These tips are basic but necessary. Even after playing this game through several times the timing of combos can still be difficult. But here it goes:
1. Every opponent is right handed, so move to your right when circling or dodging. You want to move away from their weapon, then attack. Moving into the weapon side puts you at risk.
2. Realize that the Barbarian is tall and may swing over his opponent, so use lower swings against short goblins.
3. Keep moving when up against multiple enemies.
4. If one on one, time their attack. Back up at the last moment, and then decide how you want to attack.
5. If you swing and hit a shield you will pause for a moment making yourself vulnerable. If this happens jump, jump, jump back as quickly as possible.
6. Using the most powerful weapon may not give you the most effective combos. Sometimes you are stronger with light weapons and can do multiple combos before tiring. Using the largest weapon may tire you quickly. Try the heavy weapons a few times to see how you do before engaging in combat.
7. Runes: Everyone has read the cheats. But the quickest way to recover a lost rune is to find it's location ahead of time and run, RUN to the location. Along the way you will meet fire breating munchkin heads, necromancers (sometimes two at a time!) and at the doorway to the rune you will meet big nasty. A slow knight who is very powerful. Dust him and recover the rune. Don't bother fighting all the other monsters.
8. Don't just use the power move, (the red swing). Read you index file (F1) and find other swings that may also produce desirable results. Such as Whirlwind with Amazon.
9. Tips to beat Dal Gurak (Mr. Ugly)
Step one: walk in circles and let skeletons kill eachother. This way you don't lose points against vampire shields. The last skeleton must be killed using low swing so as to avoid the shield.
Step two: Durak will appear in the center approah him till he disappears. When he is on the side hit him the Ianna. Two direct hits will break his shield and then he will begin to fight. The green balls of light will also stop when the magic shield is broken.
Step three: Timing and patience. Stay back to avoid boomerang poison sword. Use Ianna. He will recharge once. Be patient. Keep moving side to side and don't let the orange ring hit you (-5000pts). If you get him down to 1500 points, rush him and swing away. Watch his points, as soon as he falls press "E" to pick up his shield or sword. Keep in mind you may have to drop a sword at the beginning ( I suggest the sharp sword, you're done using it anyway.) When he drops you have about half a second to pick it up, and you need to be close to him. If you are across the room forget it. It took me over 20 tries to time it right.
