Combat in Chivalry 2 is more than just swinging your sword faster than your opponent. Two of the most essential mechanics in the game—Counters and Ripostes—form the backbone of skillful, deliberate play. However, many players never unlock their full potential due to misunderstanding how these mechanics function, when to use them, or what benefits and drawbacks come with each. If you want to step up your game, learning these mechanics thoroughly is key.

What is a Riposte and Why Initiative Matters

Let’s begin with Ripostes. A Riposte is triggered when you block an enemy’s attack and immediately retaliate with your own swing. Timing is everything here—Ripostes are all about initiative. When your enemy attacks first, your natural response is to block. If you then swing back quickly, you claim the initiative. That brief moment puts the pressure on your opponent, forcing them onto the defensive.

Failing to respond quickly after a block results in losing that initiative. The fight returns to a neutral state, opening the door for your opponent to swing again, possibly before you can react. A successful Riposte is visually confirmed by yellow sparks and the on-screen cue “Riposte.” It’s simple, effective, and essential for keeping up the offensive.

Understanding Counters: Precision Over Simplicity

Counters, on the other hand, are a bit trickier but carry distinct advantages. Think of a Counter as a “block that hits back”—essentially a perfect parry. To perform one, you must mirror the enemy’s attack type from a block position beforetheir weapon connects. If they swing horizontally, you must counter with a horizontal swing, whether left or right. Done right, you’ll see blue sparks and the word “Counter.”

While more difficult to pull off, Counters offer stamina efficiency and allow you to close distance due to their immunity to knockback. When successful, they return the stamina used and can even grant stamina if your retaliatory strike connects. It’s the only defensive move in the game that gives you stamina back, which is a game-changer in long fights.

Active Parry: The Secret Weapon in 1vX Scenarios

Both Ripostes and Counters activate something called Active Parry, a brief period where you automatically block other incoming attacks after a successful move. This window, lasting about half a second, is your lifeline in 1vX scenarios. Focus on the first incoming attack, counter or riposte it, and let active parry shield you from the rest—as long as they’re in front of you. That last part is crucial: your sides and back remain vulnerable.

Positioning becomes paramount. Always try to corral your enemies in front of you. Once they surround you, active parry’s safety net disappears.

Riposte vs Counter: Pros and Cons

Riposte Pros:

• Easier to perform—no need to read the opponent’s attack type.
• Great for mix-ups and interrupting counter wars.
• Ideal in chaotic 1vX fights where reading every swing is impractical.

Riposte Cons:

• Suffer from knockback, which can disrupt spacing.
• Vulnerable to kicks if you’re waiting to block.
• Cost stamina with no way to recover it passively.

Counter Pros:

• Regain stamina with successful execution.
• Immune to knockback—great for closing distance.
• Stops light attacks from continuing, reducing team damage.
• Faster retaliation, leaving less time for opponents to react.

Counter Cons:

• Harder to execute due to swing-type matching.
• Predictable—opponents know what’s coming.
• Vulnerable to heavies and drags that alter timing.

When and Why to Use Each

So which is better? The answer: both. While new players should focus on learning Counters first due to their stamina and tempo control advantages, Ripostes are essential for creating unpredictability and surviving multiple attackers. You’re not truly mastering combat until you can flow between both mechanics, using each when appropriate.

Ripostes are your go-to when you need simplicity or are under heavy pressure. Counters shine in duels and stamina management. A skilled fighter will mix and match both to manipulate initiative and control the pace of battle.

Advanced Notes and Combat Tricks

• Feints apply to both mechanics and are crucial in high-level play.
• Ripostes can feint into kicks, a great tool to break blocks and open up your opponent.
• Counters cannot feint into a kick, but they can be feinted to close distance.
• The duration of a counter window depends on weapon windup—slower weapons have longer windows.
• Feinting a counter extends the window further, allowing for reactive follow-ups.
• You can double counter by feinting after an initial counter, useful when another attack is coming right after.

Using shields? Good news—counters and active parries don’t drain shield health. Want to stop an arrow? Any counter swing can deflect it, though the timing is tight and requires pinpoint accuracy.

For fast weapons, early counters can create unreactable offense, but this makes you vulnerable to delayed swings. And in some cases, especially against slower weapons, counter-spamming can let you steal initiative post-hit, confusing your opponent and regaining control.

Final Thoughts

Mastering Counters and Ripostes is not optional if you want to excel in Chivalry 2. These mechanics are more than just tools—they are your language in the chaos of battle. Learn when to speak softly with a Riposte and when to shout back with a Counter. Combine both fluidly, and you’ll not only survive—you’ll dominate.

Now go out there, and make every swing count.