Table of Contents
Welcome to the world of Blood Message, NetEase's stunning Tang dynasty action-adventure epic. Whether you're new to action games or a veteran looking to master this unique wuxia experience, this comprehensive beginner's guide will give you everything you need to start your journey as the nameless messenger with confidence.
Getting Started with Blood Message
Blood Message throws you directly into its narrative without extensive tutorial sequences, which can feel overwhelming for newcomers. The game follows the unnamed messenger and his son as they embark on a perilous 3,000-li journey through late Tang dynasty China, carrying a message that could determine their homeland's fate.
Pro Tip
Take your time during the opening sequences to absorb the atmosphere and story context. Blood Message is as much about emotional storytelling as it is about action, and understanding the narrative will enhance your overall experience significantly.
Understanding the Game's Core Philosophy
Unlike open-world games where you can freely explore in any direction, Blood Message follows a more linear, story-driven approach similar to titles like Uncharted or Tomb Raider. This means:
- Narrative Focus: The story drives the gameplay, not the other way around
- Guided Exploration: Areas open up as the story progresses
- Character Development: Both father and son grow throughout the journey
- Historical Authenticity: The Tang dynasty setting influences every aspect of the game
Basic Controls and Movement
Mastering Blood Message's controls is essential for enjoying the game's fluid combat and exploration. The control scheme is designed to feel intuitive while accommodating the game's wuxia-inspired movement system.
Movement
WASD or Left Stick
Standard movement with momentum-based physics
Camera
Mouse or Right Stick
Free camera movement for exploration
Jump/Climb
Space or A Button
Context-sensitive climbing and jumping
Interact
E or X Button
Examine objects, talk, collect items
Light Attack
Left Click or X Button
Fast attacks and combo starters
Heavy Attack
Right Click or Y Button
Powerful attacks that break guards
Movement Mechanics
Blood Message features a physics-based movement system that gives weight to the messenger's actions. Understanding these mechanics will make traversal feel more natural:
- Momentum Conservation: Running and jumping carries momentum, affecting landing distance
- Contextual Actions: The same button performs different actions based on context
- Environmental Interaction: Many surfaces can be climbed or vaulted over
- Companion Following: Your son follows intelligently but can be helped across difficult terrain
Combat Fundamentals
Combat in Blood Message blends traditional action-adventure mechanics with wuxia martial arts philosophy. The system rewards patience, timing, and understanding enemy patterns over button mashing.
Basic Combat Concepts
Important
Blood Message's combat is deliberately methodical. Rushing into fights without observing enemy patterns will quickly lead to defeat, especially against stronger opponents.
The combat system is built around several core concepts:
- Light Attacks: Fast strikes that can be chained into combos
- Heavy Attacks: Slower but more powerful strikes that break through enemy defenses
- Blocking: Reduces damage and can set up counterattacks
- Dodging: Provides invincibility frames and positioning advantages
- Parrying: Perfect timing deflects attacks and creates openings
Combat Strategy for Beginners
- Observe First: Watch enemy attack patterns before engaging. Each enemy type has distinct tells that signal incoming attacks.
- Use Light Attacks Primarily: Start with light attack combinations as they're safer and build up your timing skills.
- Learn to Block: Blocking is your primary defense. Hold the block button when enemies wind up for attacks.
- Practice Dodging: Dodge rolling provides brief invincibility and repositions you for counterattacks.
- Master Heavy Attack Timing: Heavy attacks are powerful but leave you vulnerable. Use them when enemies are recovering from their own attacks.
Character Progression
Character development in Blood Message is more nuanced than traditional RPG systems. Instead of extensive skill trees, the game focuses on equipment upgrades, technique refinement, and narrative growth.
Equipment System
Your messenger's capabilities are primarily enhanced through equipment found throughout the journey:
- Weapons: Different weapon types offer varied combat styles and reach
- Armor: Protective gear that reduces damage and sometimes provides special abilities
- Accessories: Items that provide passive benefits like improved stamina or faster healing
- Consumables: Healing items, temporary buffs, and utility tools
Technique Development
Rather than leveling up in the traditional sense, your messenger learns new techniques through story progression and practice:
Mastery Tip
Practice new techniques in safe environments before relying on them in combat. Each new ability has specific timing and spacing requirements that take time to master.
Survival Tips and Strategies
Surviving the harsh journey requires more than just combat skills. Resource management, environmental awareness, and strategic thinking are equally important.
Health and Healing Management
- Healing Items: Use sparingly and only when necessary, as they're limited
- Rest Points: Look for safe areas where you can recover health naturally
- Preventive Care: It's better to avoid damage than to heal it
- Companion Protection: Keep your son safe, as his wellbeing affects the story
Environmental Hazards
The Tang dynasty world is filled with natural and man-made dangers:
- Weather Effects: Storms, heat, and cold can affect performance
- Terrain Challenges: Cliffs, rivers, and unstable surfaces require careful navigation
- Wildlife: Not all animals are hostile, but dangerous creatures do exist
- Bandits and Enemies: Human opponents are often the most dangerous threats
Exploration and Resource Management
Exploration in Blood Message rewards thorough investigation while maintaining story momentum. The game encourages players to examine their surroundings for both practical benefits and narrative depth.
What to Look For
- Hidden Paths: Alternative routes that may be safer or contain rewards
- Historical Artifacts: Items that provide cultural context and sometimes gameplay benefits
- Resource Caches: Supplies left by previous travelers or hidden by locals
- Vantage Points: High locations that reveal area layouts and point out objectives
Resource Prioritization
Balance Tip
Carry a balanced mix of healing items, tools, and emergency supplies. Don't hoard everything—use resources when needed to progress safely.
Common Early Game Mistakes
Avoiding these common pitfalls will significantly improve your Blood Message experience:
Combat Mistakes
- Button Mashing: Random attacks are less effective than planned strikes
- Ignoring Defense: Pure offense leads to quick defeats
- Poor Positioning: Fighting in disadvantageous locations
- Overcommitting: Using all stamina on attacks without saving energy for defense
Exploration Mistakes
- Rushing Through Areas: Missing valuable resources and story elements
- Ignoring Environmental Clues: The world provides hints about safe paths and dangers
- Neglecting Companion Care: Not ensuring your son's safety and wellbeing
- Resource Waste: Using valuable items when unnecessary
Story Mistakes
- Skipping Dialogue: Important information is conveyed through conversations
- Ignoring Context: Understanding the historical setting enhances the experience
- Missing Character Moments: Father-son interactions are crucial to the narrative
Final Advice
Blood Message is designed to be savored rather than rushed. Take time to appreciate the stunning visuals, immerse yourself in the authentic Tang dynasty atmosphere, and let the story unfold naturally. The journey is as important as the destination in this remarkable gaming experience.
With these fundamentals mastered, you're ready to begin your epic journey through Blood Message's beautifully crafted world. Remember that every expert was once a beginner—be patient with yourself as you learn the game's rhythms and systems. The Tang dynasty awaits, and the message must be delivered.
For more advanced strategies and detailed walkthroughs, explore our other Blood Message guides, and don't hesitate to contact our team if you have specific questions about your journey.