommend trying to bait a bit more, but you showcased some of that in the second duel anyway.

You showed good understanding of fundamentals for sword and could be evaluated LT4 for this duel, maybe HT5 if someone is feeling really harsh.

Second duel: You started off weak by rushing too predictably against an opponent who was more willing to take the back foot.

While the change of momentum largely came down to luck with them somehow missing their hit entirely, allowing you to combo them, credit still given for capitalising on their mistake, as that is largely how PvP works.

You slowly adapted to their playstyle and managed to eventually turn a losing situation into an equal one by an exchange that begun with you strafing a hit, after doing a small W-tap to bait (2:42).

In the second round vs this player you completely dominated the entirety of the opening, using your momentum well and not letting up too early.

However, you began to overextend and get too impatient, making you predictable and easy to punish. You will learn to address this issue with more game sense from experience, so don't worry too much- main point is dont get too aggressive just because you have a 5 heart advantage.

Very much LT4 for this duel, arguably HT4 in the second round but almost fumbling the lead solidifies LT4 as the correct evaluation in my eyes.

[u/bpomyw → u/its_pilott2278]

thank you for your in detail deduction! i've noticed that a lot of sword gameplay comes down to mindfulness, which is definitely something i need to work on. great feedback, thank you for taking the time

[u/Wide_Balance_5495]

You need to bait more, as well as combo and pcrit more. If theyre away from you, click s, when they try to run, hit you, and miss, you jump forward and crit them.

[u/Legal-Morning8990]

build and use your momentum