Forspoken utilizes a mix of classic gaming techniques to form its magical combat system. By taking certain aspects from Action/Adventure and Hack-and-Slash games, and blending it with modern 'RPG-Lite' mechanics, Forspoken ends up with an interesting combat system that is perfect for the unique world of Athia.
In this system, combat encounters are treated not just as stand-alone events, but as part of an ongoing mechanic that is represented through battle rankings. This has several purposes, essentially acting as a complex combo meter, as well as a grading system that scores Frey's fighting prowess in the field.
The Basics of Battle Rankings in Forspoken
The battle ranking system that many players may have experienced in the demo is not available from the very start of the game, though there are no special requirements needed to unlock them. Frey must simply wait until the story progresses to the appropriate point, which is early in Chapter 3.
What Do Battle Rankings Do?
Keeping Frey's battle ranking score high has two major benefits: it increases the drop rate of items from enemies and increases the amount of XP Frey receives at the end of combat encounters. The degree to which these are increased depends on Frey's grade at any given moment. Here are the rates that apply to each grade:
- Highest Grade - Star (Above A): Frey receives 2x the normal item drop and experience rate when she maintains the highest battle ranking.
- Grade A: Frey receives 1.6x the normal item drop and experience rate.
- Grade B: Frey receives 1.4x the normal item drop and experience rate.
- Grade C: Frey receives 1.2x the normal item drop and experience rate.
- Grade D: Frey receives 1.1x the normal item drop and experience rate.
- Grade E: The base rate. Frey cannot fall below grade E.
How to Increase Battle Rankings
Increasing Frey's combat score is not a complex process, but it can be tricky to maintain. Each grade in the scale has a numerical value that must be met and surpassed in order to reach the next highest grade. Generally speaking, all Frey must do to increase her grade is fight, but there is a slight catch.
The more repetitive Frey's actions are, the less they are worth. So spamming an enemy with the same attack over and over again is not a good way to increase Frey's grade. The best way to reach the star level quickly is to use a wide variety of attack and support spells. Frey can use the same attacks more than once, but the key is to not repeat them over and over again without changing.
Certain actions will score much higher, such as knocking enemies down and killer blows. Each action will be shown in a log directly below the battle ranking section in the HUD.
How to Maintain a High Battle Ranking
Once Frey has reached the highest possible battle ranking, the goal is to maintain it for as long as possible. Unlike many combo meters, Frey's ranking will not go down outside of combat. The only way for her grade to fall is successful enemy attacks. Even if the attack is blocked by Cuff, when Frey gets hit, her grade takes a hit. Look for the amount deducted in the log beneath the current ranking, which shows just like when points are being added.
A Note on Difficulty and Battle Rankings
While it isn't a huge difference, it's important to note that playing at higher difficulties results in grades rising faster. Each applicable action is worth slightly more than the difficulty level below it. This alone may not be enough to entice players into trying Forspoken at higher difficulties, but it is worth remembering.
Forspoken is available now on PS5 and PC.