Chivalry 2: Mastering Argon II for the Ultimate Speedrun - Follow Me to Victory!

Hey there, fellow warriors and speed demons! Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com, your ultimate hub for all things fast and furious in the gaming world. Today, we're diving headfirst into the brutal and beautiful chaos of Chivalry 2, focusing on a specific, epic playthrough featuring the formidable Argon II. If you're here for the glory, the precision, and the sheer thrill of shaving off precious seconds, you've come to the right place. We're not just playing; we're *conquering*. This isn't just any gameplay video; it's a masterclass in executing a successful run with Argon II. We're talking about optimal strategies, crucial dodges, and that satisfying final blow that seals the deal. Whether you're a seasoned Chivalry 2 veteran looking to refine your techniques or a newcomer eager to see what high-level play looks like, this guide is crafted for you. Get ready to learn the *strats* that separate the contenders from the champions.

Introduction: The Art of the Argon II Run

In the realm of Chivalry 2, speed isn't just about running fast; it's about intelligent movement, precise combat, and understanding the game's intricate mechanics. When it comes to Argon II, we're looking at a character that, in the right hands, can absolutely dominate the battlefield and obliterate objective times. This run, "Follow Me To Victory!", showcases exactly how that's achieved. My goal here is to dissect the run, explain the thought process behind each move, and highlight the specific techniques that make this a top-tier speedrun attempt. Forget the casual skirmishes; we're optimizing every single second.

Understanding Argon II's Strengths

Argon II isn't just another knight on the field. In Chivalry 2's diverse roster, understanding a character's unique advantages is paramount for any successful speedrun. Argon II, in my experience, excels due to his:
  • Aggressive Combat Prowess: He's built for direct confrontation, with powerful attacks that can quickly dispatch enemies.
  • Resilience: While not a tank, Argon II can withstand a fair amount of punishment, allowing for calculated risks.
  • Objective Focus: Certain abilities and his overall combat style lend themselves well to quickly pushing through objectives that require force.
The key is to leverage these strengths without getting bogged down. This means knowing when to engage and, more importantly, when to bypass unnecessary fights.

Key Strategies and Skips

Every second counts in a speedrun, and Chivalry 2 is no exception. For Argon II, several key strategies and potential skips can drastically alter your run time.
  • Objective Prioritization: Always focus on the primary objective. If it requires breaking a gate, break the gate. If it requires capturing a point, capture the point. Avoid side-quests or prolonged duels unless absolutely necessary.
  • Environmental Exploitation: Use the environment to your advantage. Can you lure enemies into traps? Can you use terrain to block line-of-sight for ranged attacks?
  • Combat Efficiency: Aim for quick, decisive kills. Heavy attacks and combos are your friends, but don't get greedy. A quick parry-riposte can often end a duel faster than a prolonged exchange.
  • Potential Skips: While Chivalry 2 levels are generally linear, observant players can sometimes find minor pathing optimizations or ways to bypass small groups of AI that don't pose a direct threat to the objective. These often depend on specific AI behaviors and map knowledge.
In my own runs, I found that mastering the timing of Argon II's heavy attack right after a successful block could instantly turn the tide of a small skirmish, saving valuable seconds.

Level-by-Level Breakdown

To truly master this run, we need to break down the typical Chivalry 2 map objectives and how Argon II can tackle them with speed in mind.

The Battle of Darkwood

Objective 1: Breach the Gate

Argon II is excellent here. Focus on sustained attacks on the gate mechanism. Ignore the initial wave of defenders if possible and focus solely on the objective. A well-timed heavy attack can speed up the destruction.

Objective 2: Capture the Village Square

This requires clearing out enemies. Use wide swings to hit multiple opponents. Find choke points to maximize your effectiveness. Don't get surrounded.

The Siege of Lionspire

Objective 1: Destroy the Siege Engines

Locate the engines quickly and prioritize their destruction. Argon II's damage output is crucial here. Watch out for archers.

Objective 2: Advance to the Castle Gates

Push forward aggressively. If there are ballistae, try to use cover or quickly eliminate the operators.

Objective 3: King's Arrival

Protect the VIP. This often involves holding a position against waves of enemies. Argon II's area-of-effect attacks can be very useful.

Objective 4: Final Assault on the Keep

This is often a chaotic push. Use your best offensive maneuvers and try to stay with the main group to benefit from their presence.
The 'Follow Me To Victory!' run often utilizes a specific flanking route during the Lionspire assault that bypasses a significant number of AI, showcasing brilliant map knowledge.

RNG Management in Chivalry 2

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: RNG (Random Number Generation). In Chivalry 2, enemy spawns, their aggression levels, and even certain objective timings can be influenced by random factors.
  • Enemy Spawns: You can't control where enemies appear, but you can control your reaction. Always be ready to engage or evade.
  • AI Behavior: Sometimes the AI will be hyper-aggressive, other times passive. The best runs adapt on the fly.
  • Objective Triggers: Certain events might trigger slightly faster or slower. Patience and consistent execution are key.
While you can't eliminate RNG, you can develop strategies that are robust enough to handle variations. This often means having backup plans for crucial moments.

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to push their times even further, advanced techniques are essential. These are the skills that truly define a top-tier world record attempt.
  • Feint Abuse: Mastering the timing and effectiveness of feints can break enemy guards and set up quick kills.
  • Counter-Attack Mastery: Perfectly timed counters deal significant damage and can stun opponents, providing openings.
  • Weapon Swapping: While Argon II typically sticks to his primary, knowing when a quick secondary weapon swap might be faster for a specific task can save milliseconds.
  • Movement Exploits: Subtle shifts in movement, jump timings, and strafing can sometimes create tiny advantages in evading attacks or reaching objectives slightly faster.
The fluidity with which Argon II transitions between attacks, blocks, and dodges in this run is a testament to countless hours of practice and understanding the game's animation cancels.

Practice and Persistence

The "Follow Me To Victory!" run with Argon II is a prime example of what dedication looks like. Speedrunning is rarely about innate talent alone; it's about relentless practice.
  • Repetition: Play the same sections over and over until they become muscle memory.
  • VOD Review: Watch your own attempts (Video On Demand) and compare them to the best runs. Identify where you're losing time.
  • Community Knowledge: Engage with the Chivalry 2 speedrunning community. Share strategies, learn from others, and stay updated on new discoveries.
Don't get discouraged by failed attempts. Every failed run is a learning opportunity. The path to a personal best, let alone a world record, is paved with persistence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best weapon for Argon II in Chivalry 2 speedruns?

While Argon II has several viable weapon options, the Greatsword and the Maul are often favored for their balance of speed and damage, allowing for efficient clearing of objectives and enemies.

Are there any known major glitches or skips for Argon II in Chivalry 2?

Major, game-breaking skips are rare and often patched quickly. However, minor pathing optimizations and AI manipulation tricks are continuously discovered and shared within the speedrunning community. Staying updated on forums like speedrun.com is crucial.

How important is understanding enemy AI behavior for a Chivalry 2 speedrun?

Extremely important. The AI dictates the flow of combat and can either hinder or inadvertently help your progress. Learning their patrol routes, aggression triggers, and attack patterns allows for more efficient navigation and combat.

What does 'PB' mean in the context of speedrunning?

PB stands for Personal Best. It's the fastest time a player has personally achieved for a specific category in a given game.

How can I improve my reaction time for parrying in Chivalry 2?

Consistent practice is key. Playing against skilled opponents or in dedicated practice scenarios helps hone your reaction time. Additionally, understanding visual and audio cues associated with enemy attacks can significantly improve parry success rates.

This journey through Chivalry 2 with Argon II is a testament to the dedication and skill that speedrunning demands. From mastering character strengths to exploiting every possible shortcut, the goal is always the same: to be faster, cleaner, and more efficient than ever before. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun.

What are your favorite Argon II strats? Did you discover any cool optimizations not mentioned here? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and join our Discord server to connect with fellow speedrunners and share your own epic runs!