PvP 101- must read for those new to PVP

DCUO PvP is predicated on the rock/paper/scissors format: winning this interaction is called countering.

Anytime you use the correct counter move against an opponent, you gain temporary immunity (your character will flash dark blue for about 1 second) from being countered AND taking damage. Your opponent can also gain this immunity from successfully countering you. This is precisely why understanding the interplay between these move types is paramount.


Blocking(R1) either reduces damage from attacks(powers) or counters them entirely.

Block Breaker(hold or some weapons tap triangle) is the ONLY way to counter someone who is blocking.

Lunge(hold square) is used to counter someone who is block breaking. This is also referred to by the game as an INTERRUPT.


The trick to PvP is to guess the correct move your opponent is about to do and then use the appropriate move to counter it.

Experiment with every weapon type so that you know what the animations for LUNGE and BLOCK BREAKER look like. This way you will know what move your opponents are relying heavily on so that you can improve your odds of making the correct guess for their next move and exploit that.

One reliable strategy I use is to use a move that knocks you opponent down. Very often the first thing an opponent will do once they get up is BLOCK. Use your BLOCK BREAKER once they get up but not too soon, or too late. Correct timing is vital. To counter an opponent using this strategy against you, which is very common, LUNGE your attacker as soon as you get back on your feet.

Zoom your camera out by holding L1 and pressing down repeatedly on the D-pad. This will help you get a better look at what is going on around you. Watch for opponents in the area using BLOCK BREAKER , whether against you or another party member, and immediately LUNGE them.

CLIPPING is also very important which is cancelling the animation for one move or power by using another move or power before the animation for the first move finishes.
Not all moves can be CLIPPED so I encourage you to experiment on your own to find out which moves and powers you have can and can't be CLIPPED.

Feel free to add to or correct anything you see here and discuss better strategies.

Choosing the right weapon for PvP can be daunting.

If you're new to PvP, I recommend BRAWLING, DUAL WIELD or TWO HANDED since they are the only weapon types that have a block breaker that can be used by tapping triangle instead of holding it down. Being able to block breaker with a tap instead of a hold is much more user friendly while you get the hang of things. These weapons all have a hold triangle block breaker variant as well that uses a different, longer animation.

Other great weapons for PVP include MARTIAL ARTS and ONE HANDED and even STAFF.

Ranged weapons like bow, rifle, hand blasters and dual pistols aren't well suited for PVP. Melee weapons get an innate buff adding +15% to critical attack weapon damage as well as +20% control resistance while range weapons do not. Also, ranged weapons best combos are done using the triangle button which any good PVPer will recognize and immediately LUNGE you.

By opting to use a range weapon in PvP, you are handicapping yourself.

Since this is very basic PvP info, I've moved it to the general discussion forum to make it available to the widest audience possible. There very little in this write-up our enemies are unaware of. What's important is that YOU understand it.