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<div class="hf-relpage">
<div class="hf-relpage hf-melee-page hf-directory-page">
{{Release_page_header|title=Melee Combat}}
{{Release_page_header|title=Melee Combat}}
<div class="hf-relpage-body">
<div class="hf-relpage-body">
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<div class="hf-toc-category">On this page</div>
<div class="hf-toc-category">On this page</div>
<div>[[#overview|Overview]]</div>
<div>[[#overview|Overview]]</div>
<div>[[#controls|Control Reference]]</div>
<div>[[#controls|Controls]]</div>
<div>[[#defence|Defence (Blocking)]]</div>
<div>[[#blocking|Blocking]]</div>
<div>[[#offence|Offence (Attacking)]]</div>
<div>[[#attacking|Attacking]]</div>
<div>[[#damage|Damage Mechanics]]</div>
<div>[[#weapons|Weapons & Damage]]</div>
<div>[[#resistances|Class Resistances & Buffs]]</div>
<div>[[#mounted|Mounted & Naval Melee]]</div>
<div>[[#release-notes|Release Notes Check]]</div>
}}
}}
<div class="hf-relpage-content">
<div class="hf-relpage-content">
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{{Release_section
{{Release_section
|id=overview
|id=overview
|title=Melee Combat: Offence & Defence
|title=Overview
|content=
|content=
Melee in ''Holdfast'' is a '''4-directional system'''. Whether you are using a musket bayonet, a sword, or a boarding pike, your success depends on matching your direction to your opponent's.
<div class="hf-directory-hero">
<div class="hf-directory-kicker">Combat guide</div>
<div class="hf-directory-title">Melee is quick, readable, and punishing once you learn the directions.</div>
<div class="hf-directory-text">Holdfast uses directional attacks and blocks. Most infantry fights come down to reading the strike, matching the block, and choosing when to commit instead of flailing into the first guard you see.</div>
</div>
 
<div class="hf-directory-facts">
<div class="hf-directory-fact"><span>Core skill</span>Match the incoming attack direction before countering.</div>
<div class="hf-directory-fact"><span>Common mistake</span>Turning too hard during a swing can weaken the hit.</div>
<div class="hf-directory-fact"><span>Related pages</span>[[Shooting]], [[Horseback Riding]], [[Classes]], [[Traits and Abilities]].</div>
</div>
}}
}}


{{Release_section
{{Release_section
|id=controls
|id=controls
|title=Control Reference
|title=Controls
|content=
|content=
{{{!}} class="wikitable"
The enum page separates melee actions into holds, strikes, and blocks. In normal play, that means you are choosing a direction, holding or releasing an attack, and changing your block as needed.
! Action !! PC Control !! Console Equivalent
 
{{{!}} class="wikitable hf-guide-table"
! Action !! PC !! Controller
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Attack''' {{!}}{{!}} Left Click {{!}}{{!}} RT / R2
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Block / Aim''' {{!}}{{!}} Right Click {{!}}{{!}} LT / L2
{{!}}-
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Attack''' {{!}}{{!}} Left Click {{!}}{{!}} Right Trigger (RT/R2)
{{!}} '''Choose Direction''' {{!}}{{!}} Mouse movement {{!}}{{!}} Right Stick
{{!}}-
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Block''' {{!}}{{!}} Right Click (Hold) {{!}}{{!}} Left Trigger (LT/L2) (Hold)
{{!}} '''Hold Attack''' {{!}}{{!}} Hold Left Click {{!}}{{!}} Hold RT / R2
{{!}}-
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Directional Input''' {{!}}{{!}} Mouse Movement {{!}}{{!}} Right Thumbstick
{{!}} '''Cancel / Feint''' {{!}}{{!}} Block while holding the attack {{!}}{{!}} LT / L2 while holding the attack
{{!}}-
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Feint (Cancel Attack)''' {{!}}{{!}} Right Click while holding attack {{!}}{{!}} Left Trigger while holding attack
{{!}} '''Melee Mode''' {{!}}{{!}} X by default {{!}}{{!}} Controller bind / weapon state toggle
{{!}}}
{{!}}}
Version 3.00 made the melee-mode switch indicator visible for keyboard and mouse players. If the indicator is distracting, check the Reload Hint setting.
}}
}}


{{Release_section
{{Release_section
|id=defence
|id=blocking
|title=Defence (Blocking)
|title=Blocking
|content=
|content=
Defending is the art of matching your weapon's position to the incoming strike. You can block with muskets, swords, and boarding pikes. '''Note:''' Knives, axes, and fists cannot block.
Blocking is about matching the incoming strike, not where the weapon visually lands on your screen.


'''The 4-Way Block'''
* '''High and low blocks''' cover the common bayonet and pike thrust directions.
* '''Left and right blocks''' matter most against swords, knives, fists, and cavalry.
* '''Do not panic-swap directions''' once the attack is already landing.
* '''Practice wide inputs''' at first. Small mouse or stick motions are easy to misread in a crowded fight.


To perform a block, flick your mouse or right thumbstick in the direction of the attack and hold the block button.
Early 2.x releases increased melee leeway, and later updates fixed several input and timing issues. The system is still unforgiving, but it is more readable than older builds.
}}


* '''Up & Down Blocks:''' The most common blocks due to the prevalence of bayonets.
{{Release_section
* '''Left & Right Blocks:''' Primarily used against swords or Cavalry.
|id=attacking
* '''The Logic:''' Even if a "Down" attack is aimed at your head, you '''must''' use a "Down" block to stop it. The crosshair indicator is your best guide for your current active direction.
|title=Attacking
|content=
A good attack is not just pressing the button. You can hold a strike, release late, cancel, or force a bad block from your opponent.


'''Expert Tips for Defence'''
{{{!}} class="wikitable hf-guide-table"
! Attack Habit !! Why It Matters
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Hold before release''' {{!}}{{!}} Makes opponents guess early and can pull out a bad block.
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Do not spin wildly''' {{!}}{{!}} Dragging too hard can reduce damage and cost you the one-hit kill.
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Use range''' {{!}}{{!}} Bayonets and pikes want distance. Swords and knives need you closer.
{{!}}-
{{!}} '''Punish reloads''' {{!}}{{!}} A player aiming or reloading is usually far easier to finish in melee.
{{!}}}


* '''Exaggerate Movement:''' When starting out, exaggerate your mouse/thumbstick flicks. This ensures the game registers the correct direction even amidst the chaos of a 1v1 duel.
If you are learning, fight slower than you think you need to. Read the other player first, then answer.
* '''Grace Period:''' Blocks are near-instant and have a very slight "linger" or grace period after you release the button.
* '''Chambering:''' If you time an attack perfectly against an opponent's attack in the same direction, you may "chamber," effectively blocking and counter-attacking in one motion.
}}
}}


{{Release_section
{{Release_section
|id=offence
|id=weapons
|title=Offence (Attacking)
|title=Weapons & Damage
|content=
|content=
Offence follows the same directional logic as defence but includes a "holding" mechanic.
Not every melee weapon plays the same way.


'''Attack Phases'''
{{Card_grid|content=
 
{{Card|title=Bayonets & Muskets|link=Shooting|image=Bayonet-Melee.webp|description=Long reach and strong straight-line pressure, but limited attack angles.}}
# '''Windup:''' The initial animation where the weapon is pulled back. You cannot deal damage yet.
{{Card|title=Swords|link=Classes|image=Sword-Melee.webp|description=Flexible side attacks and strong cavalry use. Officers, cavalry, and some redesigned classes can carry them.}}
# '''Thrust/Strike:''' The active phase where the weapon can hit the opponent.
{{Card|title=Axes & Tools|link=Defences|image=Axes-and-Tools.webp|description=Work well against structures and close targets. Carpenter and Sapper tools received several 5.x changes.}}
# '''Linger:''' A very brief moment at the end of the thrust where the weapon can still deal damage if it touches a player.
{{Card|title=Boarding Weapons|link=Naval Combat|image=Boarding-Weapons.webp|description=Useful in ship boarding, deck fights, and crowded naval melees.}}
}}


'''Attack Types'''
Release-note changes worth knowing:


* '''Up/Down Attacks:''' Available to all melee weapons. The "Up" attack with a sword typically deals the highest damage but has narrower hitboxes.
* The 5.x redesign lets Line Infantry and Grenadiers equip swords.
* '''Left/Right Attacks:''' Exclusive to '''swords, knives, and fists'''. Bayonets and pikes are limited to vertical thrusts.
* Grenadiers keep a melee-resistance identity through their Resilient trait.
* '''Holding Attacks:''' By holding the attack button, you keep your weapon in the "Windup" phase. Releasing the button triggers the strike. This is used to "feint" or bait an opponent into blocking early.
* Officer Charge improves nearby melee pressure, so a line under charge is more dangerous than isolated infantry.
* Light Infantry lost the old passive movement-speed/melee-debuff tradeoff and now uses Dash for short bursts of movement.
* The Carpenter's two-handed axe now swings in three directions and can block.
* Buffed officers and surgeons no longer survive point-blank firearm shots, reducing some old health-stack edge cases.
* Moveable artillery can now be damaged with melee weapons.
}}
}}


{{Release_section
{{Release_section
|id=damage
|id=mounted
|title=Damage Mechanics & Vital Statistics
|title=Mounted & Naval Melee
|content=
|content=
Damage is calculated based on hit location, movement (dragging), and class-specific buffs.
Melee changes when the ground is moving under you.
 
'''Hits to Kill (Standard Line Infantry)'''
 
{{{!}} class="wikitable"
! Action !! Hits to Kill
{{!}}-
{{!}} Upper Body Hit (Direct) {{!}}{{!}} 1
{{!}}-
{{!}} Upper Body Hit (Dragged/Spun) {{!}}{{!}} 2
{{!}}-
{{!}} Lower Body Hit {{!}}{{!}} 2
{{!}}-
{{!}} Fist (Standard) {{!}}{{!}} 4
{{!}}-
{{!}} Fist (vs Grenadier/Buffed Officer) {{!}}{{!}} 5
{{!}}}


'''Critical Modifiers'''
* '''Cavalry:''' Speed adds threat, but it also makes timing harder. Swing as you pass, not after you have already crossed the target.
* '''Infantry versus cavalry:''' Stakes, small chevaux de frise, and good spacing matter more than chasing horses.
* '''Naval boarding:''' Ship movement used to make hit detection rougher; Age of Sail improved firearm and melee strike detection on moving ships.
* '''Ship decks:''' Expect clutter, ladders, cannons, and teammates. Short, clean attacks are safer than huge camera swings.


* '''The Vulnerability Rule:''' Any player hit while '''aiming or reloading''' will die in '''one hit''' regardless of the melee weapon (fists will deal 50% damage).
For cavalry-specific controls, see [[Horseback Riding]]. For ship fights, see [[Naval Combat]].
* '''Sensitivity Lock:''' The game locks your turn speed during an attack. To bypass this, use the "Block-Attack" transition: Hold Block -> Press Attack -> Release Block.
* '''Drag Penalty:''' Moving your camera excessively (spinning or "dragging" the strike) reduces the force of the blow, often requiring an extra hit to kill.
}}
}}


{{Release_section
{{Release_section
|id=resistances
|id=release-notes
|title=Class Resistances & Buffs
|title=Release Notes Check
|content=
|content=
* '''Grenadiers:''' Have a permanent, static resistance to melee damage.
Important melee-related updates reflected here:
* '''Guards:''' Can "One-Shot" straight-stab even health-buffed units.
 
* '''Officer Charge:''' Under an Officer's "Charge" command, Line Infantry can one-shot units that normally have health buffs.
* '''0.x-1.x:''' Cavalry, trampling, bayonet, kick, melee arena, and early melee combat fixes shaped the base system.
* '''Medic/Officer Aura:''' If a '''Guard''' unit is near a Medic or Officer, those classes receive a health increase, potentially requiring up to 3 hits to kill if you only land lower-body drags.
* '''2.12:''' Melee leeway was increased, and Carpenters received a short sword.
* '''2.x:''' Block/default stance rotation speeds were aligned, combat-mode hints were added, and multiple weapon-switching issues were fixed.
* '''3.00:''' The melee-mode indicator and controller melee aim assist were added.
* '''4.00:''' Melee detection on moving ships was improved.
* '''5.00-5.20:''' The class redesign changed swords, axes, grenades, satchels, artillery damage, melee timings, and several class survivability cases.
}}
}}


Revision as of 00:19, 7 July 2026

Melee Combat

Contents
On this page

Overview

Combat guide
Melee is quick, readable, and punishing once you learn the directions.
Holdfast uses directional attacks and blocks. Most infantry fights come down to reading the strike, matching the block, and choosing when to commit instead of flailing into the first guard you see.
Core skillMatch the incoming attack direction before countering.
Common mistakeTurning too hard during a swing can weaken the hit.
Related pagesShooting, Horseback Riding, Classes, Traits and Abilities.

Controls

The enum page separates melee actions into holds, strikes, and blocks. In normal play, that means you are choosing a direction, holding or releasing an attack, and changing your block as needed.

Action PC Controller
Attack Left Click RT / R2
Block / Aim Right Click LT / L2
Choose Direction Mouse movement Right Stick
Hold Attack Hold Left Click Hold RT / R2
Cancel / Feint Block while holding the attack LT / L2 while holding the attack
Melee Mode X by default Controller bind / weapon state toggle

Version 3.00 made the melee-mode switch indicator visible for keyboard and mouse players. If the indicator is distracting, check the Reload Hint setting.

Blocking

Blocking is about matching the incoming strike, not where the weapon visually lands on your screen.

  • High and low blocks cover the common bayonet and pike thrust directions.
  • Left and right blocks matter most against swords, knives, fists, and cavalry.
  • Do not panic-swap directions once the attack is already landing.
  • Practice wide inputs at first. Small mouse or stick motions are easy to misread in a crowded fight.

Early 2.x releases increased melee leeway, and later updates fixed several input and timing issues. The system is still unforgiving, but it is more readable than older builds.

Attacking

A good attack is not just pressing the button. You can hold a strike, release late, cancel, or force a bad block from your opponent.

Attack Habit Why It Matters
Hold before release Makes opponents guess early and can pull out a bad block.
Do not spin wildly Dragging too hard can reduce damage and cost you the one-hit kill.
Use range Bayonets and pikes want distance. Swords and knives need you closer.
Punish reloads A player aiming or reloading is usually far easier to finish in melee.

If you are learning, fight slower than you think you need to. Read the other player first, then answer.

Weapons & Damage

Not every melee weapon plays the same way.

File:Bayonet-Melee.webp
Bayonets & Muskets
Long reach and strong straight-line pressure, but limited attack angles.
File:Sword-Melee.webp
Swords
Flexible side attacks and strong cavalry use. Officers, cavalry, and some redesigned classes can carry them.
File:Axes-and-Tools.webp
Axes & Tools
Work well against structures and close targets. Carpenter and Sapper tools received several 5.x changes.
File:Boarding-Weapons.webp
Boarding Weapons
Useful in ship boarding, deck fights, and crowded naval melees.

Release-note changes worth knowing:

  • The 5.x redesign lets Line Infantry and Grenadiers equip swords.
  • Grenadiers keep a melee-resistance identity through their Resilient trait.
  • Officer Charge improves nearby melee pressure, so a line under charge is more dangerous than isolated infantry.
  • Light Infantry lost the old passive movement-speed/melee-debuff tradeoff and now uses Dash for short bursts of movement.
  • The Carpenter's two-handed axe now swings in three directions and can block.
  • Buffed officers and surgeons no longer survive point-blank firearm shots, reducing some old health-stack edge cases.
  • Moveable artillery can now be damaged with melee weapons.

Mounted & Naval Melee

Melee changes when the ground is moving under you.

  • Cavalry: Speed adds threat, but it also makes timing harder. Swing as you pass, not after you have already crossed the target.
  • Infantry versus cavalry: Stakes, small chevaux de frise, and good spacing matter more than chasing horses.
  • Naval boarding: Ship movement used to make hit detection rougher; Age of Sail improved firearm and melee strike detection on moving ships.
  • Ship decks: Expect clutter, ladders, cannons, and teammates. Short, clean attacks are safer than huge camera swings.

For cavalry-specific controls, see Horseback Riding. For ship fights, see Naval Combat.

Release Notes Check

Important melee-related updates reflected here:

  • 0.x-1.x: Cavalry, trampling, bayonet, kick, melee arena, and early melee combat fixes shaped the base system.
  • 2.12: Melee leeway was increased, and Carpenters received a short sword.
  • 2.x: Block/default stance rotation speeds were aligned, combat-mode hints were added, and multiple weapon-switching issues were fixed.
  • 3.00: The melee-mode indicator and controller melee aim assist were added.
  • 4.00: Melee detection on moving ships was improved.
  • 5.00-5.20: The class redesign changed swords, axes, grenades, satchels, artillery damage, melee timings, and several class survivability cases.
Last edited by Xarkanoth on 17:06, 8 July 2026Version History