N'Garde - Active Block and Parry (OpenMW)
🟡 Updated this year⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.7% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #109 of 372 Gameplay mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Description
- No, this is not a 100% hit-chance mod.
- No, this is not a M&B like directional combat system
- Please read on for further details
What if Bethesda had another year or two to let Morrowind cook?
This is what I imagine that would've looked like.
Use your weapon to parry NPC attacks, get parried by NPCs.
Main goal is more difficult, but more rewarding melee combat.
En garde, Outlander!
Watch the trailer:
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And see a deeper explanation video from SavleTalksGames:
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Disclaimer:
I'm not great at making animations. Some that are shipped with this version of the mod will look better than others. Overall look will also depend on which animation replacers/extenders you have installed. Most demo content you see on this page has been recorded using
Re-Animation by Max Yari, and Third Person Alt-Attacks Re-Animation plugin by Fallchildren.
Installation instructions:
-
[]Un-compress the provided zip file[/]
[]Place the unpacked directory in a convenient location.[/]
[]Add the path to the uncompressed directory in OpenMW launcher "Data Directories" tab[/]
[]Enable provided ngarde.omwaddon and ngarde.omwscripts files[/]
[]If you're running NCG - enable ngardencgdescription.omwaddon file. This will make new block skill description match NCG.[/]
[]If you're running Skill Evolution - update to 1. 9. 8 or above for N'Garde interoperability. [/]
[]If you want parry sparks and weapon sheathing to work on Almalexia - download and enable the secondary omwaddon file.[/]
[]Enable "Use Additional Animation Sources" setting in the launcher[/]
[]Enable "smooth animation transitions" setting in the launcher[/]
[]Enable "smooth movement" setting in the launcher. This one and one above will prevent jitter on NPCs in combat[/]
[]Launch the game, go to "settings"->"scripts"->"N'Garde" and assign a parry hotkey[/]
[]If after assigning the hotkey nothing happens when pressing it - try saving and reloading the game[/]
Requirements:
OpenMW 0. 50+
Enable "Use Additional Animation Sources" in the laun
N'Garde is a gameplay overhaul for OpenMW that introduces an active block and weapon parry system inspired by modern action RPGs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance and The Elder Scrolls IV/V. It replaces the passive blocking mechanics with timing-based parries and blocks, offering a more engaging combat experience. With 319 endorsements and recent updates, it's a well-received mod for players seeking deeper combat.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 319 endorsements and nearly 20k downloads.
- Brings modern action combat to Morrowind's dated mechanics.
- Actively maintained, last updated July 2026.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires OpenMW, so not for players using the original Morrowind engine.
- Combat overhaul may not suit purists who prefer vanilla mechanics.
For Morrowind players using OpenMW who want more skill-based combat. If you enjoy parry mechanics from games like KCD or Skyrim, this is a must-try. Skip if you prefer the original dice-roll combat or don't use OpenMW.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Ensure you're running OpenMW, not the original Morrowind executable, as this mod is built for OpenMW.
- Practice the timing of parries in low-stakes fights before tackling tough enemies.
- Check the mod's forum or comments for any known compatibility issues with other combat mods.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Morrowind Mods
- Author
- MrArrean
- Version
- 1.4.1
- Downloads
- 19,046
- Endorsements
- 319
- Category
- Gameplay
- Created
- 4/19/2026
- Updated
- 7/31/2026
🔧 How to Install Morrowind Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Morrowind →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Morrowind commands, item IDs, and more.
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