Combat tips: Maybe this will help someone. [KCD2]
To perform a quick riposte, do not attempt to change the direction of your attack after a perfect block, it will already be where it needs to be (opposite side of their guard). If you attempt to change the direction, it will significantly slow your attack.
Be sure to find the character that teaches you how to Master Strike, and practice with him until you ACTUALLY master it.
Getting slightly more advanced: study, understand and master how to feint your attack. You will begin to “charge up your attack” from one direction, then just before releasing the attack you switch the direction your strike will come from. (This only works for swing attacks, and not stabbing attacks).
Once you learn to feint attack, initiate combat. Be the first to strike. You’ll likely be blocked, and they will counter. This will give you the opportunity to set up your Master Strike. (Once they block your attack, they are positioned to riposte attack on your unguarded side, so when they attack you simply hit the attack button rather than the block button, and that will perform an easy Master Strike).
Use your terrain, and other enemies to make the fight a 1v1 as much as possible. Keep your targeted enemy, and/or objects between you and the other attackers.
Combos: If the next attack requires a strike that is on the opposite side of the previous strike, do not press anything to change sides, as the next attack always hits on the opposite side of the previous. Additionally, you must tap the strike button AS your previous hit lands, do not wait until after the hit lands, as it will be too late and break the chain.
Edit 7. POISONS, use them. Adding poisons to weapons is a fantastic way to make yourself significantly stronger, especially if you struggle with combat in the first place. I prefer Dollmaker Potion.