Power Attacks are melee attacks that use more oxygen (O2) to deal extra damage and stagger in Starfield. Learn about when and how to use Power Attacks on enemies at close range.
List of Contents
A Power Attack is a special melee move used for attacking enemies in close quarters. Similar to past game titles such as The Elder Scrolls and the Fallout series, these are performed by holding down the attack button.
Various melee options from unarmed combat to one-handed weapons like the Combat Knife have Power Attacks, and these are best used in dealing extra damage and stagger on enemies without spending any bullets.
Power Attacks, unlike regular attacks, costs oxygen (O2) to use and thus shares oxygen management with other moves like sprinting.
If there is not enough oxygen to perform any Power Attack, a regular attack will be used instead. Make sure to use Power Attacks at the right moment to avoid any complicated situations at close range.
Consider using Power Attacks after stunning enemies with gunfire, or with moves such as the combat slide for better closing in on enemies quickly, as well as adding more variety to the melee experience.
Since Power Attacks use oxygen, investing skill points for the Fitness skill will ensure you have more opportunities to use them in conjunction with other oxygen-intensive movement like sprinting.
The Fitness physical skill reduces oxygen consumption, making it the ideal skill to have if you want to perform more Power Attacks along with more sprint time.
How to Level Up and Farm Skill Points Fast
Power Attacks are best used at close quarters and against blocking enemies. They are also optimal for use against enemies that are stunned by gunfire, or immobilized (such as being frozen).
While being in the face of the enemy gives you advantage for Power Attacks, being at close range puts you in more risk also. Dealing with an enemy that is actively using a shotgun during combat, for example, is better dealt with at medium or long range.
Combat Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Power Attacks Explained
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