How does combat work in Gloria Victis?

Non-target action combat: you manually aim, charge heavy attacks for big damage, and block by holding guard and matching the incoming swing's direction. Stamina, timing and positioning decide fights.

Gloria Victis Combat Guide: Non-Target Attacks & Blocking

Gloria Victis uses non-target action combat. There's no tab-target lock — you aim every swing yourself, and fights are decided by timing, distance, and reading your opponent, not by who out-levels whom. It's the best thing about the game and the steepest part of the learning curve. MMORPG.com: combat system ↗

The core mechanics

Light vs heavy attacks

Tap for fast, cheap light attacks; hold to charge a heavy attack (until the bar maxes) for far more damage at higher stamina cost. Mixing them is the whole game.

Directional blocking

Hold your guard and match the direction of the incoming swing to block it. A shield covers a wider area — but it can be kicked to break your block, so don't turtle forever.

Stamina is life

Attacking, blocking and sprinting all burn stamina. Run dry and you can't defend. Bait enemies into wasting stamina, then punish.

Reach & footwork

Spears out-range swords; back-pedal to bait a whiff, then step in. Positioning wins more fights than raw damage.

The #1 mistake: treating it like a tab-target MMO and spamming attacks. You'll gas out and die. Manage stamina, time your blocks, and use heavies deliberately.

Coming from Mordhau, Chivalry or Mount & Blade? You'll feel at home faster than most — the directional logic is similar. New to it entirely? Practice on weak PvE mobs before you go looking for fights.

For which weapon to learn first, see best starting weapon.