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Choosing the best training dummy for skill testing

Gamers Critique Training Dummies | How Dojo Summons Fall Short?

By

Mark Johnson

Feb 9, 2026, 06:21 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

2 minutes of duration

A sturdy training dummy used for skill testing, designed to withstand impacts and maintain shape during practice sessions, set in a gym environment.
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A conversation is heating up among gaming enthusiasts regarding the efficacy of training dummies in popular action RPGs. Players express disappointment at the dojo summons, designed to help refine combat skills, but lacking basic functionality. The discontent centers on the inadequacy of these dummies, particularly when compared to alternatives in other games.

Training Dummy Frustrations

Players have taken to forums to share their experiences. The dojo summons are crafted from paper, unable even to maintain their footing while wielding a sword. "I miss Yoki from the Nioh 2 dojo. He never blocked so he was an efficient target when I was playing around with things trying to test out the differences between damages," lamented one passionate player.

Alternatives and Recommendations

Several players recommend more effective training methods:

  • Masters on the Map: Engaging with Masters scattered throughout the game world provides a more challenging and rewarding training experience.

  • Boss Fights: Players also mentioned replaying bosses for practice, which not only sharpens skills but offers better mechanics to engage with.

  • Combat with Bloodedge Enemies: A user humorously remarked, "If you want to cry in frustration, fight Bloodedge enemies. They will murder you."

Interestingly, many are nostalgic about past training dummies. One user asserted, "Best training dummy is in Nioh 2. You are welcome ๐Ÿ˜" This showcases a desire for more reliable combat training options that many feel have fallen short in current titles.

Key Insights from the Discussion

  • User Experiences: Many players express disappointment with current training dummies, calling them ineffective for skill practice.

  • Preferred Methods: Fighting Master characters and redoing boss battles were highlighted as ideal for honing skills.

  • Comparative Sentiment: Thereโ€™s a clear sentiment of longing for previous training options that offered better utility.

Closing Thoughts

As players continue to share their thoughts, the outcry suggests a demand for developers to reevaluate the effectiveness of training dummies in future updates.

"There is, but it seems like the summons in the dojo don't get stronger as you level," a player noted, echoing widespread discontent.

Takeaway Summary

  • โ–ฒ "Master fights offer better training" - User recommendation

  • โ–ฒ "Bloodedge fights are brutal but beneficial" - User perspective

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Nostalgia for Yoki from Nioh 2 fuels discussions

What will game developers do to address these concerns? Only time will tell if they adapt to community feedback regarding training options.

Whatโ€™s Next for Game Developers?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will take note of the players' frustrations and make adjustments to training dummies in future updates. Given the vocal community feedback, it's likely they will prioritize implementing more dynamic training experiences. Developers are estimated to incorporate features that address current shortcomings, aiming for a mid-2026 proposed update that will enhance the functionality of training dummies. Such changes could include the ability for summons to scale in difficulty alongside player progression, potentially boosting user engagement and satisfaction.

Echoes of the Past

This situation mirrors when early MMORPGs faced backlash over repetitive quest mechanics, leading to the rise of dynamic storytelling in games like "The Elder Scrolls" series. Players expressed similar urges for more engaging gameplay elements, which resulted in developers creating more intricate quest lines and character interactions. Just as those games evolved to meet player demands, the push for improved training methods could reshape how games balance skill-building with enjoyable combat experiences, leading to revitalized standards in game design.