Saber Showdown Guide: Controls to learn before your first fight
About
OverviewSaber Showdown is a lightsaber combat game where you duel other players, unlock new sabers, and fight in large clan battles. This guide walks you through the controls, combat techniques, Force powers, and how to get more out of the game over time.
What is on this page
Contents
Controls to learn before your first fight
CheckEvery action in Saber Showdown has a keyboard key and a gamepad button, so you can play either way. You can also open the settings in the top-left corner of the screen to remap anything that feels awkward.
- Equip your saber with One on keyboard or ButtonX on a controller
- Attack with M1 or R1, and block incoming hits with M2 or L1
- Throw your saber at range using C or DPadDown
- Ignite your saber with Q or DPadUp press it while blocking to ignite mid-guard
- Swap between Force abilities with X or DPadRight, then trigger one with F or R2
- Use B or DPadLeft to challenge someone to a formal duel
Four combat moves that decide most fights
Step
The combo system rewards players who know when to roll away, when to disarm, and when to feint.
- Disarm press Block and Attack at the same time to knock your opponent's saber out of their hand
- Special Attack jump and then hit Attack to launch a harder strike
- Roll press Jump and Crouch together to dodge out of an incoming combo
- Feint press Attack and Ignite together to fake out your opponent and create an opening
- Saber Throw use C or DPadDown to hit enemies from a distance, which is also how you earn the Sniper badge
How Force powers work
StepForce powers do not activate on demand. You have to build up Power Focus first by keeping your gaze on an enemy. Once you see smoke appear, the power is ready to release.
- Build focus keep looking directly at an enemy until smoke appears around them
- Release press F or R2 to trigger the Force ability once smoke is visible
- Switch abilities press X or DPadRight to cycle to a different Force type before using it
- Lightning one of the available Force abilities; landing a defeat with it earns the Shocker badge
- Grip another Force ability that can finish a fight; defeating someone with it earns the Gripper badge
Playing solo versus joining a clan
Table
You do not need a clan to enjoy Saber Showdown. Duels, saber unlocks, and casual matches are all available without one. Clans open up a different side of the game that solo play cannot replicate.
| Solo play | lets you duel one-on-one and unlock new sabers |
| Clan play | puts you in large-scale battles and lets you compete on the leaderboard with teammates |
| Private server | requires a purchase and gives you access to map commands |
Grinding KOs and earning badges
TipsThe badge list runs from your very first defeat all the way up to 100,000 KOs. Several badges also reward specific techniques.
- Your first KO unlocks First Blood, and the count then tracks toward 10, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, and 100,000 defeats
- Throw your saber to get the Sniper badge
- Land a defeat from behind to unlock Backstabber
- Use a Lightning Force ability to earn Shocker, and Grip to earn Gripper — both require the finishing blow
Free play versus paid features
WarnThe vast majority of Saber Showdown is playable without spending anything. Duels, clan battles, saber unlocks, and all badges are available for free.
Glossary
Glossary- Saber
- The lightsaber-style weapon every player uses, with multiple types to unlock that suit different fighting styles.
- Power Focus
- The charge you build by staring at an enemy; once smoke appears, your Force ability is ready to fire.
- Force
- A special ability triggered after building Power Focus, with multiple types that can be swapped mid-match.
- Disarm
- A combo performed by pressing Block and Attack together that knocks the opponent's saber from their hands.
- Feint
- A deceptive move triggered by pressing Attack and Ignite at the same time to fake out an opponent.
- Clan
- A group of players that unlocks large-scale battles and leaderboard competition.
Common questions
FAQDo I have to join a clan?
No — solo dueling, saber unlocks, and all KO badges are fully available without one. Clans are worth considering once you want large-scale battles or leaderboard competition.
What does a private server actually give me?
Purchasing a private server lets you use map commands, which are not available on public servers.
How do I use a Force ability in a real fight?
Keep your gaze on an enemy until you see smoke — that is the signal that Power Focus is full. Then press F on keyboard or R2 on a controller to release it. If you want a different ability, swap first with X or DPadRight before you trigger it.
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