Introduction to Knack
Released as a launch title for the PlayStation 4, Knack offers a dynamic blend of classic action-platforming and modern beat-'em-up combat. Developed by SIE Japan Studio and directed by Mark Cerny, the game follows an ancient golem composed of mysterious relics who can absorb nearby environmental materials to grow in size and gain specialized powers. While Knack features a colorful, family-friendly presentation, its challenging combat mechanics require patience and precise execution. Whether you are starting your first playthrough or aiming for full collectible completion, this guide covers essential strategies to help you conquer every chapter.
Mastering Combat Mechanics
Combat in Knack relies heavily on spacing, timing, and enemy pattern recognition rather than mindless button-mashing. Enemies deal heavy damage across all difficulty settings, making defensive awareness essential.
- Master the Dodge Roll: Flicking the right analog stick allows you to dodge quickly in any direction. Since Knack does not have a traditional blocking ability, dodging is your main defensive maneuver. You can cancel standard attack animations into a dodge roll to escape incoming strikes.
- Utilize Jump Attacks: Jumping into the air and performing an attack provides a wide area-of-effect strike. This move is particularly effective for disrupting groups of smaller ground enemies without taking counter-damage.
- Prioritize Ranged Targets: Archers, mortar launchers, and gun-toting goblins should always be taken down first. Ranged attacks can easily knock you out of combo animations and leave you vulnerable to melee hits.
- Learn Attack Wind-Ups: Every enemy type features distinct wind-up animations before attacking. Wait for an enemy to strike, dodge clear of the attack, and hit back during their recovery frames.
Relic Transformations and Special Powers
As you progress through different environments, Knack can absorb specific elements to gain temporary offensive and functional upgrades.
- Ice Knack: Absorbing ice dramatically increases your size and physical resilience. However, standing in direct sunlight or near flame traps will cause your ice armor to gradually melt over time.
- Stealth Knack: Formed from clear glass relics, Stealth Knack can pass through security lasers completely undetected. While in stealth form, you are fragile and can be defeated in a single blow, so toggle back to relic form before engaging in combat.
- Metal Knack: Incorporating heavy iron scrap grants massive attack power and defensive defense. Keep in mind that nearby industrial magnets will rip your metal plates away.
- Wood Knack: Highly susceptible to fire, Wood Knack can absorb flames to transfer fire to torches, though prolonged burning slowly depletes your health.
Sunstone Super Moves
Destroying yellow Sunstone crystals fills your Sunstone energy meter. When charged, you can activate powerful room-clearing abilities:
- Sunstone Shockwave: Pressing the special attack button once unleashes a radial shockwave that destroys nearby enemies and shatters enemy shields.
- Sunstone Tornado: Pressing the button twice transforms you into a destructive whirlwind of relics, allowing you to move through rooms and damaging everything in your path.
- Sunstone Storm: Targets multiple distant foes with homing energy projectiles, eliminating threats from a safe distance.
Finding Secret Treasure Chests
Every chapter contains hidden rooms containing treasure chests with either Gadget Parts or Crystal Relics. Secret entrances are usually marked by cracked walls or suspicious environmental details that can be smashed open.
Gadget Parts
Assembling full sets of Gadget Parts unlocks powerful permanent bonuses for future runs:
- Secret Detector: Causes your controller to vibrate whenever you are near a hidden chest location.
- Combo Meter: Increases your attack damage with every consecutive attack landed without taking damage.
- Sunstone Battery: Expands your max Sunstone energy capacity by an extra gauge segment.
- Relic Detector: Highlights nearby collectible relic piles on your screen.
Crystal Relics
Collecting complete sets of specific Crystal Relics unlocks alternate forms for Knack in New Game Plus mode, such as Vampire Knack or Diamond Knack, each offering unique trade-offs in stats and abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Knack offer multiplayer modes?
Yes, Knack features local drop-in, drop-out cooperative play. The second player controls Robo-Knack, who can attack enemies and donate collected relics to heal player one.
Do collectibles carry over into New Game Plus?
Yes, completing the campaign unlocks New Game Plus, allowing you to keep all accumulated Gadget Parts and Crystal Relics to complete missing sets on subsequent playthroughs.
How do you beat shield-bearing enemies?
Shielded enemies block all standard frontal strikes. Use a double-jump attack to strike behind their defense, or use a Sunstone Shockwave to destroy their shields instantly.
Final Thoughts
Knack provides a rewarding challenge for action-platformer fans who enjoy timing-based combat and exploration. By mastering your dodge rolls, spending Sunstone moves effectively, and searching every chapter for hidden gadget parts, you can overcome even the toughest difficulty levels and unlock every transformational form available in the game.
