Brawlhalla: Mastering Hammer True Combos

Hey Brawlhalla fans! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the hammer in Brawlhalla, specifically focusing on those sweet, sweet true combos. If you're looking to level up your hammer game and start crushing opponents, you've come to the right place. We'll break down the essentials, covering everything from the basics to some more advanced techniques. Get ready to turn your opponents into pancakes, because we're about to make you a hammer master!

Understanding True Combos

Before we jump into the specific hammer combos, let's talk about what makes a combo “true.” In Brawlhalla, a true combo is a string of attacks that are guaranteed to connect if executed correctly. The opponent cannot dodge or interrupt the sequence, making them incredibly powerful for racking up damage and securing knockouts. Mastering these is crucial for competitive play, as they provide consistent damage and pressure. Think of true combos as the backbone of your offensive strategy. Without them, you’re just flailing around, hoping for the best. With them, you're a precision machine, systematically dismantling your foes.

True combos are based on frame data and the specific properties of each weapon and attack. They exploit the brief windows of hitstun, the amount of time an opponent is locked in place after being hit, to chain attacks together. The shorter the hitstun, the trickier the combo, but the more rewarding it is to land. They can vary in complexity, some requiring perfect timing and spacing. When it comes to the hammer, you can land some devastating combos that will send your opponents flying off the map. This is why learning these combos is critical, particularly if you want to climb the ranked ladder or simply dominate in casual matches. The hammer, with its high damage output, benefits greatly from true combos.

Furthermore, keep in mind that true combos are character-specific to some extent. The size and movement speed of your legend can influence which combos are viable. For example, a larger legend may have a slightly easier time landing some combos than a smaller one, because of the larger hitbox. Additionally, certain legends may have better signature moves (sig) that can extend or set up combos. While the core true combos are the same for all legends, you may find slight variations in their effectiveness based on your chosen character.

The Importance of Practice

Now, here's a crucial tip: understanding true combos is only half the battle. The other half is practice, practice, practice! You can read about these combos all day long, but you won't be able to execute them consistently without putting in the hours. Head to the training room and drill these combos until they become second nature. Try varying the situations. Practice your spacing, aim, and timing against different AI opponents or even against friends. The more you practice, the more these combos will become muscle memory. This will allow you to execute them under pressure in real matches. Start slow, focus on consistency, and gradually increase the speed and complexity of your combos.

Remember that execution speed is paramount. You need to be able to pull off these combos quickly and reliably in the heat of battle. The more time you spend practicing, the faster you'll become, which will catch your opponents off guard. Don't be discouraged if you don't land them perfectly right away. Everyone struggles at first. Keep at it, and you'll see a noticeable improvement in your hammer gameplay.

Core Hammer Combos in Brawlhalla

Alright, let's get into the meat and potatoes of this guide: the true combos themselves! We'll start with some of the more fundamental combos that every hammer user should master. These form the base of your hammer arsenal and will allow you to apply consistent pressure and damage.

Neutral Light (NLight) to DLight

This is one of the most fundamental and reliable combos with the hammer. NLight is a horizontal swing that hits in front of you. DLight is a down-light that hits downward. The NLight into DLight combo is relatively easy to perform but highly effective. The NLight will hit, and if timed correctly, the DLight will connect immediately after, launching your opponent upwards, or at the right damage percent, to the side.

To execute this combo, you want to be close to your opponent. Hit them with a NLight and quickly follow up with DLight. The key is to be precise with your timing. If you input the DLight too early or too late, the opponent will have enough time to dodge. This combo is great for starting strings and is useful at most damage percentages. It's a fundamental hammer technique that is safe and can easily be practiced.

Down Light (DLight) to Side Light (Slight)

This combo is a bit more advanced but offers a fantastic way to deal damage. DLight is a downward swing, and Slight is a horizontal swing in a direction. After hitting with DLight, you can quickly follow up with Slight. This combo can be tricky because the timing needs to be precise. The DLight stuns the opponent for a short time, giving you a window to hit them with Slight. The Slight will launch them away from you, which makes for a great way to control the stage and gain some breathing room.

To execute this combo, perform your DLight. Once it connects, quickly input a Slight in the direction you want to send your opponent. The timing is important; you want to make sure the opponent is still in hitstun from the DLight. This is a great combo for covering space and keeping your opponent at bay. It's another safe option to add to your repertoire, and it's particularly effective at medium damage percentages.

Ground Pound to Recovery

This is a unique combo that makes use of the hammer's powerful aerial attacks. The Ground Pound is a powerful, downward attack. The Recovery is an upward-angled attack. After landing the Ground Pound, your opponent will be in hitstun, allowing you to quickly hit them with the Recovery. This can be a tricky combo to master due to the height you will need and the precision timing of the attacks.

To execute this combo, jump, use your Ground Pound to slam down on your opponent, and immediately follow up with Recovery to launch them upwards. This combo requires practice to master the timing and spacing, but the reward is a high-damage, difficult-to-dodge sequence that can quickly lead to knockouts. It's particularly effective when your opponent is trying to recover back to the stage.

Advanced Hammer Combo Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basic true combos, it’s time to level up your game with some more advanced strategies. These techniques involve more complex inputs, better reads on your opponents, and can turn the tide of battle.

Adapting to Dodge Reads

Experienced Brawlhalla players are very good at dodging attacks. They'll anticipate your moves and try to escape your combos. The key to success is learning how to read those dodges. This means paying close attention to your opponent's tendencies and adjusting your combos accordingly. If you know they like to dodge up, you might want to use a combo that hits upward. If they dodge away, try a combo that covers that space. Mastering dodge reads gives you a significant advantage in combat.

For example, if you anticipate an upwards dodge, you could follow up your DLight with an Nair (Neutral Air) while you are in the air, or you could punish their dodge with a well-timed Chase Dodge and follow-up attack. Experiment with different options, and learn to adapt based on how your opponent reacts. This requires quick thinking and adaptation, but it makes you a much more unpredictable and deadly opponent.

Using Signatures (Sigs) to Extend Combos

Signatures, also known as sigs, are powerful special moves that each legend has. They deal a large amount of damage and have unique properties. Sigs can also be incorporated into your combos to extend them. Not every sig will combo, but when they do, it can be devastating. This takes a lot of practice and knowledge of each legends' sigs, but it's well worth it to increase the efficiency of your hammer gameplay.

For instance, some legends might have a sig that can hit the opponent upward, which then allows you to follow up with an aerial attack. Other sigs might have a quick startup, allowing them to connect after a DLight or Slight. Learning the best situations to use your sigs can turn the tide of any fight. Experiment with various sigs and see which ones are true combo opportunities with your standard attacks.

Spacing and Positioning

Spacing and positioning are critical components of hammer gameplay. Since the hammer is a weapon with limited range, you must learn to control the distance between you and your opponent. You don't want to get too close where you can be easily punished. Nor do you want to be too far away where your attacks cannot connect.

This involves using movement and your attacks to control the space. Often, it involves baiting your opponents into attacking and punishing them. Pay close attention to how your opponent reacts to your moves. If they tend to get aggressive, play defensively and punish their mistakes. If they are more passive, try to force the engagement. Good positioning ensures you can land your combos when the moment is right.

The Importance of Training

Practice is a crucial element for anyone trying to master the hammer and its combos. The ability to pull these combos off in a real match depends on muscle memory. So, setting aside time to practice is an investment that will pay off when it comes to winning. The more time you spend practicing, the better you will become, which will catch your opponents off guard.

Use the training room to work on the combos. First, work on the individual components of each combo. Then, slowly string them together until you can do them consistently. Make sure you vary the AI's actions to simulate real-match scenarios. In addition to the training room, you can also join matches against other players. Use what you have learned, and gradually improve your gameplay.

Hammer Legend Selection: Who to Choose

While the hammer's true combos are universal, certain legends may make it easier to execute them. Factors like speed, strength, and sigs can influence how well a legend performs with the hammer. Some legends stand out as excellent choices for hammer users, providing a perfect blend of power, speed, and great sigs.

Teros

Teros is a powerhouse with high strength and the hammer as one of his weapons. His strong stats and aggressive playstyle make him an excellent choice for dominating the battlefield with the hammer. Teros’s sigs are also great for setting up and extending combos.

Scarlet

Scarlet is another strong option, with high strength and good mobility. Her sigs complement the hammer’s combos very well, allowing her to easily secure knockouts. Her down sig with the hammer is notorious for its power and ability to hit opponents, setting up combos or securing a quick kill.

Jhala

Jhala is known for her high damage output and aggressive playstyle. With the hammer, she can be an absolute terror to face. Her sigs enable her to set up or extend combos very well, making her a dangerous adversary in the arena.

Conclusion: Hammer Mastery Awaits!

Alright, guys, you've got the tools! Now go out there and practice those combos. The hammer is a rewarding weapon to master in Brawlhalla, and learning these true combos is a huge step toward becoming a better player. Remember to focus on consistent practice, adapt your strategy, and have fun. With dedication, you'll be knocking out opponents in no time! Good luck, and happy smashing!