Voodoo and other | Battle System Risen 2 Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Magic in Risen 2 doesn't work well during fights - it has to be said plain and clear. Most of magic items that can be used in a fight is practically utterly useless. There are a few factors as to why. Most of all, the time for the spell to start working is long - both in the case of voodoo dolls (curses) and sceptres. While the Nameless Hero takes the time to chant the incantation, foes will most surely manage to approach and strike him (aborting the whole process, of course). It's best visible in fights taking place on small grounds with no way to escape - a direct contact with the enemy generally ends in an immediate death of the main hero.

Another thing is that using sceptres (in themselves quite powerful) requires a pretty advanced character. Without a high level of Black Magic you can forget about any spellcasting. Some characters are generally immune to this kind of fun, making magic completely useless against them. The sole fact of having a sceptre which will make enemies go at each other doesn't solve anything yet - the Nameless Hero won't usually have anyone to use it on. What's more, funny things happen when a foe is knocked down, but not killed (because he's i.e. a trader): after standing up from the ground he'll fight again with a full health bar. What's worse, everyone in sight of the Nameless Hero using a sceptre will most likely rush to attack him - a public use of sceptre magic is unforgivable. It's completely not worth the trouble.

Throwing all kinds of bombs and powder kegs also doesn't pass the test. Most of all, both items deal damage not only to the enemies, but to the Nameless Hero as well. Bombs explode after a while (too long), and kegs have to be blown up by shooting them. It greatly reduces their effectiveness - especially in a fight. These types of tools work well only before a fight, when you can see the group of enemies but they can't see the hero yet - only then does it make any sense.

Another debatable issue is using a spear. Aside from the Titan Harpoon, all other use up instantly (each throw takes one). You can't block attacks with them (at least the Nameless Hero can't), and the damage they deal is no damage at all (!). The only exception is Powerful Attack which takes as much health points as slashing or piercing weapons. Summing up, don't bother with spears - other types of weapons are much more effective.