Is Blocking Considered Cheesing In Fromsoft Games

Is Blocking Considered Cheesing in FromSoftware Games?

Let’s talk about blocking in FromSoftware games, like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Sekiro. These games are famous for being tough, and players often look for ways to make things a little easier. One big question comes up a lot: is using your shield to block attacks considered “cheesing” the game? It’s a good question, and the answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. To really get into it, we need to break down what “cheesing” means, how blocking works, and why it all matters.

Understanding “Cheesing”

Before we talk about blocking, let’s understand what “cheesing” even means. In video games, “cheesing” is when you use an easy or cheap strategy to win that the game developers might not have intended. It’s like finding a glitch or exploiting a weakness in the game that lets you skip a hard part or beat a tough boss without really fighting fair. Some people think cheesing is bad because it takes away from the challenge and the fun of learning the game’s mechanics. Others think it’s a smart way to play, especially if they are stuck. Cheesing can involve:

• Using environmental exploits (like getting enemies stuck on scenery).
• Repeatedly using ranged attacks from a safe distance.
• Exploiting a weakness in boss AI
• Using glitches to get past an area or boss

The problem with “cheesing” is that the definition can be fuzzy. What one player considers cheesing, another might see as just being clever. It’s all a matter of perspective. But, in general, cheesing involves avoiding engaging with the games systems the developers made.

The Mechanics of Blocking in FromSoftware Games

Blocking is a core part of the combat in FromSoftware titles. Each game has slightly different rules for how it works, but the basic idea is the same: you use a shield (or sometimes a weapon) to protect yourself from incoming attacks. Here’s a look at the common mechanics you’ll find:

Shield Types

In games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, you have different kinds of shields. These include:

• Small Shields: These are light and easy to use, but they don’t block as much damage. They’re good for quick parries (deflecting an attack at the right time).
• Medium Shields: These offer a good balance between blocking power and weight. They’re a good choice for beginners.
• Greatshields: These can block almost anything, but they’re very heavy and can slow you down.

The type of shield you pick can dramatically change how you fight in these games.

Guard Stamina

When you block, you use up stamina, sometimes called guard stamina. If your stamina goes to zero, your guard breaks, and you will be staggered. You also get vulnerable to an attack. This means you can’t just hold up your shield forever. You need to think about when to block and when to dodge.

Guard Boost

Each shield has a “guard boost” stat. This determines how much stamina is used up when you block. Higher guard boost values mean you use less stamina, which lets you block more before running out.

Blocking vs. Dodging

In FromSoftware games, you have two main ways to avoid damage: blocking and dodging. Dodging (rolling, sidestepping) lets you avoid attacks completely. But it uses a bit of timing. Blocking, lets you take some of the damage, but you’ll lose stamina and it could leave you open if the enemy breaks your guard. You have to choose the right option for each situation.

The Argument Against Blocking as Cheesing

So, why might someone think that blocking is a form of cheesing? Here are some of the arguments:

Reducing Difficulty

Some players feel that hiding behind a shield makes the game too easy. They believe that these games are meant to be hard, and relying on a shield takes away from the challenge. The idea is that these players want you to learn attack patterns and time your dodges. Blocking can allow you to ignore some of this.

Ignoring Enemy Attacks

Blocking, especially with greatshields, makes it easier to ignore enemy attacks, which can prevent you from engaging with the game properly. It enables players to take out enemies or bosses that the player wouldn’t be able to normally.

Passive Playstyle

Relying solely on blocking can lead to a passive playstyle where you wait for openings instead of actively attacking. This may feel like you are using a method that is meant to make the game easy.

The Argument for Blocking as a Valid Tactic

However, many players disagree that blocking is cheesing. Here’s why:

A Designed Game Mechanic

First and foremost, blocking is a game mechanic that the developers purposefully put in the game. Shields are not hidden tools. They are part of the core combat system. If it was considered cheesing, then it wouldn’t exist. The developers give you a stamina bar for blocking, so you cannot just hold it up forever.

Stamina Management and Risk

Blocking comes with a risk: running out of stamina, guard breaks, and taking chip damage (even when blocking). It’s not a foolproof method. You must manage your stamina and guard boosts carefully. You can’t simply hide behind a shield and win every fight. The game is still challenging.

Part of the Variety

FromSoftware games give players lots of different playstyles, like focusing on magic, heavy weapons, or fast-paced attacks. Blocking is just another approach to combat. It lets you adapt to different situations and try out different builds.

Accessible for New Players

For many new players, learning to block and manage stamina can be an easier and less daunting approach to learning the games. This allows new players a way to learn the game and makes the game accessible for everyone.

When Blocking Might Feel “Cheesy”

Even though blocking is generally a valid strategy, there are situations where it might feel like cheesing.

Infinite Blocking with Greatshields

Sometimes, with the right shield and gear, players can reach extremely high guard boosts. This can allow them to block just about every attack without much penalty. This can make the game feel too easy, and it can start to resemble cheesing more than just playing normally.

Using Blocking to Avoid Learning

If you are only blocking and never dodging, learning enemy attack patterns and timing could prevent you from truly appreciating the game’s combat. You’re not really learning how to play the game, if you don’t learn how to dodge or use skills and other techniques.

The Community Perspective

Ultimately, what feels like cheesing to one person might just be normal gameplay for another. The FromSoftware community is varied, with people who love different aspects of the games. Some players enjoy getting every bit of challenge the game has to offer, while others look for ways to make the game more manageable.

Examples from Different FromSoftware Games

Let’s look at how blocking works in different games:

Dark Souls Series

In the Dark Souls series, blocking is essential. There are a lot of enemies that are extremely dangerous if you don’t block at least some of their attacks. The game is built with blocking in mind, and it’s definitely not considered cheesing.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring is similar to Dark Souls. Blocking works great with the right setup, but it can’t carry you through the whole game. Blocking is part of the combat system that can be used with other methods of combat. It gives you more options.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

In Sekiro, blocking is much more important and challenging. Instead of just holding the block button, you have to time blocks perfectly to deflect attacks. Deflecting works as a more active form of blocking, which will reduce the boss’s posture so you can deal a critical hit. This mechanic is crucial for success in Sekiro.

Bloodborne

Bloodborne is slightly different since you do not have as many shields available to you. The game expects that players will actively dodge instead of blocking. However, there are still shields that are available and can be used to block attacks in the same way that they do in the other games.

So, Is It Cheesing or Not?

Ultimately, using your shield to block in FromSoftware games is not generally considered cheesing. It’s a core game mechanic that the developers put in the game for players to use. It does have risk involved, which is why it is not considered cheesing. It would be considered as using a tool that is meant for the game.

However, there are some situations where excessive use of blocking, especially with greatshields, might border on cheesing because it can be a little excessive or diminish the overall game experience by not learning key mechanics. But for the most part, using a shield is just another method for surviving in tough situations.

The key thing to remember is that these games are meant to be difficult, and how you choose to overcome those challenges is part of the fun. Blocking is just one tool in your toolbox. Play the game the way that is most enjoyable for you!