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Exploring the current state of melee combat in 2025

The Current State of Melee | Players Debate Weapon Viability Amid Changes

By

Kota Yamamoto

Sep 15, 2025, 05:34 AM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

3 minutes of duration

A fighter practicing sword techniques in a martial arts studio with focus on movement and stance
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The conversation within gaming circles heated up as players express mixed feelings about melee weapon effectiveness in recent updates. As players grapple with the meta, frustrations rise, highlighting a growing divide in weapon performance.

Weapon Performance Under Scrutiny

Amid ongoing discussions, melee weapons, particularly the spear and dagger, have come under fire. Some fans are calling the dagger a "fossil," suggesting it lacks the viability needed in competitive play. Conversely, others argue that, with the right hands and circumstances, it can still perform surprisingly well.

"Dagger still feels somewhat playable itโ€™s a gamble but I donโ€™t think thereโ€™s any other weapon that can solo kill three heavies that quickly under the right circumstances," commented one enthusiast.

The Spearโ€™s Phantom Hits

Dedicated spear mains voiced their frustrations about a recurring issue with phantom hits, stating that the spear's combo relies on precision due to its varied damage output. "Having the final hit in the combo visually strike the enemy only for it to not do any damage is killing this weapon," one player lamented. Such glitches seem to exacerbate the spear's existing weaknesses, leading to calls for improvements.

Spike in Sword Popularity

Interestingly, the sword continues to hold its ground, with several players praising its performance. "Sword's still pretty damn good one of my friends is using it a lot," noted a user. The surge in sword usage might also be linked to recent exploits like the jump dash glitch, making it more favorable in quick combat scenarios.

Key Themes Emerging

  • Weapon Lifespan: Dagger considered outdated, with some still defending its potential.

  • Technical Issues: Phantom hits severely affecting spear performance.

  • Sword Resurgence: Increased sword utilization reflects a shift in player preferences.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ช "Dagger is a damn fossil" - Key comment reflecting weapon criticism.

  • โš”๏ธ Sword retains effectiveness amidst glitches that may undermine other weapons.

  • โ— Phantom hits are a growing concern for spear players, impacting combat dynamics.

As meta shifts evolve, it remains to be seen how developers will address these concerns and what future updates will mean for melee combat. The community is watching closely, and as melee battles unfold, player sentiment continues to sway between hope and doubt.

Future Weapon Dynamics Unfolding

Thereโ€™s a strong chance developers will implement fixes for the phantom hits impacting spear players, as frustrations reach a tipping point. With competition heating up, addressing glitches may become a top priority for maintaining player engagement. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood of adjustments in the next patch, particularly focused on the spearโ€™s performance. Meanwhile, if the dagger's perceived viability remains stagnant, we might see a continued pivot towards swords, which are gaining traction. The likelihood of significant shifts in player preference points to a stronger future for the sword, averaging around 60%. Expect these dynamics to reshape melee combat in exciting ways as the community's voice amplifies its concerns.

The Unexpected Tale of Musical Evolution

This situation echoes the complexity of musical genres evolving over time. Consider the rise and fall of disco in the late 1970s; what once dominated the charts faced backlash that led to its decline, but eventually saw a resurgence in the early 2000s as artists remixed and reimagined its essence. Just as the dagger faces scrutiny despite some defending its value, discoโ€™s catchy beats found new life in modern tunes, illustrating how perceptions can shift and lead to unexpected resurrections long after an initial decline. Both genres and game weapons demonstrate that whatโ€™s seen as obsolete can often find a new audience, resonating in unforeseen ways.