Naraka: Bladepoint is finally available on PC, and its unique combat system completely re-invents the feeling typically associated with a Battle Royale. Unlike other Battle Royales such as Fortnite and PlayerUnknown's BattlegroundsNaraka: Bladepoint primarily focuses on melee combat and engagement, with complimentary ranged weapons. Additionally, Naraka: Bladepoint organizes items into three separate categories - maximizing inventory maintenance.

The only real downside of Naraka: Bladepoint is that it throws an immense amount of information to players at once, without really getting in-depth on how to put everything into practical usage. Fortunately, the ability to use the Free Training mode enables all the information to be reintroduced and dissected leisurely. Free Training mode should be used only after the Advanced Tutorial is completed.

Related: Naraka: Bladepoint Angers Players With Unannounced Bot Matches

Naraka: Bladepoint initially drops players into a basic overworld tutorial, introducing a mild taste of the game's backstory and character interaction. Once completed, players will be able to navigate the menus and are prompted to go through the Advanced Tutorial. The Advanced Tutorial will reintroduce some of the basic mechanics again, as well as introduce how the in-game items are found and acquired. This is more of the step-by-step vanilla experience that players can expect when they launch a match in The Herald's Trial or Quick Match, but it is by no means the full scope of what can be accomplished in-game. After the Advanced Tutorial is complete launch the Free Training mode, to further hone the skills learned and practice advanced combat mechanics.

Naraka: Bladepoint - Tips, Tricks, & Strategies

Naraka: Bladepoint Review

Free Training

Naraka: Bladepoint's Free Training mode is unequivocally the best way to become familiar with everything mechanical that the game has to offer. Like most "free train" areas seen in other Battle Royales, the Naraka: Bladepoint Free Training mode provides every weapon, armor piece, consumable, and non-consumable item that can be found in an actual match. Additionally, an A.I. partner is loaded into the small arena, and its combat style is completely customizable. The Sparring Partner's settings can be adjusted to:

  • Basic Training
  • Advanced Training
  • Counter Training (for each melee weapon)
  • Aim Training
  • Integrated Training
  • None (removes the Sparring Partner)
  • Combat Mode On/Off

In the same menu as the Sparring Partner's customization, other options to view the selected Hero's Intro (skills and abilities), equipped weapon attacks, and Narakapedia are available as well. Another great aspect of Naraka: Bladepoint's Free Training mode is that every item box is labeled for the appropriate action. Equipment, Melee Souljades, Ranged Souljades, Stat Souljades, Special Souljades, and Items each have their own chest, making it simpler to check out every item individually to see its effect.

Heroes can also be switched immediately in Free Training without having to return to the main menu. Each Hero in Naraka: Bladepoint has talents to unlock and be equipped from the main menu as they level up. New talents can be tested in Free Training as well, provided the Hero has them equipped.

NARAKA: BLADEPOINT Preview

Key Items

Naraka: Bladepoint has a large pool of items to be on the lookout for. Although the inventory management system is clearly labeled to discern items, weapons, and Souljades, there are a few key items that should always be grabbed and stocked up. Naturally, the first items to stock up on are health management items. Vitalia and Armor Powder restore health and armor, respectively, and are critical for survival.

Souljades are equipable items found in-game that provide boosts to stats, melee weapons, ranged weapons, and abilities. These are passive increases that activate once a Souljade is equipped. While some Souljades have multiple variations, such as Health Souljades I, II, and III, others only have one type and equipped effect. Additionally, some Souljades are weapon-specific, so be sure to equip the appropriate Souljade when using the affected weapon.

The remaining two items are Weaponry Chests and Grappling Spools. Weaponry Chests are used to repair both ranged and melee weapons in Naraka: Bladepoint. There is no ammo in-game, so the Weaponry Chests act as ammo caches when ranged weapons are being repaired. Melee weapons use the Weaponry Chests to repair the items back to max durability. Unlike ranged weapons, melee weapons can still be used once their durability runs out. They'll deal less damage, but blocking and countering attacks work just as well.

Grappling Spools are used for reaching any and all heights in Naraka: Bladepoint. They can be used in mid-air or on the ground, and are an essential tool when trying to escape from or rush an opponent. Opponents can be directly grappled by the hook, and the user will be launched into the enemy. A direct hit will cause the enemy to be knocked down to the ground, leaving them wide open for an attack.

Naraka Bladepoint Console Reveal Trailer PS5

Combat in Real-Time

Learning the best Naraka: Bladepoint characters, basics, and practicing with various weapons is a great way to get started, but when it comes to the real deal nothing is better than experience. Naraka: Bladepoint is, after all, a Battle Royale, and so some methodical strategy must be applied in order to conquer every opponent. Here are some defensive tips that apply to every Hero in any combat situation:

  • Lock onto the opponent during a melee fight
  • Dodging and attacking is more reliable than blocking
  • Keep out of the equipment menu during a fight
  • Back out of third partied fights (regroup with the team in trios)
  • Dodge backward if a light attack is blocked, counter-attack if the opponent misses a light strike
  • Do not spam Counter

One of the most important things to keep in mind in Naraka: Bladepoint is to never underestimate any opponent. Assume every opponent is going to know how to perfect counter every attack if used in Naraka: Bladepoint's fast and fluid combat style. Delaying power attacks switching up combos gives the opponent more to think about. When using an offensive Hero, use their ability or skill to create an opening. Eventually, a mistake on their end can lead to a massive offensive opening. Lastly, work together in trios. It's easy to overwhelm an opponent who has to face two or three fighters at a time.

Finally, be sure to visit the Rift Dealer. The Rift Dealer sells consumable items for Dark Tide Coins, as well as upgrades to the Weapon, Item, and Souljade bags. Additionally, the Rift Dealer sells a Souljade of random quality, but it's costly and better to upgrade the three bags first. Dark Tide Coins can be found easily by looting Troves and defeating opponents.

More: Naraka: Bladepoint Reveals Console Releases With PS5 Gameplay Trailer

Naraka: Bladepoint is available on Steam.