Though simplified from its console counterparts, The Elder Scrolls: Blades mobile game still boasts strategic battling mechanics. Below is a compiled list of battling tips and tricks to aid in your latest journey through Tamriel.
10. Block, Stun, Then Attack
Block, stun, then attack. This will be a go-to maneuver throughout your dungeon crawling. First, strategically block the opponent's physical attack with your shield. Do this by touching and holding the shield icon to raise your shield when your opponent raises his weapon. This will stun them, giving you the chance to attack without interference. It's a good opportunity to use your spells as several of them take a few seconds to cast.
9. Keep Your Shield Raised When Blinded
Keep your shield raised when blinded by a foe's 'Blind' spell. Though not as effective compared to tactically blocking, you are guaranteed some coverage as opposed to blind guessing.
8. Use 'Absorb' To Counter Casters
When facing off against casters, use the spell 'Absorb' to shield against their spells. Absorb transforms the damage into healing for yourself and allows you time to cast a spell of your own, drink some potions, or bash away on the enemy with physical attacks.
7. Use 'Absorb' Against Jumping Enemies
Use the Absorb spell against creatures that use a jumping style of attack (spiders, skeevers and wolves). Blocking these attacks with a shield forfeits the chance to strike when the creature is in range. Better to transfigure the damage into health while striking back using other means.
6. Use Regenerative Abilities
When your health is low, use regenerative skills to replenish it. Early on, this would be your Absorb spell or the Adrenaline Dodge ability. When you have successfully dodged using Adrenaline Dodge a red filter will overtake the screen. This signals your health replenishing as it does when drinking a health potion. (Not to be confused with other games where a red filter indicates a fatal blow or critical health).
It is vital to replenish health during combat, as health does not regenerate outside of combat and food is not always available for plunder. This is the case within the Abyss - a fight 'til you drop leveling chamber- and unfortunately, you cannot carry food with you in this mobile adaptation.
BONUS TIP: This is an especially useful trick to save on health potions when grinding out levels in the Abyss.
5. Quick Strikes Is Great Against Creatures
The ability 'Quick Strikes' works well against creatures, dealing significant damage during the brief period when they come within range to attack.
4. You Can Switch Equipment Mid-Combat
Blades functions like Skyrim in the ability to switch equipment and active abilities during the throes of combat. Be sure to utilize this. Keep an assortment of equipment on hand to switch between when confronting various adversaries.
3. Keep A Balanced Skillset
Skill build is up to you, but keep an even balance across your active skills (magical/physical attack, block, regeneration, dodge). This allows you to adapt to the enemy's battle style and promotes longevity in battle.
2. Use Your Potions
Don't be afraid to use potions. You'll loot various potions and ingredients throughout quests and they're relatively easy to craft at the Alchemist shop.
BONUS TIP: Use elemental resist potions to shield against casters' spells. This will save on the magicka required to cast Absorb, allowing more opportunities for offensive spells.
1. Upgrade Your Equipment
Actively upgrade your equipment. Whenever quests start rising in difficulty 'temper' all your equipment possible. When you gain the ability to 'craft' with new crafting material, upgrade your entire equipment set to the new (strongest) material. And when you have the ability to 'enchant' your equipment, do so. Keeping in mind your battle style and the sorts of skills you use. Armor is usually best suited to health enchantments but, not always. So be sure to browse over the available enchantments to see which one best fits your style.
These battling tips have been compiled with the thought of making leveling and game-play as efficient on your time and resources as possible. Now go forth and may you leave behind you, a trail of goblins, bandits, and the no-longer-living dead.