The combat system in Assassin’s Creed Origins is a huge departure from previous games in the series. If you’re struggling to get the hang of dodging, blocking, countering, and managing enemy fights, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
This guide will break down everything you need to know to become a master of combat in Assassin’s Creed Origins, covering key mechanics, weapons, and strategies for both stealth and open combat.
1. Stop Button Mashing! (It Won’t Work Anymore)
The first and most important tip is to ditch button mashing. Unlike older AC games, Origins has a tactical combat system that rewards timing, dodging, and precision.
✔ Why Button Mashing Doesn’t Work:
- Attacks take stamina and have weight—swinging wildly will leave you exposed.
- Blocking and dodging are key mechanics—you can’t just spam attacks.
- Different enemies have different weaknesses—mindless button mashing will get you destroyed.
🔥 What to Do Instead:
- Time your attacks carefully—watch for enemy openings.
- Use light and heavy attacks strategically—heavy attacks break shields, light attacks are faster.
- Master dodging and parrying—we’ll cover this next.
2. Lock Onto Your Enemy (Critical for 1v1 Combat)
✔ How to Lock On:
- Console: Click the Right Stick (R3 on PlayStation, RS on Xbox).
- PC: Check your custom keybindings (since controls vary).
✔ Why It’s Important:
- Helps you track enemy movements.
- Allows for precise dodges and counterattacks.
- Makes combat against tough enemies much easier.
🔥 Pro Tip: Locking on isn’t always necessary in open battles—but for duels or bosses, it’s essential.
3. Keep Your Gear Updated (Weapons & Armor Matter!)
✔ Weapons & Armor Scale With Your Level
- Enemies hit harder as you level up, so you need stronger weapons and armor.
- Always upgrade or replace weapons to match your current level.
✔ How to Upgrade Gear:
- Visit a Blacksmith → Upgrade your current weapon to your level.
- Hunt animals → Craft Hidden Blade, armor, and tool upgrades.
- Use Senu (your eagle) to find resource locations for crafting.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you don’t upgrade your weapons, you’ll deal way less damage and struggle in fights.
4. Invest in the Warrior Skill Tree (Even If You Prefer Stealth)
✔ Why You Need Warrior Skills:
- You WILL be forced into combat at times—having zero Warrior skills will make fights much harder.
- Even if you prefer stealth, invest in a few key combat skills.
✔ Best Combat Skills to Unlock Early:
✅ Regeneration → Slowly regain health after fights.
✅ Adrenaline (Overpower Attack) → Unleash a powerful finisher when the bar is full.
✅ Charged Heavy Attack → Breaks enemy shields instantly.
✅ Eagle Harass → Senu can distract enemies, giving you time to strike.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with combat, get Adrenaline first—it lets you stun or kill enemies in tough situations.
5. Master the Adrenaline System (Game-Changer in Fights)
✔ What Is Adrenaline?
- A yellow/blue bar above your health that fills during combat.
- When full, you can unleash an Overpower Attack for huge damage.
✔ How Adrenaline Works:
- Blue Bar → Unleashes a powerful stab attack, often instant-killing enemies.
- Yellow Bar → Triggers a flurry of rapid, frenzied attacks.
🔥 Pro Tip:
- Save Adrenaline for boss fights or enemies with big shields.
- Use Adrenaline immediately when you start losing a fight—it can turn the tide.
6. Best Weapon Types for Combat (And When to Use Them)
✔ Best Weapons for Combat:
✅ Spears → Best for fighting animals like crocodiles & lions (keeps them at a distance).
✅ Swords/Daggers → Best for fast, aggressive combat.
✅ Heavy Blades → Great for breaking shields and hitting multiple enemies.
✅ Bows → Perfect for ranged kills or panic attacks when overwhelmed.
🔥 Pro Tip:
- Switch weapons mid-fight—having two different weapon types helps adapt to different enemies.
7. Running Away Is Sometimes the Smart Move (Especially Against Phylakes)
✔ What Are Phylakes?
- Elite bounty hunters that hunt you down.
- Extremely high level—if you’re under-leveled, they will destroy you.
✔ How to Survive a Phylakes Encounter:
- RUN! If they’re too high level, they will one-shot kill you.
- Come back later once you’re leveled up and better equipped.
🔥 Pro Tip: If an enemy’s level is red or a skull icon appears, they’re way too strong—avoid fighting them!
8. The Bow Is Your Best Friend (Even in Melee Combat!)
✔ Why The Bow Is OP:
- Headshots = Critical Hits → Aim for the head for instant kills.
- Best for hit-and-run combat—fall back, then snipe enemies.
- Some bows fire multiple arrows, letting you deal huge burst damage.
✔ Best Bows for Combat:
✅ Light Bow → Fires arrows rapidly, perfect for stunning enemies mid-fight.
✅ Warrior Bow → Fires multiple arrows at once for huge close-range damage.
🔥 Pro Tip: Always keep your quiver upgraded—more arrows = more kills.
9. Use the Environment to Your Advantage
✔ How to Use the Environment in Fights:
- Shoot oil pots → Set enemies on fire for free damage.
- Release animals from cages → They’ll attack enemies for you.
- Hide in tall grass → Assassinate enemies before open combat starts.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re outnumbered, use fire, animals, or poison to turn the fight in your favor.
10. How to Win Against Shielded Enemies
✔ Enemies With Small Shields:
- Use Heavy Attacks to break their guard.
✔ Enemies With Big Shields:
- Dodge their attack, then counterattack from the side.
- Use Adrenaline Overpower Attacks—they bypass shields completely.
🔥 Pro Tip: DON’T try to attack a shielded enemy head-on—it won’t work.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Combat in Assassin’s Creed Origins
If you’re struggling with the combat, don’t worry—Origins isn’t designed for button mashing. Instead, focus on:
✔ Timing attacks carefully (NO button mashing!).
✔ Locking onto enemies for precise hits.
✔ Keeping gear upgraded so you’re not underpowered.
✔ Using Adrenaline wisely to overpower strong enemies.
✔ Using your bow as a panic weapon when overwhelmed.
Once you master dodging, countering, and attacking smartly, combat becomes easy and satisfying.
Now go forth, Medjay—Bayek’s journey awaits!
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