Taking inspiration from classic action-adventure games, Duskfade has players engaging with some tricky platforming and enjoyable combat encounters.
Here are a few tips and tricks for this time-bending adventure from the heart!
Timely Rolls – Dodging and Time Freezing
When Zirian is in combat, one of the best go-to maneuvers is the dodge roll. It gives you a ton of distance, helping you avoid attacks and, when you are ready to strike, quickly get back into the fight. However, timing your dodge is important.
Timing your dodge roll right when someone is about to attack triggers a Bayonetta-esque slowdown effect. Time freezes around Zirian, giving you some options. You can land a quick three-hit combo, dodge out of the way, or leverage a counterattack.
Speaking of…
Counter Spin – Counter Attack
Early in the adventure, you can use your currency to buy new moves and abilities, with one of the must-owns early on being the Counter Attack. This can be triggered after the time freeze when dodging; Zirian performs a powerful spin attack.
This can hit multiple enemies at once, so carefully positioning yourself on the battlefield can be super helpful. It feels great hitting multiple weak enemies at once with the counter-spin after a skillful dodge.
Slow And Steady – Control the Pace of Combat
Dodging and paying attention to your foes controls the pace of combat in Duskfade. Zirian has several combat abilities, special skills that can be equipped and used with the Left Bumper or an unlockable heavy attack, but he isn’t as combo-rich as Kingdom Hearts‘ Sora.
So knowing when and when not to use your more limited move set helps a lot in making the game’s several combat encounters enjoyable.
Plenty of Heals – Always Use Potions
One thing you don’t need to worry about is running out of health, as Duskfade is generous in providing healing potions. You can find them spread across the game world by breaking red-colored boxes. And as you progress through the adventure, Zirian can unlock additional potion slots.
But since potions are so plentiful in the game’s levels, don’t be afraid to use one you have on hand, considering missing the odd jump or two will take away a small portion of your health.
Perfect Leaps – Always Use the Long Jump
Speaking of jumps, Duskfade evokes platforming from PS2-era games like Jak & Daxter, as Zirian’s controls mirror Jak’s.
The long jump, triggered by pressing B/Circle before then pressing A/X button, gives a ton of distance. This is important, as Zirian’s adventures have the hero jumping across massive chasms. Making a habit of triggering the long jump when starting a major platforming challenge can be quite helpful for time-bending hops.
Air Stepping – Aerial Dodge Outside of Combat
Also helpful is the game’s fantastic Aerial Dodge. Zirian dives forward in whatever direction he’s facing after pressing the B/Circle button. A common approach I used when platforming was standard jumping (A/X), doing the aerial dodge, and then using Zirian’s double jump.
This helps cross insane gaps, and when paired with the long jump, platforming is a pure delight. But when you need that extra assurance to grab a hard-to-reach platform, your combat moves can be helpful.
Three-Hit Safety Net – Using Air Combos to Land on Platforms
Not unlike Jak’s Spin Attack from Jak & Daxter, Zirian’s three-hit-aerial combo keeps you airborne for a few seconds longer. Doing this move when over a small platform or just barely touching a ledge can help ensure you nail the landing or grab that hard-to-reach ledge.
But why would one go out of their way to master all the platforming mechanics?
For the Munny – Collect All the Gems
Like any good action/platformer, lots of goodies are in hard-to-reach places. Whenever off the beaten path or on a side route to the main checkpoint, large amounts of currency and upgrade gear are spread throughout the stunning world of Duskfade.
So whenever you see something in the distance, it’s always worth venturing out of the way. Collecting that upgrade gear (which can help unlock new moves and upgrades for existing ones) or a large chunk of currency (used to buy upgrades, new moves, cosmetics, etc) helps make your adventure in Duskfade that much more enjoyable.
Hopefully these tips and tricks helped you on your quest to restore time! Duskfade is out now across all major platforms, and you can check out our review here at Lords of Gaming.
A copy of the game was provided for the purposes of this guide.
