Beginner’s Guide to DNF Duel: Gameplay, Controls, Character Tips and More

Today, we are thrilled to guide you, hand in hand, through the exhilarating game known as DNF Duel. Together, we’ll uncover the foundational moves, dive deep into those all-important commands, and explore the heart of the game’s mechanics. So, are you ready? Let’s jump right in!

A little background for you: DNF Duel is a masterpiece crafted by the combined talents of Arc System Works, Eighting, and Neople. Published by Nexon, this game is a spin-off from the iconic Dungeon & Fighter series. The game landed on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on 28 June 2022.

DNF Duel Gameplay

At its core, the gameplay will remind you of Arc System Works’ signature style but with refreshing simplicity. New to the fighting scene? No worries! DNF Duel embraces you with open arms by offering simplified controls. Here’s a twist for you: The game introduces an MP bar, a nod to the original series and classic RPGs. This MP bar powers up your special skills. Don’t fret if it vanishes post-attack; It’ll refill as you battle on, setting it apart from traditional special metres in fighting games.

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Play Modes in DNF Duel

DNF Duel offers three exciting modes: Online for battling others, Local for solo fun, and Practice to learn and improve.

1) Online Mode: Play with others online.

• Try to be the best in Ranked Matches.
• Play just for fun in Player Matches.
• See your score on Rankings.

2) Local Mode: Play by yourself or with a friend next to you.

• Listen to a story in Story Mode.
• Try not to lose in Survival Mode.
• Have a quick game in Free Battle or Arcade Mode.

3) Practice Mode: Learn and practice here.

• Use Training to get better.
• Use the Tutorial to learn how to play.

Basic Controls of DNF Duel

1) Six-Button System

 DNF Duel employs six primary buttons, which are:

• A 
• B
• Skill
• MP Skill
• Guard
• Awakening Skill: This becomes active once your HP falls to 30% or below.

2) Attack Variants

Much like other fighting games, DNF Duel features both standing and crouching normal attacks.

3) Command Normal

Accessed using the S button, these commands include the back skill and four other skill buttons, all having their distinct moves. The MS skill button provides further variation, including regular, back, fourth, and down variants.

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Movement and Defence in DNF Duel

1) Basic Movement

The game offers three primary movement types:

• Back Walk 
• Forward Walk
• Dash: Achieved via directional inputs. Though a back dash exists, there’s no provision for air dashing.

Note: Momentum from dashing and hopping contributes to smoother transitions in the game.

2) Guard Mechanics

• The game introduces a guard button for automatic cross-up defence.
• Players must choose between high or low guard.
• Engaging the guard button counteracts grab attempts, both while initiating and countering.
• An advanced tactic involves the guard button to stop forward momentum, assisting in precise spacing and more potent attacks.

3) Other Defensive Mechanics

Dodge Roll: Provides invincibility and a chance to bypass opponents.

Guard Crush: Sufficient consecutive hits can breach an opponent’s guard, leading them into a vulnerable state followed by a non-guardable strike.

Mastering the Conversion Technique

Mastering the conversion technique in DNF Duel can lead to a significant enhancement in gameplay. Some notable advantages are:

1. Evading Penalties: Players can dodge punishments by nullifying recovery durations.
2. Rapid Metre Accumulation: Conversion allows for the immediate buildup of the metre.
3. Unforeseen Moves: It paves the way for setting up unpredictable manoeuvres.

Grey Life in DNF Duel

Amassing a considerable amount of grey life and subsequently activating a conversion can give a substantial metre boost. Notably, the metre increment directly relates to the player’s grey life and total health, climaxing at a gain of 200.

Conversion Application in DNF Duel

Utilising the conversion technique empowers players to execute complex sequences, such as airborne manoeuvres succeeded by terrestrial assaults. Integrating conversion not only presents inventive mix-up possibilities but also facilitates conversions from specific actions, like wall bounces.

The Art of Guard Cancel

Guard cancel is another essential mechanic, activated by pressing 4BS during a block. However, this move’s efficacy varies among characters. As an example, Crusader’s guard cancel showcases an expansive range, unlike some others. Therefore, it’s prudent for players to understand and adapt to their chosen character’s guard cancel range.

Guard Cancel and Metre Management

Guard cancel stands out as a unique defensive tool that consumes a complete 100-metre gauge, unlike other moves that drain a set MP value. Interestingly, even when your MP is nearly depleted, skills can still be triggered but will push players into an exhausted state. In this state, metre regeneration halts for a short span. Consequently, ensuring your 100-metre gauge is full becomes paramount for employing guard cancel effectively in defensive scenarios.

The Nuances of Counter Hits

In DNF Duel, counter hits perform as anticipated: They extend the hit stun and pave the way for more complex combos. A practical example: Crusader’s crouching light punch can transition into a standing light punch after a counter hit, producing a three-move combo. Perfecting the timing for such counter-hit confirms can be intricate but mastering them can significantly augment combo possibilities and unveil advanced methods.

Characters in DNF Duel: An Overview

What to Expect:

• 16 Characters: The game offers a lineup of 16 unique characters.
• Unique Abilities: Each character has its own set of moves and tactics. Even if two characters look similar, their gameplay is different.
• Unlocking: Some characters are available from the beginning, while others need to be unlocked by playing more of the game.

DNF Duel Playstyles

1. Striker: Fast, powerful, agile punches/kicks.
2. Tank: Strong and can take hits.
3. Ranger: Good for long-range attacks.
4. Grappler: Expert in holds and throws.
5. Shooter: Shoots from a distance.
6. Close Combat: Excels in face-to-face fights.
7. Dodging Combat: Great at avoiding enemy attacks.

Let’s look at most playing Playstles and see how they work:

Striker

With reverse beats in her repertoire, Striker can configure her moves in unpredictable patterns, complicating opponents’ attempts to predict the culmination of her assault sequences.

Ranger

Contrary to Striker, Ranger’s pressure game revolves around chaining diverse attacks in fixed sequences. His strategy needs to improve the versatility seen in Striker’s 2A sequences, emphasising the distinctiveness of each character’s combat style. Recognising and leveraging these unique mechanics can be pivotal in outclassing opponents.

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Pressure Structures and Awakening Abilities in DNF Duel

Characters are endowed with distinct pressure configurations and constraints. For instance, Ranger can utilise the same button consecutively in attacks, a trait not universal across the roster. Additionally, some characters are bound by restrictions on cancelling specific norms.

Furthermore, when characters’ health plummets to 30 HP or beneath, their unique passives activate. The awakening super moves, accessible during this phase, utilise the passive when deployed. Striker, for example, receives an attack potency boost, while Ranger can debilitate adversaries, diminishing their offence, defence, and MP recovery for a short period.

It’s not just about awakening passives. Characters like Crusader can impose specialised debuffs on foes, curtailing their mobility or other combat actions temporarily. To truly excel in DNF Duel, understanding these specialised abilities and passives is non-negotiable.

Final Thoughts

We’ve gone through the basics of DNF Duel, covering how to play, the controls, and the different characters. We hope this guide helps you get started. Now, it’s your turn to play and learn more about the game. The more you play, the better you’ll get. So, jump in, have fun, and see how good you can become!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take To Complete DNF Duel’s Story Mode?

Each character in DNF Duel has a distinct storyline presented through text and animated sequences. Engaging battles are interspersed throughout the story. On average, a single character’s story takes about 20 minutes. The cumulative story mode playtime is approximately 5 hours.

Can I Play DNF Duel offline on PS4?

For DNF Duel on PS4, offline gameplay is available. There’s no requirement for an additional download since all the launch content is already on the disc. 

Is Dnf Duel Inspired by Dungeon Fighter Online?

Yes, DNF Duel is a game directly inspired by Dungeon Fighter Online, transforming its universe into a 2.5D fighting format.