Punishing: Gray Raven (PGR) is not only a gorgeous action-RPG — it's a hyper-speed trial by reflexes, strategy, and skill. In order to rank up and dominate in combat, it's essential that players get to grips with the game's basics — orbs, dodges, and Ultimate Skills. Here's how to master combat and turn every battlefield into your playground.
The Orb System Demystified
There are three basic skills for each character in Punishing: Gray Raven, which are indicated by colored orbs — red, yellow, and blue. These orbs are generated through basic attacks and can be chained to use upgraded versions of their corresponding skills.
- Red Orbs are usually high-damage burst or aggressive skills.
- Yellow Orbs are usually mobility, disruption, or counter skills.
- Blue Orbs are usually defensive or buffing skills.
Chaining three orbs of the same color invokes a 3-Ping Combo, significantly buffing that skill's power and effects. Orb management and good color coordination are the keys to delivering high-damage combos, especially in mid-to-late game content.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead
Watch your orb queue and plan your chains ahead of time. Some characters, like Lucia: Crimson Abyss, become deadly when timed orb chains overlap with enemy weaknesses.
Mastering the Art of Dodging
Dodging is not just a way to avoid taking damage — it's a core mechanic that opens windows of opportunity. Timing is crucial. If you dodge right before an enemy's attack connects, you'll enter Supercomputing Mode.
What is Supercomputing Mode?
- Time slows down around you.
- Upgraded glowing orbs are present, enabling you to perform upgraded attacks.
- Gives you breathing room for repositioning and planning the next attack.
This slow-motion window gives you a slight advantage to break enemy momentum or counter exactly. Mastering this dodge timing can turn a losing battle into an easy victory.
Unleashing Devastation with Ultimate Skills
While you take and give damage, your Ultimate Gauge charges up. When full, you can release your Ultimate Skill, a character-specific, high-damage attack that:
- Deals huge area-of-effect damage.
- Typically grants temporary invincibility.
- Can interrupt or bypass certain enemy defenses.
Keeping your Ultimate for a rainy day — like boss phases, mob swarms, or when ally support cooldowns are not available — is a good way to maximize its value.
⚔️ Best Practices for Ultimate Skills:
- Chain with 3-Ping Combos for optimal damage.
- Use after engaging Supercomputing Mode for synergistic carnage.
- Combine with ally QTEs (Quick Time Events) for coordinated team strikes.
Bonus Tip: Team Synergy Matters
Each team in PGR consists of three Constructs. While one is actively fighting, the others provide support through QTEs and passive buffs. Combining orb chains, dodging, and Ultimate Skills with your team’s passive and active abilities results in smooth, high-efficiency combat that looks as good as it feels.
Conclusion: Precision is Power
Punishing: Gray Raven does not reward button-mashing — it rewards strategic execution. Learning how to read enemy patterns, manage your orbs, dodge with perfect timing, and unleash Ultimate Skills at the right moment will transform your gameplay from mediocre to elite.
So tune your instincts, sharpen your timing, and prepare for a combat experience that punishes errors — but glorifies mastery.