For Honor is a groundbreaking action-fighting game developed by Ubisoft Montreal, released in 2017. Blending precise swordplay, tactical multiplayer combat, and rich lore, it stands out with its innovative “Art of Battle” combat system. This mechanic transforms melee duels into a skill-based, strategic experience, setting it apart from traditional hack-and-slash games.
Plot Summary
Set in a war-torn fantasy world, For Honor follows three factions locked in perpetual conflict:
- The Legion (Knights) – Disciplined warriors inspired by medieval Europe.
- The Chosen (Samurai) – Honour-bound fighters from feudal Japan.
- The Warborn (Vikings) – Fierce raiders of the North.
A fourth faction, the Wu Lin (Chinese warriors), was added post-launch.
The single-player campaign revolves around Apollyon, a warlord who believes in perpetual war to “weed out the weak.” Players experience the conflict from each faction’s perspective, witnessing how Apollyon’s machinations escalate the bloodshed.
Production & Development
| Developer | Ubisoft Montreal |
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Release Date | 14 February 2017 |
| Engine | AnvilNext 2.0 |
| Post-Launch Support | Live-service model with seasonal updates, new heroes, and balance patches |
Ubisoft treated For Honor as a live-service game, refining mechanics, adding factions, and improving stability over time.
Gameplay & Combat Mechanics
For Honor’s “Art of Battle” system revolutionises melee combat with:
- Directional Combat – Players attack and block in three stances (left, right, top).
- Stamina Management – Overextending leads to exhaustion, leaving players vulnerable.
- Advanced Techniques – Feints, guard breaks, parries, and deflects add depth.
- Executions – Brutal finishing moves that reward skilled play.
Game Modes
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Duel (1v1) | Pure skill-based swordplay |
| Brawl (2v2) | Team-based tactical fights |
| Dominion (4v4) | Territory control with AI soldiers |
| Breach | Siege battles with objectives |
| Campaign | Story-driven single-player missions |
| Arcade | Co-op PvE challenges |
Factions & Weapons
Each faction features unique warriors, each with distinct weapons and fighting styles.
Knights (The Legion)
| Hero | Weapon | Fighting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Warden | Longsword | Balanced, versatile |
| Peacekeeper | Dagger & shortsword | Fast, bleed-focused |
| Lawbringer | Poleaxe | Heavy, counter-attack specialist |
Samurai (The Chosen)
| Hero | Weapon | Fighting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Kensei | Nodachi | Long-range, fluid strikes |
| Orochi | Katana | Lightning-fast dodges |
| Shugoki | Kanabo | Slow but devastating |
Vikings (The Warborn)
| Hero | Weapon | Fighting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Raider | Dane axe | Heavy, unblockable attacks |
| Berserker | Dual axes | Relentless aggression |
| Warlord | Sword & shield | Defensive powerhouse |
Wu Lin (Chinese Warriors)
| Hero | Weapon | Fighting Style |
|---|---|---|
| Tiandi | Dao sword | Evasive, counter-focused |
| Shaolin | Staff | Quick, stance-switching |
| Jiang Jun | Guandao | Reach-based, stamina-draining |
Critical Reception & Legacy
For Honor received mixed-to-positive reviews at launch but evolved into a cult classic thanks to Ubisoft’s long-term support.
Praise
✔ Innovative combat system – Unlike any other melee game.
✔ Strong character design – Each hero feels distinct.
✔ Deep, rewarding skill ceiling – Mastery takes time but feels satisfying.
✔ Stunning visuals & atmosphere – Detailed maps and dynamic weather.
Criticism
✖ Early connectivity issues – Fixed with dedicated servers in 2018.
✖ Steep learning curve – New players face a harsh skill gap.
✖ Repetitive campaign – Lacks replay value compared to multiplayer.
Legacy & Influence
- Pioneered a new genre – Blended fighting game mechanics with multiplayer action.
- Inspired successors – Mordhau, Chivalry 2, and Elden Ring PvP borrowed elements.
- Dedicated competitive scene – Still active in ranked duels and tournaments.
How to Play
- Choose a Faction – Cosmetic but influences war map contributions.
- Pick a Hero – Experiment to find your preferred playstyle.
- Train in Practice Mode – Essential due to complex mechanics.
- Jump into PvP or PvE – Start with Dominion for large-scale battles.
- Master Advanced Techniques – Feints, parries, and mix-ups separate good from great players.
Platforms & Requirements
Supported Platforms
- PC (Windows)
- PlayStation 4/5 (backward compatible)
- Xbox One/Series X|S
- Crossplay – Partial support (matchmaking improvements ongoing).
PC System Requirements
| Specs | Minimum (720p/30FPS) | Recommended (1080p/60FPS) |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-4150 / AMD FX-4300 | Intel i5-4690K / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB+ |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 660 / AMD HD 6970 | NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD RX 480 |
| Storage | 50 GB HDD | SSD recommended |
Final Verdict
For Honor remains one of the most unique melee combat games ever made. Its deep, tactical fighting system keeps players engaged, while its faction-based warfare creates a compelling competitive experience. Despite a rocky launch, Ubisoft’s commitment turned it into a long-standing favourite for duelling enthusiasts.
If you crave skill-based swordplay and intense multiplayer battles, For Honor is still worth wielding.
Watch the trailer:
