Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 places a strong emphasis on the combat system, requiring players to develop their weapon skills to survive in a medieval world filled with bandits, raiders, and dangerous enemies.

The game doesn't provide direct instructions but guides players toward opportunities to learn powerful techniques that can turn the tide of battle. One such technique is the Master Strike—a powerful counterattack that significantly eases sword fights. To master this move, you need to find and train with an experienced fighter named Tomcat.

Where to Find Tomcat

After completing the quest “Laboratories”, talk to Bara, the beggar near the Pillories. She will mention Tomcat and hint that he can teach you essential combat skills. If you ask her for more details, you'll receive a side quest, and a marker indicating Tomcat's location will appear on your map.

Tomcat resides at a nomad's camp located west of Troskovice and Zeliejov. To get there, follow the road past the hut of Bozena, the herbalist who tended to you and Hans after the pond attack. Traverse the forest, ascend the hill, and descend on the other side. Tomcat will be near the nomad's camp, standing by the training fight arena.

Before setting out for Tomcat, it's advisable to first acquire a horse and gain combat experience by completing other side quests. Training with Tomcat involves real duels, so it's wise to prepare by acquiring better weapons, armor, and skills.

Training with Tomcat

Once you've found Tomcat, speak to him to begin training. He will teach you for free, starting with basic fencing techniques. Initially, you'll need to perform two combo variations to meet his requirements. These combinations will help you effectively attack and gain an advantage over less experienced opponents.

After successfully completing the initial training phase, Tomcat will challenge you to a duel. This is a crucial step before he teaches you the Master Strike. In the duel, you'll need to demonstrate proper stamina management, positioning, and counterattacks.

How to Defeat Tomcat and Learn the Master Strike

To unlock the Master Strike, you must defeat Tomcat in battle. This is not an easy task, as he is a skilled swordsman and will use the Master Strike against you. If you lose the duel, you won't be able to continue learning, so it's important to approach the fight with a clear strategy.

Use a one-handed sword to better control stamina and avoid slow, clumsy attacks. Tomcat relies on precise counterattacks, so aggressive tactics will only lead to a swift defeat. Instead, carefully observe his movements and avoid attacking from the opposite side of his guard, as this is when he most frequently employs the Master Strike.

To outsmart Tomcat, attack from the same side where he holds his guard rather than trying to bypass his block. This approach will make it more difficult for him to perform a counterattack. When you see him starting to tire, take the opportunity to land a few precise hits.

After defeating Tomcat, he will teach you the Master Strike—one of the most powerful techniques in the game.

How to Perform a Master Strike

The Master Strike is a special counterattack that guarantees a precise hit on the enemy if executed with proper timing. This move can only be used with swords, so it is unavailable for heavy weapons or spears.

To perform a Master Strike, you need to attack at the exact moment the opponent begins their strike, but from the opposite side.

• If the enemy attacks from the left, you should strike from the right.
• If the enemy attacks from the right, you should strike from the left.
• If the enemy attacks from above, you should strike from below.
• If the enemy attacks from below, you should strike from above.

Performing a Master Strike is similar to parrying. You must wait for the green shield to appear in the center of the reticle, then attack from the correct side. If done on time, the opponent's attack will be blocked, and your strike will be guaranteed to hit the target. This is why this technique is considered one of the strongest in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.

How to Defend Against an Enemy's Master Strike

Since experienced adversaries may also use the Master Strike, it's crucial to know how to avoid it. The best way to prevent this counterattack is not to attack from the opposite side of their guard.

Instead, follow these principles:

• Strike perpendicularly to the enemy's weapon position (if their sword is to the left or right, hit from above or below).
• Avoid chaotic attacks—experienced fighters will quickly recognize your patterns and use them against you.