You wish to learn how to survive the more... aggresive encounters in the land of Arx I see. Well, traveller, I can assure you that you have come to the right place. Combat in Arx, as you will see, is a deceptively simple affair. Let us began with the most basic of acts - entering combat mode.

Whilst in MOUSELOOK MODE press your LEFT mouse button. Your avatar will now draw his weapon or ready his fists as he enters COMBAT MODE.

Now you have your weapon ready, you really need to learn how to use it. To attack it press the LEFT mouse button. That was rather a feeble shot there, I must say! Now try holding your mouse button for a short time and releasing it again. You see how much stronger that attack was? To help you judge the stregth of your attacks you have been granted the aid of an indicator. When this indicator is dark, your are attack will be weak. As it gets brighter, the strength of the attack increases.

I must say, you are taking this in extremely quickly! Here are a few more advanced moves for you to try.

When attacking try changing the direction you are moving in. See how it alters the angle of your attack? A sideswing is great for blocking an enemies blow while dealing damage yourself. Watch the timing though - get it wrong and wham! You'll be seeing canaries dancing around your head.

Use the shadows. The more aggresive creatures in Arx aren't about to play fair, so why should you? Getting the drop on an enemy is always an advantage.

Avoid getting hit yourself. Move back or sideways to avoid those blows. You could even try dropping into a crouch. You are not invincible - standing still and getting pummeled is not advised!

Take a little time to practice, follow this advice and pretty soon you'll be able to do things like this!