Brawlhalla has become one of the most popular free-to-play fighting games, attracting millions of players worldwide. Developed by Blue Mammoth Games and published by Ubisoft, it offers a unique blend of platform fighting with a simple yet deep combat system. If you’re new to Brawlhalla or looking to improve your skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Brawlhalla?
Brawlhalla is a 2D platform fighter that supports up to eight players in a single match. Released in 2017, it is available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The game is free to play, with in-game purchases limited to cosmetic items, ensuring a balanced playing field for all players.
The Appeal of Brawlhalla
One of the reasons Brawlhalla has gained such popularity is its easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master gameplay. While beginners can quickly get the hang of the controls, there is a significant level of depth for those who want to explore advanced strategies and techniques. Additionally, the game features over 50 unique characters, each with different weapons, stats, and playstyles, allowing for endless variety in matches.
Getting Started in Brawlhalla
Choosing Your Legend
In Brawlhalla, you play as a “Legend,” each of whom comes with unique stats and two signature weapons. Some Legends are faster, while others are more defensive or stronger. For beginners, it’s essential to find a Legend whose playstyle fits your preferences. Here are a few tips:
- Balanced Legends: Characters like Bodvar or Koji are great for beginners because of their well-rounded stats.
- Aggressive Playstyle: If you prefer high-speed offense, try using Legends like Hattori or Asuri.
- Defensive Playstyle: Legends like Scarlet and Barraza offer higher defense, making them ideal for a more controlled, defensive approach.
Weapons and Combat Mechanics
Each Legend has two different weapons, ranging from swords and hammers to bows and gauntlets. These weapons determine your attack range, speed, and power. Here’s a breakdown of the primary weapon types:
- Swords: Quick and versatile, swords allow you to string together attacks rapidly.
- Hammers: Slower but powerful, hammers excel at dealing massive damage and knocking opponents off the stage.
- Spears: With long reach, spears are great for controlling space and keeping opponents at a distance.
- Blasters: The ranged nature of blasters allows you to maintain space while firing rapid shots from afar.
Mastering different weapons is key to becoming proficient in Brawlhalla. Each weapon has unique combos and strategies, so experiment with various options to find what suits you best.
Basic Controls and Movement
Movement is crucial in Brawlhalla, as matches take place on platforms where positioning can determine the outcome of a fight. The key actions you need to master include:
- Dodging: Timing your dodge correctly can allow you to avoid incoming attacks and even counter your opponent.
- Jumping: Brawlhalla allows you to jump multiple times while airborne, giving you great freedom of movement.
- Edge Guarding: This is the art of controlling the edge of the platform and preventing your opponent from getting back onto the stage after being knocked off.
These mechanics are easy to learn but take practice to master, so spend some time honing your skills in training mode.
Game Modes in Brawlhalla
Brawlhalla offers various game modes, each catering to different playstyles and levels of competitiveness. Whether you want to play casually or dive into ranked matches, the game has something for everyone.
Ranked 1v1 and 2v2
If you’re looking for a competitive experience, ranked matches are the place to be. You can compete in 1v1 or 2v2 formats, climbing the ranks from Bronze to Diamond. Ranked matches offer an intense, skill-based environment where your wins and losses affect your overall ranking.
- 1v1 Ranked: This is a pure test of skill where it’s just you versus one opponent.
- 2v2 Ranked: Team up with a friend or random player to take on another duo, with coordination and teamwork being key to victory.
Casual Modes
For players who prefer a more relaxed experience, Brawlhalla also offers several casual modes, including:
- Free-for-All: Up to four players face off in chaotic matches where the last one standing wins.
- Strikeout: Choose three different Legends and rotate through them as you battle in a 1v1 format.
- Experimental 1v1: This mode allows players to try out new mechanics and maps that may eventually be added to the ranked playlist.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Mastering Combos
Combos are a series of attacks that, when timed correctly, can deal significant damage to your opponent. Each weapon in Brawlhalla has a set of combos, and learning how to chain these together is crucial for high-level play. Spend time in the training mode to practice and perfect your combos.
Understanding Signature Moves
Each Legend has “Signature” moves, which are powerful, character-specific attacks. Signature moves are slower than standard attacks but can deal massive damage or knock opponents off the stage. Use them sparingly, as missing a signature move leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks.
Edge Guarding and Recovery
Edge guarding is a key strategy in Brawlhalla. When your opponent is knocked off the stage, use your positioning to prevent them from recovering. Conversely, when you’re knocked off, use your jumps, dodges, and weapon throws to get back to the stage safely.
The Brawlhalla Esports Scene
Brawlhalla has a thriving esports community, with tournaments offering cash prizes and competitive opportunities for top players. The game is known for its balanced nature, making it appealing for competitive players who want to test their skills in a fair environment.
- Brawlhalla World Championship (BCX): The largest Brawlhalla tournament, where players from around the world compete for the title of world champion.
- Community Tournaments: In addition to official events, the community regularly hosts smaller tournaments, allowing players of all skill levels to compete.
If you’re interested in esports, getting involved in the Brawlhalla scene can be a rewarding experience, either as a player or spectator.
In-Game Cosmetics and Microtransactions
While Brawlhalla is free to play, it offers a range of cosmetic items that can be purchased with real money. These include:
- Skins: Change the appearance of your Legends with unique skins.
- Weapon Skins: Customize the look of your weapons.
- Emotes and Taunts: Show off your style in-game with special emotes and taunts.
It’s important to note that these items are purely cosmetic and do not provide any gameplay advantages, ensuring a level playing field for all players.
Cross-Platform Play
One of the most attractive features of Brawlhalla is its cross-platform play. Whether you’re on PC, console, or mobile, you can play with and against players from any platform. This makes it easy to connect with friends and ensures a large player base, reducing wait times for matches.
Conclusion
Brawlhalla is an exciting, fast-paced platform fighter that offers endless fun for both casual and competitive players. Its simple controls, deep mechanics, and vast variety of Legends and weapons make it accessible to beginners while still providing plenty of challenges for advanced players. Whether you’re looking to enjoy casual matches with friends or climb the ranks in competitive play, Brawlhalla has something to offer everyone.
With regular updates, an active esports scene, and a supportive community, Brawlhalla is a game that will continue to grow and evolve. So, pick your favorite Legend, sharpen your skills, and dive into the action!
By mastering the basic mechanics, practicing advanced techniques, and exploring the different game modes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a top-tier player in Brawlhalla.
