For Honor is a multiplayer action game developed by Ubisoft Montreal that combines hack-and-slash combat with a heavy emphasis on strategic fighting. Released on February 13, 2017, for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, the game drops players into a medieval fantasy world defined by the eternal conflict between three distinct cultures.

Story and Setting of For Honor

The game is set in a fictional realm where a cataclysmic earthquake opens voids in the earth, triggering a war over precious resources that has raged for over a thousand years. Players choose allegiance to the Iron Legion, the Chosen, or the Warborn. These factions represent knights, samurai, and Vikings, respectively. The original reason for the war has been lost to time, leaving the factions locked in a brutal struggle for survival.

While the core experience focuses on multiplayer warfare, the game includes a story mode featuring three mini-campaigns based on each faction. These campaigns offer solid environments and AI-driven battles that immerse players in the conflict. However, the missions are linear and repetitive, prioritizing routing the enemy over deep narrative development, with voice acting that leaves room for improvement.

Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

Combat System

For Honor features a unique combat system built around duels between players. Heroes can select from over 12 unique characters per faction, each with distinct moves, weapons, characteristics, abilities, and executions. The fighting mechanics require precision, utilizing attacks from different angles, blocks, dodges, stuns, counterattacks, unblockable attacks, and fakes to outmaneuver opponents.

Multiplayer and Progression

Multiplayer is where the game truly shines, centered around the war between the three factions. Players compete in six multiplayer modes that vary by player count, including team elimination, flag capture, and one-on-one battles. Specific modes include Dominion, which involves capturing and holding specified areas, as well as Deathmatch, Duel, and Brawl formats like 2v2 and 4v4.

In matches, players control heroes while facing soldiers controlled by AI, which are one-hit kills. There are no PvE battles in the multiplayer modes. Performance in matches earns war assets, which players place on a War Map to gain or defend land for their faction. The progression system allows heroes to gain perks, upgrade weapons and armor, and increase their rank, which directly impacts the matchmaking process.

Notable Features

  • Three Unique Factions: Play as the Iron Legion, Chosen, or Warborn, each representing knights, samurai, and Vikings.
  • Deep Combat: Master directional attacks, blocks, and fakes in a duel-based fighting system.
  • War Map Progression: Contribute to the faction war by earning and placing war assets to control territory.
  • Varied Modes: Engage in six multiplayer modes including Dominion, Deathmatch, and Brawl.
  • Hero Customization: Customize heroes with unique perks, weapons, and armor through a robust progression system.

Who Should Play For Honor?

For Honor appeals to fans of fighting games, hack-and-slash action, and competitive multiplayer. The game is ideal for players who enjoy mastering complex combat mechanics, strategic teamwork, and faction-based warfare. With a Metacritic score of 76.00, the title is recognized for its originality and intense gameplay, making it a strong choice for gamers seeking a skill-based combat experience.