Avowed places a strong emphasis on magic, but that doesn’t mean players who prefer raw, visceral melee combat are left out. Instead of simply slashing or thrusting at enemies until their health depletes, players can use the stun mechanic to open up new possibilities for different builds and playstyles.
While not vastly different from other RPGs, the stun mechanic is an optional combat feature. However, mastering it can be crucial for tackling the game’s toughest difficulty. Here’s everything you need to know about making the most of it.
Technique to Stun Enemies in Avowed
Understanding how and when stun accumulates is key to using it effectively. In Avowed, any form of physical damage contributes to an enemy’s stun meter. Below an enemy’s health bar, you’ll notice a second bar that fills up as you apply stun damage. Once it’s full, the enemy becomes stunned, leaving them immobilised for a short time. This brief window allows you to either recover or unleash a flurry of attacks.
While Avowed lets players wield any weapon they choose, not all weapons are equal when it comes to stun potential. Maces, hammers, and rifles inflict significant stun damage, whereas slashing weapons like swords and daggers generate much less. Additionally, to maintain the stun buildup, you must keep attacking—if you pause for too long, the stun bar will start to deplete.
Upgrading weapons enhances all their stats, including Stun damage, so always aim to upgrade your gear. Salvage unwanted items and gather as many materials as possible to improve your equipment. High-quality gear is essential for battling stronger enemies. However, some weapons don’t receive stun upgrades at certain tiers, usually because they aren’t well-suited for stunning enemies. Despite this, Avowed provides plenty of options for players who want to take full advantage of the stun mechanic.
Different Abilities to Stun Enemies in Avowed
Among the many skills available in Avowed, some are particularly effective for stunning enemies. Here are a few worth considering:
- Charge – One of the earliest skills in the Fighter class, this ability lets you rush forward, dealing significant physical and stun damage.
- Staggering Shot – A powerful Ranger class ability that enhances your ranged weapon and significantly boosts stun damage.
- Shield Bash – Another Fighter class skill, this move allows you to bash enemies with your shield, pushing them back while inflicting stun damage.
If you’re playing as a Ranger or Wizard, you can use abilities like Staggering Shot and Blast to achieve similar effects.
Note: The Ranger skill tree also includes Parry, which allows players to deal stun damage by perfectly blocking incoming attacks.
Additionally, companions can help stun enemies. Kai is especially effective at crowd control, with his Fire and Ire and Leap of Daring abilities both capable of stunning targets while also taunting them.
Emphasize Stun Mechanics With Weapons
Certain unique weapons are specifically designed for playstyles that emphasize the stun mechanic. The Horsecutter greatsword, found in a cove along the southern coast of the Emerald Stair, increases stun damage with the final hit of its combo. Additionally, many melee weapons can be enchanted to boost stun damage when executing a successful parry.
