PvP Strategies - Combat Mastery

Dominate in player versus player combat with these proven strategies and techniques.

Understanding the Combat System

Core Mechanics

Stamina Management:

• Every action costs stamina
• Running out = vulnerability window
• Regenerates faster when standing still
• Don't spam attacks blindly

Hit Priority:

1. Heavy attacks beat light attacks
2. Parry beats all attacks
3. Grab beats block
4. Block beats normal attacks

Frame Data Basics

Understanding frame data gives you an edge:

• Startup frames: Time before attack hits
• Active frames: When damage occurs
• Recovery frames: Vulnerability after attack

Light attacks: 8 startup, 3 active, 12 recovery Heavy attacks: 18 startup, 5 active, 24 recovery

Essential Techniques

1. Parrying

The most important defensive technique:

• Press block at the exact moment of impact
• Successful parry = free counter attack
• Practice timing against NPC enemies first
• Learn different weapon parry windows

Parry Windows by Weapon:

• Sword: 6 frames (medium)
• Katana: 4 frames (hard)
• Axe: 8 frames (easy)
• Fist: 10 frames (easiest)

2. Spacing

Control the distance:

• Close range: Fists, short swords
• Mid range: Katanas, standard swords
• Long range: Spears, scythes

Know your weapon's optimal range and stay there.

3. Mix-ups

Keep opponents guessing:

• Alternate light and heavy attacks
• Use delays to bait parries
• Empty jumps into grabs
• Dash cancels to confuse

4. Punishment

Capitalize on mistakes:

• Learn recovery times for all weapons
• Heavy attack after blocked heavy
• Grab after multiple blocked lights
• Contract ability after successful parry

Contract Synergies for PvP

Aggressive Builds

Violence Devil + Ghost Devil:

• Violence for damage boost
• Ghost for gap closing
• Burst down before they react

Mantis Devil + Snake Devil:

• Mantis for sustained damage
• Snake for poison DOT
• Pressure-based playstyle

Defensive Builds

Ghost Devil + Zombie Devil:

• Ghost for escapes
• Zombie for survivability
• Outlast your opponent

Future Devil + Fox Devil:

• Future for predictions
• Fox for summon distractions
• Control-based gameplay

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Panic Rolling

• Uses too much stamina
• Easy to predict and punish
• Walk and block instead

❌ Mashing Attacks

• Leaves you vulnerable
• Easy to parry
• Think before you swing

❌ Ignoring Stamina

• Running empty = death
• Always keep 20% reserve
• Know when to disengage

❌ Predictable Patterns

• Humans find patterns fast
• Mix up your approach
• Change timing and spacing

Advanced Techniques

Animation Canceling

Cancel attack recovery with:

• Dash (uses stamina)
• Contract ability
• Jump (less safe)

Baiting

Force mistakes:

• Whiff punish: intentionally miss to bait counter
• Block fishing: block to bait grab, then punish
• Low health acting: pretend to panic for overconfidence

Team Coordination

In team fights:

• Call targets
• Stagger stuns
• Cover teammates' recovery
• Focus one enemy at a time

Practice Routine

Daily Practice (30 minutes)

1. Parry training (10 min)

   • Division 2 training dummies
   • Practice all weapon types

2. Combo execution (10 min)

   • Your main weapon combos
   • Contract weaving

3. Sparring (10 min)

   • Find practice partners
   • Focus on one technique per session

Weekly Goals

• Parry 10 different attack types
• Win 20 duels
• Learn one new combo
• Study one opponent's patterns

Meta Tier List (PvP)

S-Tier Contracts

• Violence Devil (raw power)
• Ghost Devil (mobility)
• Future Devil (predictions)

S-Tier Weapons

• Katana (speed + range)
• Scythe (range + damage)

Counter Picks

Violence Devil → Ghost Devil (outmobile) Ghost Devil → Future Devil (predict phases) Zombie Devil → Violence Devil (burst through regen)

Final Tips

1. Stay calm: Panic leads to mistakes
2. Learn matchups: Know what beats what
3. Watch replays: Analyze your losses
4. Practice daily: Muscle memory matters
5. Have fun: It's still a game

Good luck in the arena, Devil Hunter!