Half Sword: How to Taunt
Taunting in Half Sword is a nonlethal way to end fights and reduce the risk of a brutal game over. Using taunts correctly can push enemies into surrender instead of forcing you to kill them. This matters because every enemy you kill increases the danger if you fall into the abyss later.
How To Taunt In Half Sword
To taunt in Half Sword, press G during combat. Your character will verbally insult the enemy, which can pressure them mentally. If you are wearing a helmet, the taunt is quieter and slightly less effective.
Taunting alone rarely works on a healthy enemy. It works best after you have already hurt them or knocked them down. Think of it as the final push, not the opening move.
When Taunting Actually Works
Taunts have a higher chance of success when the enemy is already scared or disadvantaged. Enemies on the ground, injured, or outmatched are much more likely to surrender. Personality also seems to matter, since some enemies are more aggressive and stubborn than others.
Higher status gear and armor may help, but this is not confirmed. What is clear is that taunting a wounded enemy is far more effective than taunting a fresh one.
Other Ways To Force Surrender
Deal Controlled Damage
Some enemies surrender after taking enough damage. The key is avoiding lethal hits. Blunt weapons work better here because they reduce the chance of fatal wounds.
Cutting weapons can end fights too quickly. A clean hit to a vital area can kill an enemy before surrender becomes an option.
Knock Enemies To The Ground
Grounded enemies are much more likely to give up. Knock downs create fear and remove their ability to fight back effectively. Once they are down, taunting becomes far more reliable.
Some modes reward knock downs directly. Winning without killing is often the safer path.
Hold A Weapon To Their Throat
This is one of the most reliable surrender methods in Half Sword. Knock the enemy down, then slowly lower your weapon toward their neck using mouse movement. In most cases, they surrender almost immediately.
This method works best when the enemy is fully prone. Hesitation usually means they still feel they can fight.
Use Grappling And Holds
Grappling uses Q and E to grab enemies. Pinning arms, lifting enemies, or locking them to the ground can force surrender. These techniques are harder to learn but very effective once mastered.
Enemies often give up when fully restrained. They know the fight is over.
Choke Enemies
You can grab an enemy by the throat using Q or E. Holding the choke long enough will cause them to surrender or pass out. This is risky but effective if you control positioning.
Final Blurb
Taunting in Half Sword is not about trash talk, it is about control. Use taunts after gaining the upper hand, not before. Combine knock downs, grapples, and threat positioning to end fights cleanly. Fewer kills mean fewer regrets when things go wrong later.
FAQ
Does taunting always cause surrender
No, taunting only works reliably when enemies are already weakened or scared.
Does armor affect taunting
Helmets make taunts quieter, which can slightly reduce effectiveness.
Can taunting replace combat entirely
No, you still need to win the physical fight first before taunts work.
What is the safest way to force surrender
Knocking an enemy down and holding a weapon to their throat is the most reliable method.
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