For Honor: How to Play the Kensei Class

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This For Honor Kensei guide will help you learn the character and will provide tips and tricks you can use to outclass your opponent.

The Kensei in For Honor is an adaptable, jack-of-all-trades character that focuses on getting the advantage over his enemies through solid range, unblockable attacks, and fair speed.

You'll need to out-range the assassin classes and get in close to the ranged attackers as Kensei. Focus on finding ways to use your unblockable attacks — you have three of different unblockable combos. However, don't use the same one too often as it'll train your opponents that match to specifically look out for it.

Always, always remember to use your Revenge meter. Revenge boosts your damage and health — as a Kensei you're going to need to abuse the bonuses whenever possible. Revenge mode makes all your attacks uninterruptible as well and attacks are auto-parried on activation. Basically, makes you something to run away from.

You won't always need to get the auto-parry in with your Revenge meter, but it's nice regardless. Activate it at any moment in the fight. You can tank somewhat with this though you shouldn't just spam away. All your general attacks will be more potent.

Feats

You'll gain more feat resources playing objectives and killing enemies — playing into your set "role" will garner you more resources overall to unlock them. As a Kensei you should be looking to lead your team and call the shots.

First Slot

Fast Recovery — Unlocked at level 1. Stamina regenerates faster.

Body Count — Unlocked at level 5. Killing soldiers grants you health and stamina.

Iron Lungs — Unlocked at level 13. You can still spring when out of stamina.

Second Slot

Inspire — Unlocked at level 1. Allies deal more damage, soldiers fight faster.

Smoke Bomb — Unlocked at level 7. Throw a smoke bomb on the ground that breaks the lock.

Chilling Stare — Unlocked at level 15. Nearby enemies have lower attack and defense.

Third Slot

Second Wind — Unlocked at level 1. Recover some of your health.

Long Bow — Unlocked at level 9. Fire a long bow for moderate damage.

Steadfast —Unlocked at level 17. Gain immunity from throw attempts for a short duration.

Fourth Slot

Arrow Storm — Unlocked at level 1. Aerial attack that deals medium damage in multiple areas.

Stalwart Banner — Unlocked at level 11. Nearby allies continuously regain health.

Unblockable — Unlocked at level 19. Your attacks are unblockable for a short duration.

As you level up, more feats will be available to you. Here are my favorite feats to use when they become available to you.

Fast Recovery — When you get unblockable attacks, you're going to abuse them. When you abuse them, you'll be needed stamina. This ability goes hand in hand with the Unblockable feat.

Chilling Stare — Making enemies weaker will always be a solid option. The other abilities just aren't useful enough.

Long Bow — This feat does solid damage. However, if you find that you aren't able to dodge the guard breaks and throws, you should invest in Steadfast. There will be plenty of Vikings to counter with this.

Unblockable — Use this every chance you get. You can spam attacks as much as you want with this feat.

Playstyle

4v4 Dominion

Call the shots. Kensei plays out like an off-tank, but still pops off in the DPS department. Communicate and make sure the odds are in your favor.

Do not overextend — find a continuous balance between aggression and defense.

Your attacks and combos are quite basic, but the movesets can still do wonders. Be aware that you can be easily read. Try some combo cancelshere and there, but the mechanic can get messy and the timing is hard when you're panicked.

Always remember to support your tank. You don't have to flank necessarily, but you have plenty of options to bolster your team or debuff the enemy.

4v4 and 2v2 Brawl

These types of game modes can be a bit messy for the Kensei. You should focus more on playing around your team than choosing to take fights alone. You'll get easily massacred by multiple players.

Stay away from the all out spam-fests. You aren't quick enough nor are you tanky enough to stand your ground in 4v4 elimination. Instead, stay on the outskirts and focus on teamwork.

2's should be an easier time in general. There aren't as many people and the fights aren't a mass of orange and blue. Take your time.

1v1 Duel

Kensei excels at 1v1 fights due to the character's natural adaptability. Always keep in mind your unblockable attacks — these will always be your go-to. Be aware that you can always use your throw into a chain finisher. It's a solid off-beat combo that's harder to block.