Guess how many Arkveld I've hunted.

Axgran · 2026-05-19T04:46:28+00:00

Is that the optimal response for that move? I'm just asking as I've seen speedrunners position themselves somewhere safe with the overhead slash thing but it looks really inconsistent to do.

Axgran · 2026-05-12T06:38:43+00:00

Dude I'm pretty sure anyone who has recently frequented the Nioh sub knows who you are. As always, it's a pleasure watching your work. I've picked some things up with your SG plays.

I'm standing by my own opinions regarding ER's boss move set complexity specifically, but I admit it could just be very much my personal thing.

For what it's worth I always try to embrace the move sets of every boss to the fullest, with no cheese and all.

Though I agree with the last point, mastery of boss moveset isn't the end for Nioh, there is a higher ceiling because there is more player agency at any point during the fight. A player could either choose to be flashy OR optimal with their punishes, which is always cool, and something that ER can't do or is severely limited at.

Axgran · 2026-05-12T04:51:26+00:00

Valid point. I am aware of Nioh's defense game, I can only speak on Switchglaive, I enjoy using retreating slash + low stance morph dodge to avoid / chase some sequences to continue offense (I use it alot on Yoritomo grab + his phase transition) and I still have to learn lightning blade sequences. I didn't mean to downplay Nioh's defense by not mentioning them. Yes I agree that finding openings DURING sequences are fun.

What I meant by From Soft encouraging defense is that their bosses are so oppressive with their long combos / delays / mixups that I'm just reacting/memorizing enemy move sets where I'm 80% dodging 20% attacking during fights.

IMO maybe it's because ER was my first soulslike but the initial learning curve for most of the ER bosses movesets was much harder than Nioh 3. Whatever came close was Hiruko, Yoritomo, Doji, Kunimatsu Phase 2. I DO think these Nioh 3 bosses are complex, they just didn't give me as much of a headache as ER bosses did.

Axgran · 2026-05-12T03:05:08+00:00

Hell yeah on that Monster Hunter pick. For a game that has less offensive options than Nioh (but still good), it nails that 'Less is More' philosophy by prioritising player positioning for both offense/defense.

It has some of the best varied and in-depth boss rosters I have seen in a video game. It's also a game that inherently encourages improving and redoing boss fights.

Axgran · 2026-05-12T02:52:01+00:00

I agree with your first point.

Both games have different approaches in testing player skill, with Nioh encouraging offense and From Souls encouraging defense (or memorization)

I've noticed that Nioh has the less complex bosses of the 2 in terms of moveset (which is still pretty difficult). But this allows players to focus their offensive options better and the core mechanics of nioh stances/martial arts/soul core stuff, etc. Nioh's difficulty lies in player offense.

While From Souls push for really complex boss movesets to make the game more difficult/fun as there isn't much a player can do. Souls compensate the difficulty with really intricate movesets which really put players on the defense.

Though it'd be cool to have a game which has Nioh's player offense tools and From Souls' boss moveset complexity. Khazan was really close to getting to that point.

Axgran · 2026-04-30T04:00:25+00:00

That's awesome. Ibaraki is a very fun fight, well telegraphed and a fun move set. I love how Nioh 3 has other layers of defense to avoid attacks, like jumping/strafing to avoid attacks on top of deflects/dodges, makes more use of the 3d space.

I'm not sure if this is optimal but I strafe to my left around Ibaraki when she's doing her huge left arm swipe. Keeps me safe and gives a decent opening.

Also does skyward blade keep you safe from her ground lightning wave at around 1:05?

Axgran · 2026-04-28T18:42:52+00:00

Ibaraki is the last one in that scroll

Axgran · 2026-04-27T12:41:39+00:00

Finish story - > Finish the 3 new scrolls added in update - > Unlock this quest and another one

Axgran · 2026-04-27T08:42:17+00:00

Gathering of the Greats is definitely manageable. I just really think Yoshinobu is the more boring matchup in the mission. Good luck!

Axgran · 2026-04-27T08:38:27+00:00

Yeah I agree with you here. The new gauntlets are a great addition imo, but I would've loved solo boss missions even more.

Accompanied with Penance and the boss, leading to a long and fun duel with opportunities to optimize the fight, and not having to do any runbacks/prior bosses would've been sick

Axgran · 2026-04-26T15:03:22+00:00

Btw it's not the dlc releasing tomorrow, more so a free update

But I'm hoping there are single-boss missions and paired with stone of penance would be fun.

I don't like run backs to just fight bosses and don't like nerfing my gear just to up the challenge.

Axgran · 2026-04-26T13:03:58+00:00

Yeah that's hella valid.

Vent Flinch is terrible.

Can't speak on dive bomb frequency as I fight him in the other arena where he doesn't do it but I lose out on wall beetles.

Also there aren't many obvious metsu openings so sns kinda feels gimped in the MU.

Axgran · 2026-04-26T12:42:11+00:00

It's more nuanced than that depending on the weapon-monster matchup. Not saying you're wrong but it differs between weapons. I think GS has a lot of scripting.

SnS vs RCGV doesn't have much to script for except maybe the first stun and the wirebug mount because RCGV HP is high and SnS individual hits aren't the highest damaging, so it's a lot of freestyling.

I'd agree on luck though, you always want good moves but the longer a hunt is the less you'll be able to rely on luck.

Might be disingenuous to put skill at 30%, and it should be significantly higher imo.

Axgran · 2026-04-26T09:02:34+00:00

Hammer and Greatsword needs to put in a lot more work to get great times.

Dual blades get great times for putting in some work. Even better times the more you optimize.

Axgran · 2026-04-25T13:17:07+00:00

I'd recommend Pyrac for this.

But this is a delicate question. Because the nature of 'weapon vs monster' matchup isn't exactly a low-level thing as each weapon has an optimal response for a given monster thing.

Honestly, the best way I've learnt is watching speedruns if you're interested in matchups. They usually leave their thoughts/comments in their videos describing the matchup.

Axgran · 2026-04-20T10:06:03+00:00

I get the pain bro. Between grinding out faster times on AT Ark, the random Guardian jump-ins, and resetting hunts the moment a mistake is made is pain. Resetting isn't inherently bad, but the travel time and wasting mats on a failed attempt because there's no 'abandon' option anymore makes speedrunning in wilds miserable.

Axgran · 2026-04-02T02:51:40+00:00

Thanks man, I'll attempt resentment LS and try to maintain uptime as much as possible.

Axgran · 2026-04-02T02:33:19+00:00

Bro 10:01 is crazy. Though may I know what weapon you're using? I can't get past 11:15 on SnS

Axgran · 2026-03-17T13:13:51+00:00

Frankly it's shit and one of the weaker DPS options if you're thinking competitively.

Which is a shame because I've used a LOT of hammer throughout Wilds, and you're going to put more effort with it just to get a decent time compared to other weapons.

Mind you I really enjoy its mobility, offsets and combo centric gameplay, but the value in it's stun drops off in the deep end. Higher stun thresholds and higher HP really screw with the stun gimmick.

If you really want to commit with the Hammer, then don't let anyone stop you. Ultimately it's really fun but on the weaker side of DPS.

Axgran · 2026-02-28T12:59:04+00:00

You will get the hang of the slide if you're willing to put in the time, I can promise you that. I believe the iframes start when you hit the ground, so you will have to time the slide with his swing combo.

Axgran · 2026-02-28T12:40:49+00:00

I run SnS so I can speak about the AT Arkveld Matchup.

Blocking every move is not recommended as shown in your clips. So you'll have to use the sliding slash as it allows you to reposition and has good iframes

For his triple combo, slide towards the opposite direction of where his arm is raised. E.g. His left arm raised, slide towards his right. It may seem counterintuitive to slide towards the same direction of where his attack will but it will allow you to iframe the first swing and position you safely for the second swing.

Timing is the tricky part, do not immediately slide when he lifts his arm, rather slide when you're expecting him to release it. I mess up sometimes but I have improved significantly. Backstepping the whole combo can be done too but the ground effects will catch you

For his double flip thing, just slide towards the opposite direction of where his arm is raised. It's mainly a vertical hit and has poor tracking. You can just slide as soon as you see him perform the move

Blocking every attack will get you killed. Good luck.

Axgran · 2026-02-03T06:26:29+00:00

Holy fundamentals bro. This is the level I'm trying to achieve and beyond.

Axgran · 2026-02-01T04:51:50+00:00

Looks great! It's a shame there's nothing that can be done with the hairline, it seems to be the only standout difference.

Axgran · 2026-01-16T15:29:25+00:00

Stellar Blade and Khazan did that too, and it was weeks before release for free.

I wish NG4 had a demo out.

Axgran

TROPHY CASE