Sword Lann fine-tuning

[Dracius]

I know watching some Slip Dash videos are a big help, but I want to hear what you guys do, and any tips to help control Lann better.

What combos do you normally execute the most?
Do you ever skip a Gliding/Lightning Fury intentionally?
Should you Slip then Nimble into different directions?
Are Thousand Needles ever used later in the game?
Does Pummel Storm really do that much damage?
Any random tips for bosses (Like Gust Stinging under Ingkells with min height)?

[Sekwaf]

I'm only about level 46 on my sword lann but I guess it's better than no info. I don't really have a main combo, I'll use pummel storm or double crescent on monsters when I need a quick attack and hope to end it off with a gliding fury. I always try to slip dash to the safest location, for most bosses, that will be behind them (or to the side on a lot, also note, that Raid bosses are different as they're usually too big to get behind with a nimble). I won't usually skip a gliding fury, because if they're about to attack, it will usually move me to safety. If I absolutely need the i-frames, then I'll slip dash. The AoE on thousand needle is useful on trash mobs, and the wide attack range of the initial swipe can be good to hit bosses while they're attacking. And yes...pummel storm does to that much damage... seriously, it packs a punch.

[MareneCorp]

I always personally like the combo of Slip->Double Crescent->Pummel storm->slip->DC->Pummel storm. It gets in maximum damage as quickly as possible, I feel, and isn't as slow and vulnerable as using a combo involving Thousand Needles.

Yes, I always skip a GF intentionally because, well, sometimes it'll put me in a bad spot. The thing is, you still want to have a level of control over your GF direction so 75% of the time you can use it to get out of the way.

Yes, ALWAYS slip and nimble in different directions (except in some... small situations) to maximize area covered and so your body is never moving in a straight, predictable line.

Thousand Needles are used very rarely later on, the only reason you would use it is if you were trying to, for example, hit Dragon Elchulus's wings from below, or cover a large area. The stamina usage is okay for what it does but it's just too slow if you're trying to have a speedy gamestyle.

Pummel Storm does a margin of damage better than Double Crescent, so it's basically the strongest, non-crit reliant (Gliding/lightning fury >_>) move there is.

A tip for Ingkells? As he lunges forward and is about to do his little hurricane move, run right next to him and sprint smash past his body, right alongside his lunge (kind of like two warriors dancing swords past each other) then slip/nimble safely out of the hurricane range.

Anything else? ^.^

[Dracius]

One thing I have a lot of problems with is how I always fall into this bad habit of trying to get as many combos in, and I can't slip out of the way cause of the animations.

I've heard that more ASPD would help a ton, but I can't help but try and squeeze in more damage (Double Crescent and Gliding Fury are all that I have right now)

[MareneCorp]

One thing I have a lot of problems with is how I always fall into this bad habit of trying to get as many combos in, and I can't slip out of the way cause of the animations.

I've heard that more ASPD would help a ton, but I can't help but try and squeeze in more damage (Double Crescent and Gliding Fury are all that I have right now)

Hmm, well, yes attack speed WOULD help a ton in your (and every Lann's) case. Higher attack speed essentially means higher damage output which means, you can dish out more damage, faster. If you always feel the need to squeeze in damage, one thing I've always done when I was still in training was just solo Red Chieftain on Hero mode with no clothes on and the beginner shortsword. I would sit in that dungeon all day, not launching an attack, practicing dodging. Getting the feel of dodging helps you get the feel of when and when not to attack, when to time an attack or dodge, and how to stay focused.

Just noticed the level your Vindictus tab displays. If that's the case, you can also try Hard Season of Macha or something, just as long as it helps you get dodging down pat.

[Dracius]

Hmm, well, yes attack speed WOULD help a ton in your (and every Lann's) case. Higher attack speed essentially means higher damage output which means, you can dish out more damage, faster. If you always feel the need to squeeze in damage, one thing I've always done when I was still in training was just solo Red Chieftain on Hero mode with no clothes on and the beginner shortsword. I would sit in that dungeon all day, not launching an attack, practicing dodging. Getting the feel of dodging helps you get the feel of when and when not to attack, when to time an attack or dodge, and how to stay focused.

Just noticed the level your Vindictus tab displays. If that's the case, you can also try Hard Season of Macha or something, just as long as it helps you get dodging down pat.

I'll be sure to try that.
Though I vaguely remember that learning when to slip-dash is one thing, knowing a boss' attacks is another.

[MareneCorp]

I'll be sure to try that.
Though I vaguely remember that learning when to slip-dash is one thing, knowing a boss' attacks is another.

Well, right now learning a boss' attacks aren't really important, what's important is you finding some way of turning dodging into a... second nature? As you progress through the game it'll get easier and easier for you as long as you practiced making your thumb press that spacebar almost instinctively, that's what's important. I say Hero Chieftain because he's sped up by quite a bit on Hero but doesn't pose such a huge threat as the later bosses, making him ideal for dodge-practice.
It's a bit like trying to learn a new language. In order to be fluent in it, you have to go back and practice the basics, in increasingly higher difficulties.

[TheBoulder]

Well, right now learning a boss' attacks aren't really important, what's important is you finding some way of turning dodging into a... second nature? As you progress through the game it'll get easier and easier for you as long as you practiced making your thumb press that spacebar almost instinctively, that's what's important. I say Hero Chieftain because he's sped up by quite a bit on Hero but doesn't pose such a huge threat as the later bosses, making him ideal for dodge-practice.
It's a bit like trying to learn a new language. In order to be fluent in it, you have to go back and practice the basics, in increasingly higher difficulties.

Learning a boss's attacks is actually very important. Knowing what can be slipped, what doesn't need to be slipped, what can't be slipped, the active frames of an attack, etc. all significantly contribute toward one's strategy towards dealing with the boss.
Sticking with the language analogy: you can practice and refine the basics to your heart's content, but unless you expand your vocabulary, you will have difficulty conversing with a native speaker.

[MareneCorp]

Learning a boss's attacks is actually very important. Knowing what can be slipped, what doesn't need to be slipped, what can't be slipped, the active frames of an attack, etc. all significantly contribute toward one's strategy towards dealing with the boss.
Sticking with the language analogy: you can practice and refine the basics to your heart's content, but unless you expand your vocabulary, you will have difficulty conversing with a native speaker.

He was level 17 at the time of my post, atm he is level 28. Not many bosses to learn from...

[TheBoulder]

He was level 17 at the time of my post, atm he is level 28. Not many bosses to learn from...

Oh. My point still stands though; while you are correct in that learning to dodge almost subconsciously is vital, you still need to know when, what, and how to dodge to make it actually useful, and vice versa.