So, you’ve bought yourself a copy of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order on Switch and are ready to kick some bad-guy ass. But no matter if you’re a complete newcomer or series veteran, here’s a few tips and tricks you should be aware of.
Keep an eye on the stagger meter
While your stock-standard enemies possess a basic red health meter, some foes – typically those greater in strength or size – have a purple meter as well. This second bar is what is known as the Stagger meter.
Before you can deplete your enemy’s health, you must first deplete the stagger meter to temporarily immobilise them and make them susceptible to damage. The best approach once you’ve achieved this: heavy attacks.
You can use your light attacks if you wish, but it’ll be a lot of button mashing.
Watch the launch trailer for Ultimate Alliance 3:
Attacking too much isn’t always a good thing
You might think that button mashing will lead you ultimate to success in the game’s campaign, but you’d be dead wrong. Learning the right moment to dodge out of the way and skilfully time out your attacks will see you restarting sections less often.
This will prove especially fruitful during boss encounters or with one of the many difficulty spikes you’ll face throughout your adventures. Remember, it might sound cliche, but the best offence is a good defence.
Don’t horde your specials and be sure to use Synergy attacks
Abilities are some of the most powerful attacks in The Black Order, so trust us when we tell you to keep using them at every opportunity. Not only will they look spectacular, they’ll do boatloads of damage, will help you out of tough jams, and even recharge quickly enough.
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Plus, when complementary abilities are used at the same time, that will trigger ‘Synergy attacks’ – an even more powerful move perfect for clearing out areas. Make sure you keep track of when Synergy attacks can be triggered.
Don’t be afraid to grind
Feel like you’ve hit a difficulty wall? Don’t feel deflated, that’s entirely normal and doesn’t mean you have to turn off your switch in despair. It may just mean you’re not strong enough and need to level-up your team before you can pass a particular level or boss. A little bit of grind never hurt anybody.
Speaking of levelling, don’t neglect Infinity Trials
Unlocked about halfway through The Black Order’s campaign, Infinity Trials will help you level-up your team and earn rewards. These trials can be accessed from checkpoints and will provide your team specific objectives – like defeating a set number of enemies.
But make sure you pay attention; some challenges will alter the battlefield in an attempt to have you switch up your strategy.
See the game’s first 17 minutes for yourself!
Always check your surroundings
Much like any game that places a focus on exploration, investigate every square inch of Ultimate Alliance 3’s levels. There’s a good chance you’ll find a hidden piece of loot that’ll be handy in a pinch.
