How to Avoid Weapon Phasing
Stop weapons passing through enemies — the complete physics combat guide.
The most common combat complaint in One More Delve is weapons phasing through enemies without dealing damage. This is not a bug — it is a deliberate physics engine behavior that rewards proper swing technique. This guide explains why phasing happens and how to eliminate it from your gameplay.
Why Phasing Happens
One More Delve uses a physics simulation where weapons have collision geometry. When your weapon’s collision intersects an enemy’s collision mid-swing (rather than making a clean leading-edge contact), the hit may not register.
The most common causes of phasing:
- Swinging when too close to an enemy (weapons clip through from behind)
- Half-swings or lazy swings that do not generate enough force
- Swinging through an enemy at an angle rather than across them
- Rapid flailing instead of deliberate arcs
Optimal Swing Technique
The fix for phasing is entirely technique-based:
Rule 1: Arm’s Length Distance
Maintain approximately one arm’s length from your target. Closer is not better. The physics engine needs room to calculate the leading edge of your weapon.
Rule 2: Full Committed Swings
Every swing must be a full, committed arc. Do not pull back mid-swing. The damage registers on the leading edge of the weapon’s collision arc — a partial swing never generates enough force.
Rule 3: Clean Entry Angle
Swing across the enemy rather than into them. A diagonal slash or overhead arc works better than a straight thrust. The weapon’s lateral velocity at the point of contact determines hit registration.
The May 2026 Hit Registration Update
ATVR addressed phasing significantly in the May 2026 patch:
- Weapon handguards now deal damage, eliminating a class of phantom hits
- Swing speed threshold required for damage was slightly reduced
- Parry timing was reworked to be more forgiving
The game is significantly better about phasing than during Early Access launch, but it still occurs for players who do not follow proper swing mechanics.
Gamertag VR’s video below demonstrates the improved physics-based combat in the context of overall combat feel:
See also: Melee Build, Controls, and Boss Strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about One More Delve.
Does phasing happen more with certain weapons?
Two-handed weapons have longer collision geometry and are slightly more prone to phasing if swung carelessly. One-handed weapons are more forgiving due to their shorter arc.
Can I reduce phasing by holding the weapon differently?
Grip firmness and controller positioning do not directly affect phasing. The physics engine calculates weapon collision geometry based on swing trajectory. Only swing technique matters.
Is there any way to report phasing as a bug?
Phasing is intentional design, not a bug. If you believe a specific situation is causing phantom hits incorrectly, report it through the [Official Discord](https://discord.gg/GC4CqRebvF) or Steam Community discussions.