Valor Mortis - Tips and Tricks Guide

Valor Mortis is a first person action RPG that combines demanding melee combat with firearms, supernatural abilities and exploration. Playing as a soldier in a dark, alternate version of Napoleonic Europe, you will need more than quick reactions to survive.

These Valor Mortis beginner tips focus on the things that matter most during your first hours: reading enemy attacks, choosing when to block or dodge, managing healing supplies and getting comfortable with the unusual first person combat system.

Learn to Read Attacks Before Trying to Parry Everything

The temptation in Valor Mortis is to attack as soon as an enemy gets close. Instead, watch how the enemy prepares its strike. The direction, speed and rhythm of an attack give you a chance to decide whether to defend or create distance.

Practice parrying against an isolated opponent rather than a group. Start by blocking to understand the timing, then experiment with parries once you can recognize the attack animation. A missed parry can be more costly than taking a safer defensive approach.

Use Dodging to Reposition, Not Just Escape

Dodging is particularly useful when an enemy crowds your view or attacks from an awkward angle. In first person, losing sight of an opponent can make the next strike difficult to predict.

Try moving toward open space rather than repeatedly dodging backward into walls or obstacles. After avoiding an attack, turn to face the enemy before committing to your next move.

Do Not Overcommit to Heavy Attacks

Holding the attack trigger performs a heavy attack. These attacks can be useful when you have a clear opening, but charging one while an enemy is already swinging is risky.

A practical approach is to begin with ordinary attacks, observe how quickly the enemy responds and reserve heavier strikes for moments when you have enough time to finish the animation.

Use Target Lock When Fighting a Single Dangerous Enemy

Target lock helps you keep track of a moving opponent during close combat. Press R3 on PlayStation or RS on Xbox to toggle it, and use the right stick to switch targets when appropriate.

However, locking onto one enemy does not make nearby threats disappear. If several opponents surround you, pay attention to your surroundings and consider disengaging before focusing on one target again.

Keep Healing Ready Before Entering a Fight

The gameplay screenshot shows a healing item assigned to a directional quick slot, with three uses visible. That makes the quick slot an important part of combat preparation.

Check your available healing supplies before approaching a dangerous area. If your health is low, look for a safe opportunity to recover instead of waiting until an enemy is already within striking distance.

Remember that the healing button changes between control schemes. For example, Default uses D Pad Down, while Classic uses Square on PlayStation or X on Xbox.

Make Use of Both Melee and Ranged Options

Valor Mortis gives you access to more than one way of fighting. The controls include weapon swapping, reloading, aiming and casting, so becoming comfortable with these actions is worthwhile.

Use melee attacks when you can clearly read an opponent's movements. When you need to deal with a threat from farther away, consider your ranged options and the resources they require. Avoid spending ammunition simply because an enemy is visible.

Explore Carefully and Watch for Useful Routes

The environments in Valor Mortis are dark, damaged and often visually crowded. It is easy to concentrate on the path directly ahead and overlook a side passage or a safer route around a threat.

Look around before entering unfamiliar spaces. Check corners, notice changes in elevation and remember the way back when moving into an area that might contain enemies. Exploration is easier when you are not already being chased.

Adjust Your Controls Before the Combat Gets Harder

One of the most useful early decisions is choosing a control scheme that suits your reflexes. Valor Mortis offers Default, Classic, Dodge/Block Swap, Shoulder Jumper and Shoulder Jumper 2.

If you frequently press the wrong defensive button, try another scheme. If aiming feels difficult, adjust aiming sensitivity separately from general camera sensitivity. Small changes are easier to evaluate than changing several settings at once.

Common Valor Mortis Beginner Questions

Can you change the controls in Valor Mortis? Yes. The controller menu includes five preset schemes, along with sensitivity, deadzone and axis inversion settings.

How do you perform a heavy attack? Hold R2 on PlayStation or RT on Xbox. The attack input remains the same across the five controller schemes shown.

How do you sprint? Press L3 on PlayStation or LS on Xbox. Sprinting is useful for repositioning, but take care when approaching an unfamiliar enemy.

What is the best beginner strategy? Start by learning one enemy's attack timing, use defensive moves deliberately and keep healing available. Consistent decisions will help more than trying to attack continuously.