GLOSSARY / Battle Basics
Counter
At a Glance
A defense skill that normally retaliates after taking an enemy attack.
GUIDEHow It Works
An ordinary Counter does not reduce incoming damage. It makes an unopposed retaliation immediately after the first attack skill received that turn, responding to the actual first attacker rather than the enemy selected when setting it.
An ordinary Counter triggers once per enemy skill. Stagger or death before retaliation prevents it, and ordinary defense skills cannot defend against its unopposed attack.
Clashable Counter is a special defense skill that Clashes before taking the enemy attack. Winning stops that attack; its handling after a loss differs from ordinary Counter.
NOTESCommon Misunderstandings
- Ordinary Counter does not stop the enemy without taking a hit first.
EXAMPLEWorked Example
Ordinary and Clashable Counter
- Ordinary Counter: take the hit first
- Immediately afterward, make an unopposed Counter attack
- Clashable Counter: Clash with the enemy skill first
Stagger, death before retaliation, and skill-specific conditions can prevent activation.
RELATEDRelated Terms
Guard
Battle BasicsA defense skill that normally absorbs incoming damage with Shield.
Evade
Battle BasicsA defense skill that compares Evade Power with incoming Attack Power and avoids attacks on success.
Stagger
Battle BasicsA dangerous state that prevents actions and worsens incoming-damage resistances.
Clash
Battle BasicsA contest of Power between skills. With ordinary attack skills, the winner gets to attack.
Defense Skill Offset
Battle BasicsPairing ordinary Guard or Evade skills so neither receives the attack needed to activate. It is not a contest of Power.