Hi!
I just recently installed Gothic 2 again, I gave up last time because I couldn't understand shit about the controls nor the combat >__< (Gothic 1 controls were a bit awkward too)

Can someone please explain how the combat system works and give me some tips about the world / or different actions like how to cook the damn raw meat or anything!

The soundtrack is f*cking awesome and the world is stunningly beautifull but I still haven't been able to master this game :-) ....
Sorry for posting here but I'm in hope for a quick response!

Ty ya all!

I love Gothic 2 and finished it a couple of times. That said, I never "got" the new combat system and always switched to the old one in the options - it just seemed more fluid and easy to control.

You do remember Gothic 1, right? Most things are the same. The city is quite near the start, that's where you'll spread your wings. And cook meat, etc. Check out the farm in front of the gates first, though.

As always, don't be afraid to run from fights you can't win. Orcs are a no-no. Bloodflies, young wolves and those insectoid things are fine.

I actually beat Gothic 1 when I was kid but now the controls just seem really bizarre and the game is super hard.... Guess I'm getting old (yuck!) but I beat the orc near the first city by going on top of a hill and blasting fireballs towards it :P

The blocking system is very strange to me even today and I can't understand a thing about the attributes/damage OR how to raise them... Live and learn! :-)

The combat system isn't so hard, actually.

Draw your weapon and press your "use" key. As long as you keep it pressed, pressing "left" will perform a left swing, "right" a right swing and "forward" a forward swing. Pressing "down" blocks attacks. Try to alternate attacks to avoid getting blocked all the time. Get into a rhythm with your swings. Left - right - left - right - forward - block, for example. Watch for openings before you start swinging your sword and adapt your rhythm to the attack rhythm of your opponent. Timing is key. Let go of the "use" key whenever you want to move about.

And make sure to upgrade your one-handed sword skill as soon as possible, otherwise you're just flailing around uselessly...

And always remember that in the Gold Edition enemies got one hell of a combat upgrade (they're over 9000!!!). Avoid combat as much as possible in the beginning, because they'll just walk all over you. Even in the endgame there are enemies that will pose a serious threat to your character. So make sure to consider all your options before you dive into combat and always remember that you're no walking death dispenser like in some other RPGs...

Thanks, I'll try that!
Where can I upgrade my attributes (Strenght, dexterity etc..)?

You'll need to find teachers. You can find them by talking to everyone you meet (or looking for a list on the net but where's the fun in that?)...

It's a long time ago I played and I remember it being quite difficult, especially animals in the forest and orc patrols.

You have to spent your money on getting good swords and good armaments. Therefore earning money is important. Hunting smaller animals can be a good source of income when you have the right skills for that. Taking everything away that can be taken away and has a value seems like a good idea too.

Some areas are too tough at the beginning. Don't go there or run through them. Running away is not a shame either.

For the combat, stand somewhere send an arrow, draw the sword, face the first guy who comes running at you and attack until this guy is dead. If you are then low on life point, run away until the bad guys return. Repeat.

This is typically extremely important in the beginning of the game. Later it will be easier.

Oh and one crucial thing: blocking is for humanoid opponents who use weapons (many opponents are beatable even with a crappy weapon by using the swing-block-swing rhythm). Dodging is for animals and other beasties.

Protip: I recommend you to join either the paladins (city watch) or the mercenaries (you'll meet them later on). Leave the mages for another playthrough, they can be hard and gimmicky to play. Focus on melee. I like my one-handed weapons, since they're faster and not all that weaker than two-handers.

On gamefaqs you can find something called a survival guide under G2 that will give you some good pointers on how to get started since it can be a hard game. It might be worth your time to read.

Last time I played gothic 2 I was 12 :)
Let's see.. if you keep pressed the interaction button (mouse 1) you can attack by pressing left,right ecc (wasd). To block I think that you have to press mouse 1+ back with correct timing but if you have a shield you can just press mouse 2. I'm a bit confused because gothic 3 had different controls so I apologize if what I said isn't correct!
To cook you need to buy a pan and use a stove (there is one in the tavern and in the first farm you find in the first chapter).
Later in the game you'll be able to choose from 3 classes, this will change a part of the story!
From easiest to hardest: Paladin, Mercenary and Fire Mage. My advice-> Mercenary ( best story )
General tips:
Every enemy/ monster/fly/ bacteria you find in the game is extremely powerful and will kill you quickly so be careful!
Use NPCs to aggro monsters and attack them while are distracted! You will take down your first orc with this strategy ;)
Potions and food are your best friends.
Save often.
Money is power! Sell every piece of junk, steal everything you see while NPCs are asleep (Garret approves)
And that's all! Gothic 2 is a masterpiece I hope you enjoy it! :)
Fun fact: eat something and watch your jaw...XD