If you’re new to RPGs like RAID: Shadow Legends, understanding the battle system is key to progressing in the game. This guide will explain how battles work, focusing on important elements like the turn meter, champion skills, and the effects of buffs and debuffs. Each battle in RAID is a chance to use strategy and skill to overcome your enemies, and knowing how these systems interact is crucial for victory. Playing RAID on PC with BlueStacks can also give you a leg up, not only because the game looks and runs better than on mobile, but also because you’ll get access to many tools and features to enhance your gameplay experience.

In this BlueStacks guide, we’ll cover the combat basics you need to know as a beginner in RAID: Shadow Legends. From learning how the turn meter influences when your champions act, and how to use their skills effectively, to what buffs and debuffs do in combat, among others. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to make smarter decisions in battles and improve your overall strategy in the game. 

Introduction to Combat in RAID: Shadow Legends

In RAID: Shadow Legends, combat is straightforward yet strategic, involving two teams positioned on opposite sides of the battlefield. Each team takes turns attacking and using skills based on the order dictated by their champions’ speed and the game’s turn meter mechanics. The primary objective is simple: defeat all the members of the opposing team to win. Depending on the battle’s rules and the game mode, you might face a single enemy team or several in succession, or perhaps even face off against towering and powerful bosses. Regardless, all of these scenarios requires you to adapt your strategy and manage your team’s resources effectively.

The game includes a variety of modes, each presenting unique challenges. Whether you’re progressing through the campaign, competing in the Arena, or taking on dungeons and boss fights, mastering combat is essential, especially when it comes to farming for resources and enhancing your lineup. Although raw power and well-chosen skills are crucial, success in RAID often hinges on tactical planning and the effective use of each champion’s abilities, although having access to a few top tier champions can also help. Regardless, this ensures that no matter the challenge, with the right approach and team composition, any battle can be won.

Understanding the Turn Meter 

In RAID: Shadow Legends, the turn meter plays a critical role in determining the order in which units act during combat. Each champion on the battlefield has a turn meter, visually represented as a yellow bar beneath their health bar. The speed at which this bar refills depends on the unit’s Speed (SPD) stat—the higher the SPD, the quicker the turn meter fills.

As the turn meter fills up, it moves the champion closer to their next turn. Once the turn meter is completely full, that champion immediately gets to act, taking their turn to attack, use skills, or apply strategic moves. This mechanic introduces a layer of strategy as players must consider not only how to attack but also how to manipulate the turn meters through various skills.

Many champions possess skills that can directly influence turn meters. Some skills can add to the turn meter of allies, allowing them to act sooner than they normally would, while others can reduce or even deplete the turn meter of enemies, effectively delaying their next action. This manipulation of turn meters can be pivotal in controlling the flow of battle, making champions with these abilities valuable for maintaining the upper hand.

Buffs and Debuffs in RAID: Shadow Legends

In RAID: Shadow Legends, buffs and debuffs are vital elements that can significantly influence the outcome of battles. Buffs are beneficial effects that enhance a champion’s abilities or stats for a limited time. Examples include increases in speed, strength, defense, or health regeneration. These buffs can help your champions perform better in combat, making them hit harder, last longer, or act more frequently.

Debuffs, on the other hand, are negative effects imposed on opponents to hinder their combat effectiveness. These can include reducing their speed, lowering their defenses, applying damage over time, or even preventing them from using certain abilities. Debuffs are strategically important as they can weaken powerful enemies, making them easier to defeat.

Both buffs and debuffs are shown as icons near a champion’s health bar. During combat, you can tap on these icons to view detailed information about the specific effects, including their duration. This information can be crucial for planning your moves in battle, especially in deciding when to use certain skills or when to focus attacks on a particular enemy.

Managing buffs and debuffs effectively requires understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your champions and the enemies you face. By applying buffs at the right time and stacking debuffs on key opponents, you can swing the tide of battle in your favor, showcasing the strategic depth of RAID’s combat system.

Character Affinities

In RAID: Shadow Legends, each champion belongs to one of four affinities that influence their interactions in battle, similar to a rock-paper-scissors relationship. Understanding these affinities is crucial for planning your strategy, as they determine strengths and weaknesses against other champions.

Here’s a breakdown of the four affinities:

• Magic (Blue): Magic champions have an advantage over Spirit champions but are weak against Force champions. This affinity is typically represented by a blue icon.

• Spirit (Green): Spirit champions are strong against Force champions but have a disadvantage against Magic champions. Their icon is green, indicating their affinity.

• Force (Red): Champions with the Force affinity excel against Magic champions but are vulnerable to Spirit attacks. Their affinity is shown with a red icon.

• Void (Purple): Void champions are unique because they do not have any inherent weaknesses against other affinities, nor do they have any strong advantages. This makes them versatile and reliable in various battle situations. Their icon is purple.

Balancing your team with the right mix of affinities can significantly impact your success in battles. Champions of a particular affinity can perform better or worse depending on the opposing team’s composition. This strategic element adds depth to team building and combat, requiring players to think carefully about how they assemble their teams and approach each fight. Whether you’re setting up for a dungeon run, arena battle, or campaign mission, considering the affinities of your champions and your opponents can make the difference between victory and defeat.