In Wild Hearts, each weapon offers a unique experience, and the Nodashi is no exception. This massive, heavy sword is not only visually imposing but also devastating in combat. Its size and weight demand patience and precision, but those who master it will be rewarded with powerful strikes capable of turning the tide of battle. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basics of playing Nodashi, including its available combos, gameplay mechanics, and the all-important Iai Stance.
Nodashi Overview
The Nodashi is a weapon designed for players who enjoy delivering massive damage at a slower, more deliberate pace. Unlike faster, more agile weapons, the Nodashi doesn’t rely on rapid combos. Instead, it rewards timing, positioning, and powerful individual strikes. Its long range allows you to hit enemies from a distance, but its heavy swings can leave you vulnerable if you're not careful.
Though its movements are slower, the Nodashi's ability to land devastating blows, particularly through the Iai Slash, makes it one of the most potent weapons in the game. Understanding how to use the weapon effectively is key to mastering it.
Available Combos & Strikes
The Nodashi is one of the simpler weapons when it comes to combos, but don't let that fool you—it’s incredibly effective in the right hands. Here are the main attacks you’ll be using:
Light Strikes (Square on PS5 / X on Xbox / Left Click)
- The bread-and-butter of your basic attacks. These quick, lighter hits allow you to establish rhythm in combat. While they don’t deal the most damage, they’ll help you set up your heavier strikes or maintain pressure on your opponent.
Heavy Strikes (Triangle on PS5 / Y on Xbox / Right Click)
- These are your slow, powerful attacks that deal massive damage. Heavy strikes take longer to execute, leaving you open for counterattacks if missed, but their sheer damage makes them essential for dealing with larger enemies.
Rolling Strike (Light Strike While Moving Forward)
- A mobility-based attack that lets you roll into an enemy while delivering a quick strike. Use this to close gaps or dodge attacks while still keeping pressure on your opponent.
Strike Back (Light Hit While Stepping Back)
- This attack is perfect for maintaining distance from aggressive foes. When you're being pressured, use this backpedal to stay out of reach while landing a hit.
Heavy Combo (Three Consecutive Heavy Strikes)
- A sequence of three heavy strikes that maximizes your damage output. This combo isn’t fast, but the payoff can be immense. Use it when you’re confident you have the space to execute all three attacks.
The Power of the Iai Stance
What truly sets the Nodashi apart from other weapons is its Iai Stance. This mechanic requires a different approach to combat and offers a variety of powerful slashes that can deal massive damage in a short time. The Iai Stance is all about timing: it's less about continuous attacks and more about waiting for the right moment to unleash a devastating blow.
Activating the Iai Stance: Hold R2 (PS5), RT (Xbox), or F (PC) to enter the Iai Stance. Release the button at the perfect time to execute one of the following powerful slashes.
Iai Slash Variations
Standard Iai Slash (Horizontal Swing)
- This is the most basic Iai attack. It delivers a horizontal slash that can hit multiple enemies in a wide arc. While not as devastating as the other Iai slashes, it’s great for clearing out groups of enemies or for hitting foes at a moderate range.
Half-Charged Iai Slash (Diagonal Upswing)
- This attack requires a half charge and results in a powerful diagonal upswing. It’s ideal for striking enemies above you or dealing more concentrated damage to a single target.
Fully Charged Iai Slash (Upswing, Ground Smash)
- When fully charged, the Iai Slash delivers a massive upswing followed by a ground-smashing attack that can devastate enemies in its path. This is one of the most powerful moves in the Nodashi’s arsenal and should be used when you have a clear shot at the enemy.
Iai Slash from Crate or Bulwark (Dropping Ground-Smash)
- If you’re near a crate or bulwark, jumping off these objects will let you perform a special Iai Slash that drops down into a devastating ground smash. It’s a great way to surprise enemies from unexpected angles and land massive damage.
Iai Slash from Spring (Huge Horizontal Spin Attack)
- Jumping off a spring lets you perform a huge horizontal spin attack, ideal for hitting multiple enemies around you in a wide radius. It’s particularly useful in crowd control situations or when you're surrounded.
Gameplay Tips for Nodashi
Positioning is Key: Since Nodashi is a slow-moving weapon, you'll need to focus on positioning. Use your rolling strike and strike back to create space, and time your Iai slashes carefully to maximize their damage.
Timing the Iai Stance: The Iai Stance is all about patience. Wait for the right moment to release your charge, and don’t be afraid to back off if you’re not sure you can land the perfect hit. Mastering the timing will make you a formidable force.
Manage Stamina: Iai Stance consumes stamina, so be mindful of your stamina bar. You don't want to be left vulnerable with no stamina to dodge after a missed Iai Slash.
Know When to Commit: Nodashi’s heavy attacks can leave you open if they miss, so pick your moments carefully. Be patient, and only go for heavy hits when you're confident they’ll land.
Conclusion
The Nodashi is a weapon of power and patience. It doesn’t rely on flashy combos, but instead rewards careful timing and strategic strikes. Mastering the Iai Stance and learning how to time your attacks perfectly will allow you to dish out some of the most devastating damage in Wild Hearts. While it may take time to get used to its slow, methodical style, the payoff for those who invest in learning the Nodashi’s subtleties is immense.
Take your time, be patient, and wield the Nodashi with precision—you’ll become an unstoppable force in no time. Happy hunting!
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