Progression Mode is the main game mode in Half swordwhere players create a character and enter fights to win money and level up from a beggar to a knight. However, as with most things in the medieval fighting game, not much is explained. This guide will go over how the progression mode works i Half swordincluding getting coins and gear, leveling up and what happens when you die.
How to use crossbow in half sword
This guide will show players how to get a crossbow in Half Sword and explain how to use it and reload it.
How does the progression mode work in Half Sword?
At the time of writing is Progression Mode only way to unlock better weapons and armor for Free Modewhich means it's a bit of a must play. There are also only one save file.
Character creation
In character creation, players can start from a rank they previously reachedbut for new players this will be Beggar rank. But select launch weapon and altitude, everything else is cosmetic.
Your character will start with a low weight, but you will gain muscle over time Half sword.
The inn
The inn is essentially the main hub for Progression Mode. Here players can:
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Participate in competitions via the jester.
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Choose their charge.
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Visit the merchant to buy weapons and armor or insurance for their equipment.
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Train against a training dummy.
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Hire mercenaries to fight alongside you.
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Save without stakes.
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Rest to advance time and unlock new races.
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Heal after being wounded.
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Forge weapons or customize your armor (rotates daily).
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Complete errands to earn extra money.
Don't forget to heal before entering another fight if you took a lot of damage. It's easy to forget. Unfortunately, there is no healing between turns.
Competes in fights
Fights are the bread and butter of Progression Mode. Each day players will have a number of competitions to choose from by clicking on the jester in the inn. Everyone has one entrance fee and a possible prize pool.
There are a few different fight types and win conditions. For example, a fighting is only with fistsno weapons. Use the art on the cards to see if weapons are used or not.
As for winning conditions, these can be submissionfirst to be downcastfirst to be pushed out of the circleor first blood. Of course, if any of the opponents are killed, they will lose. However, this should never be the goal, and the players should always surrender before you die. It is also best to make the opponents surrender Half swordrather than killing them.
While most fights are 1v1, there are also double or carnage, which is each for himself. The number of rounds will also be displayed, and players must win all rounds to walk away with the prize money.
Try to pick fights with low stakes, a high prize pool and fewer rounds.
Half Sword: Mechanics The Game Doesn't Teach You
There isn't much of a tutorial in Half Sword, so check out the following mechanics that the game doesn't teach you.
Ranking Up
As a beggar, you only have beggar battles available. But by winning more, your progress bar will go up. When it reaches the end, Beggar tournament will become available. Winning all 7 rounds will promote you to pawn. The battles will be harder, but they are more rewarding. There are also new events and maps as players rank up.
Hire mercenaries at the inn to help you clear these tournaments.
All are ranked Half sword are as follows:
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Beggar
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Peasant
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Commoner
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Militia
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Soldier
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Veteran
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Man at Arms
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Knight
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Lord
Hitting new trails also means getting access to new weapon types to forgeand better armor and weapons should be available for purchase from the merchant.
Weapons, armor & insurance
The forge down right in the inn switches daily between forging weapons and customize armor. They can also be purchased from the merchant. Of course, players will need to earn a lot of money Half sword to buy these goods.
Weapons and armor can also be picked up from enemies after fights by pressing F or E. You can shelve or wear them holding the same buttons.
If you drop items you don't fully own and leave a battle, they will be lost. The same applies if you die. Therefore, make sure to go to traders and pay pfennings to get them insured.
Assured weapons and armor will also become available in free mode.
Best weapons in Half Sword
Check out the best weapons in Half Sword, including swords, clubs, axes, and more.
What happens when you die in progression mode?
When you die in a fight, your soul may be saves immediately if you haven't killed possible opponents. If you have it, you will be sent to Abysswhere you will wake up in a coffin. For every opponent you have killedthere will be another zombie trying to kill you.
If you surviveyou can continue as usual. But if you die in the abyss, so be it game over.
When you start another character you can start at the highest rank you reachedbut you will return to the beginning of this rank. Character's weight and muscle will also be restored. But thankfully you get most of the gold, weapons and armor.

- Released
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2026
- Developer
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Half sword game
- Publisher
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Game Seer Publishing
- Number of players
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Single player
- Compatibility with Steam Deck
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Unknown