Use Square + Circle for easier platforming and traversal
Stellar Blade has some minor platforming sequences which can feel a little clunky. When hitting X, youll jump; if you hit circle at the apex of your jump, youll dash forward. You can use this at any time in platforming sequences, while fighting, or just traversing the environment.
Its not a bad idea to consider combat in Stellar Blade as existing in layers, which expand and change depending on what skill points you invest into the elaborate skill trees. Think of combat in the following layers to start:
Basic attacks with square and triangle (these buttons can be used for a variety of combos)
Reactions to enemy attacks with various combinations of circle, the left-thumbstick, and L1 (often signaled by colors that flash on the enemy and on Eves sword)
Beta Energy (BE) attacks activated with L1 + any of the face buttons
Hitting L1 right before an enemy lands an attack will allow you to execute a Parry. Pulling off a successful Parry not only blocks an enemys attack, but gives you an opening to strike back, fills your BE gauge, and takes a point off of the enemys Stance meter (the yellowish dots at the very bottom of an enemys health information).
By default, a sword sound will erupt from your controller when you pull off a Parry successfully. As I advised in my settings guide, I think the DualSenses little speaker is silly and you should shut it off (or dont. Live your life. I dont care). Should you change this setting, the Parry sound will play from your monitor/TVs speakers.
Noted
why does PS5 put sound through my controller?
What a stupid gimmick
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