Special Moves

Special Moves in Ultima Online are powerful combat maneuvers that warriors can perform using their weapons, fueled by their magical Mana. Each weapon type in the game offers both a primary and a secondary special move. To use these moves, warriors need to meet specific skill requirements: 30 Tactics and 70 in the relevant weapon skill for the primary move, and 60 Tactics and 90 in the weapon skill for the secondary move.

These moves are documented in a special move book accessible via an icon on the Paperdoll. Similar to spells in a Spellbook, Special Moves can be dragged into the game window and activated with a double-click. They can also be set up in macros for quick activation. When activated, the special move icon turns red, indicating readiness. The move executes at the next opportunity, after which the icon returns to its normal state.

Reducing Mana Cost

The mana cost of Special Moves can be decreased by mastering multiple skills. If a character has between 200 and 299 combined skill points in disciplines like Swordsmanship, Mace Fighting, Fencing, Archery, Parrying, Lumberjacking, Stealth, Poisoning, Bushido, Ninjitsu, and Throwing, the mana cost of Special Moves decreases by 5. If a character has 300 or more combined skill points in these disciplines, the mana cost decreases by 10. These reductions provide tactical advantages in combat, making it more efficient to execute Special Moves during battles in Ultima Online.

However, there are limitations: performing two special moves within 3 seconds doubles the mana cost of the second move. If an attack is parried, mana is not consumed, except for certain moves that require Bushido or Ninjitsu skills. Special move activation is also prevented if any Magery, Necromancy, or Chivalry spell is being cast or is ready to target.

Additionally, some Bushido and Ninjitsu abilities cannot be activated simultaneously with certain Special Moves, such as Lightning Strike.

These mechanics make Special Moves a strategic and versatile aspect of combat in Ultima Online, enhancing gameplay with unique effects and tactical choices.

Traditional Special Moves

Special Move	Description
Armor Ignore	Ignores a percentage of the target's armor rating. Allows the attacker to bypass some of the opponent's defensive capabilities.
Bleed Attack	Causes the target to bleed, inflicting additional damage over time.
Crushing Blow	Deals extra damage and has a chance to lower the target's stamina.
Concussion Blow	Deals extra damage and has a chance to stun the target momentarily.
Disarm	Attempts to disarm the opponent, causing them to drop their weapon.
Dismount	Knocks the opponent off their mount, forcing them to dismount.
Double Strike	Quickly delivers two consecutive attacks.
Infectious Strike	Inflicts the target with a temporary poison effect, causing ongoing damage.
Mortal Strike	Temporarily prevents the target from regenerating health.
Paralyzing Blow	Has a chance to temporarily paralyze the target.
Shadow Strike	A stealthy attack that deals extra damage and ignores some of the target's defense.
Whirlwind Attack	Performs a spinning attack that hits all nearby enemies.

Samurai Empire Special Moves

Special Move	Description
Armor Pierce	Ignores a percentage of the target's physical resistance, allowing the attack to penetrate more effectively.
Block	Increases the chance to block incoming attacks for a short duration.
Defense Mastery	Temporarily increases the character's defense skill, reducing the chance of taking damage.
Dual Wield	Allows wielding two weapons simultaneously for a limited time, increasing attack speed.
Double Shot	Fires two arrows or bolts simultaneously, doubling the attack's impact.
Feint	Deceives the opponent, increasing the attacker's chance to hit.
Frenzied Whirlwind	Rapidly spins and strikes all nearby enemies multiple times.
Nerve Strike	Temporarily decreases the target's stamina and mana regeneration rates.
Riding Swipe	Knocks the opponent off their mount and deals additional damage.
Talon Strike	A precise attack that ignores a portion of the target's defense, dealing focused damage.

Mondain's Legacy Special Moves

Special Move	Description
Bladeweave	Enhances melee attacks with additional physical damage, striking with increased force.
Force Arrow	Shoots an arrow imbued with force energy, knocking back the target.
Force of Nature	Summons a gust of wind that damages and pushes away nearby enemies.
Lightning Arrow	Fires an arrow infused with lightning energy, causing additional electrical damage.
Moving Shot	Fires a ranged attack while on the move, maintaining mobility while attacking.
Psychic Attack	Deals direct psychic damage to the target, affecting their mental and physical well-being.
Serpent Arrow	Shoots a poisoned arrow that inflicts lingering poison damage on the target.

Stygian Abyss Special Moves

Special Move	Description
Infused Throw	Throws a weapon infused with magical energy, dealing additional magical damage.
Mystic Arc	Throws a weapon in an arcing path, potentially hitting multiple targets.