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Improved combat feeling, changed some things for better animation flow. Added a slight randomness to combos so it doesn't feel repetitive. Removed some animations for small enemies(like nekkers) that didn't feel right.
Fixed side dodges commands not working properly on controller (and for some people on keyboard).
NextGen: Added a compatibility patch for W3EE Redux. You can now use the distance modifiers and attack bending options of W3 Enhanced Edition.
NextGen: Moved the "Signs Towards Camera" option to a separate file.
OldGen: Updated mod to v2.2, it now includes all features of NextGen version. The two versions should now be identical.
OldGen: Added a Mod Menu with settings.
Version v2.1
NextGen: Improved combat fluidity. Changed animation choices for some spins which were breaking immersion(close left spins and far right spins).
Version v2.0
Added some i-frames to the roll attack mechanic and some far attacks that needed it.
Added a new 'Aggressive' style, available when you want. There are three options in the settings: Always On/With Quen/Off.
Made the animation choices smarter and a bit closer to vanilla. Switching directions should now feel more fluid.
Fixed settings not saving in the previous version.
Fixed a bug with the quest at Dun Tynne Castle.
Fixed compatibility with other mods that change the behavior of IsLastEnemyKilled()
Slightly improved targeting due to better animation choices.
Version v1.4
NextGen: Added a setting to adjust the damage penalty if you get hit during side dodges/flanking.
NextGen: Added some improvements to exiting combat. Movement and buffered attacks backwards are blocked for a short period so when the enemy dies you won't be slashing at nothing or turning around unintentionally. Same for the other directions except forward movement, which is blocked for only 200ms to make it look more polished.
NextGen: Fixed compatibility with Smooth Movement and added a compatibility patch to fix some slow animations when both mods are used.
NextGen: Fixed the csv used for menu translations.
Version v1.3.2
NextGen: Made a slight change to make the mod compatible with ESGO.
Version v1.3.1
Added a settings sub-menu on Next Gen. This allows you to disable every feature of the mod easily.
Version v1.3
Added missing sound for some strong attacks.
Fixed merging with VladimirUI, Immersive Cam, Absolute Camera, Sword FX etc.
Fixed compatibility issue with Randon Encounters Reworked.
Improved compatibility with W3EE.
OldGen: Added missing sound for some strong attacks.
OldGen: Fixed Immersive Cam compatibility.
OldGen: Fixed compatibility with various other mods.
A witcher should be fast, with quick reactions and be able to dodge and counter-attack just like in the trailers.
I strive to make highly compatible mods so this one is as lightweight as possible. The mod is compatible with W3EE Redux, SCAAR, Enhanced Targeting, Complete Animations Redux, E3ARP, ESGO... and probably all your other mods.
This mod took me a very long time to make, hopefully everyone likes my version of how the combat should look!
Features: 1. More realistic animations: More attack variety, less spinning animations. Attacks will be dynamic based on the situation and enemy type, enemy count, distance and direction. The focus when making the combat style was to make it smoother but still keeping it close to vanilla. 2. New dodging style: while holding block(Right Click) you will unlock new dodging animations, such as flanking, dodging enemy projectiles, and some pirouettes.
Flanking and dodging example: If you hold block and press Dodge + Right you will do a 'side dodge' to the right. If you hold Dodge + Forward + Right you will 'flank dodge' forward and right. Also, If you hold Dodge + Back + Right, you will dodge backwards and to the right. Same for the other direction, you get the idea.
Forward pirouettes: you can use forward pirouettes to get closer to enemies infront of you.
Backward pirouettes: If enemies are around around you or attacking you, you will use a backward pirouette to dodge the attack. I felt like this was a nice balance.
Vanilla dodging is unchanged, none of the files were touched so you can use any dodging mod you want alongside my mod.
3. Targeting improvements: Tweaked targeting a bit. Less out of vision target selection and weird target changes happen less frequently. 4. Roll through: A new smart system was added that will sometimes make the character use a rolling attack when it thinks it should roll under an enemy attack or between enemies to reach the target. It looks nice and doesn't happen too often so it doesn't feel overused. 5. Combat Camera: The camera is slightly changed in order to make the feel combat look nicer, it's close to vanilla with some tweaks. Close camera is unchanged. 6. Signs: Casting a sign while more than one enemy is present will be towards the camera. (except Axii) 7. Aggressive style: Change the fighting style to be more aggressive. It can be used all the time, or only when Quen is on. (configurable) 8. Quality of life changes: Stabbing animations will now only affect one enemy. Animations will blend better when exiting combat. Wound directions for some animations are fixed. Changed the audio for some of the pirouette animations. Made some improvements to fighting with locked target etc.
Controller support: Controller is fully supported. Gameplay details: You will take 20% extra damage if you get hit while side dodging or flanking with the new dodge system. If anyone has other suggestions for balance, let me know!
Compatibility: The mod is compatible with pretty much everything except mods that change the attack animations. You can also use any dodge animation mod you want in addition to my mod. Compatible with W3EE Redux for Next Gen. Install the compatibility patch from the files. Note: My mod is not guaranteed to be compatible with Steam Workshop mods, because you can't use Script Merger on them. Installation: 1. Just copy the mods and dlc folder into your game folder. Use Script Merger to solve any conflicts. 2. Optional: You can add a menu with settings by copying the bin folder too and adding the modBloodAndSteel.xml to your dx12filelist.txt or dx11filelist.txt. By default, the mod will have all features enabled so it's not necessary if you don't want the menu.
Credits Credits to W3 Enhanced Edition and the whole team. A lot of this mod was built from scratch, but I have taken the animationSystem from W3EE just like other combat animation mods. I have also taken inspiration from Enhanced Targeting for some of the changes like the signs towards camera. Thanks to duhkilla for creating a menu for the Next Gen version. If you would like credit or for me to remove my mod, please let me know!
Showcase:
My mods will always be free. If you like them or if I helped you personally, consider joining below. https://www.patreon.com/riyusso