DNF Duel — Everything you need to know

Advanced mechanics

DNF Duel plays like a hybrid of Granblue Fantasy Versus and Guilty Gear Strive, as well as some very interesting mechanics unique to itself. All attacks, on hit or block, deal red and white damage. Red damage is permanent and cannot be recovered. White damage recovers over time (similar to the Street Fighter series) as long as you aren’t being hit or guarding.

The secondary meter under your health is your MP. Special moves will consume MP and how much it depletes varies from move to move. MP can be recovered three different ways, the first of which is by doing nothing. Indeed, MP will recover naturally over time, but this is the slowest of the three methods. The second way is by landing an attack — either on hit or block — that does not consume MP. This mainly means it works for normal attacks and throws.

The third, and by far the most interesting, is by using a system mechanic called Conversion. White health can be converted into MP by pressing B plus the Skill button. This can also be down while performing any active action. Attacking, dashing, jumping, anything can be canceled via Conversion, and this includes special moves. This is how DNF Duel‘s most defining mechanic works: the ability to cancel one special move into another. It can lead to insane combos and disgusting mixups if executed well.

Conversion will also, of course, cause you to lose your remaining white health. The more white health you lose, the more MP you gain. This also puts pressure on the opponent, as they will have to manage how much white health they receive. You will also take a small amount of permanent red damage.

Lastly, some early strategy tips and information on online play on the next page.