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About Half Sword
Half Sword is a physics‑based medieval combat simulator that places you in the role of a commoner‑turned‑knight fighting brutal 15th‑century European tournaments. Using mouse‑driven weapon control, the game emphasizes realistic swordplay, historically accurate arms and armor, and a progression system that rewards skill, renown, and wealth. The experience is marked by graphic violence, with death being permanent, and it runs on Windows with Steam Cloud and Family Sharing support.
01 / THE GUIDE
Combat Mechanics
The game’s combat system is built on feedback from Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) practitioners and sword fencers, delivering precise mouse‑controlled weapon handling. Every clash is designed to feel intense, with animations rooted in realism.
Players must manage timing, angle, and force, as each maneuver reacts to the opponent’s armor and weapon choice, making each encounter uniquely demanding.
- Practice slow, deliberate swings to understand weapon weight.
- Observe opponent armor to choose attacks that exploit weak points.
02 / THE GUIDE
Historical Accuracy
Half Sword features a curated collection of historically accurate arms and armor, offering players an authentic glimpse into 15th‑century Europe. The visual design reflects the era’s diverse and vibrant equipment.
This authenticity extends to the combat system, which mirrors the techniques practiced by real‑world HEMA experts.
- Study the visual details of armor to appreciate historical context.
- Match weapon types to period‑appropriate fighting styles.
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Progression and Economy
Winning brawls and tournaments grants renown and wealth, which can be spent on new equipment or custom‑forged armor and weapons. Players can also bet on matches to potentially increase earnings.
The game tracks progress through ranks, culminating in a final arena championship where the ultimate prize awaits.
- Invest early earnings in armor upgrades for better survivability.
- Bet conservatively until you understand opponent patterns.
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Violence and Gore Warning
Half Sword is an extremely violent and gory title, featuring skull‑crushing blows, limb decapitations, and graphic displays of entrails tied to weapon and armor interactions.
Death is final; the game treats each loss as a literal loss of the character’s head.
- Adjust in‑game settings if available to reduce visual intensity.
- Prepare mentally for permanent character loss before starting.
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Platform and Support Features
Half Sword is available on Windows and supports Steam Cloud, allowing progress to sync across devices. Family Sharing is also enabled, letting multiple accounts access the game.
The title is currently in Early Access, indicating ongoing development and potential future updates.
- Enable Steam Cloud to safeguard your progress.
- Use Family Sharing to let friends try the game without separate purchases.
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