Critical Hit - Backstab and Parry in Skyrim

⭐ ⭐⭐ (2,360 endorsements) 📥 84,322 downloads 📌 v1.2 📅 4/23/2018
⚪ Last updated 2018

By FBplus and migeandend · Combat

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 5/5/2018 📅 Created: 4/23/2018
⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
1🛠️ SKSE — Skyrim Script Extender Download ↗
2🔧 USLEEP — Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch Download ↗
3🖥️ SkyUI — SkyUI (MCM framework) Download ↗

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 2.8% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
  • 🏆 #32 of 32 Combat mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

2020. 12. 25

Thanks for your support and love for this mod. However, after these years, it has become a bit outdated (and the bugs are still difficult to fix). Therefore, for SE users, we strongly recommend the latest Zxlice B&P mod.

Merry Christmas.

Update

2018. 5. 5 v1. 2

1. Add MCM option to turn off the backstab of axes and hammers.

2. Fix a little bug.

If you can't activate the backstab animation, try to download and install XP32 skeleton and let it overwrite everything.

We still don't know how to tackle the "instantly killing" problem on the respawned NPCs.

2018. 4. 29  v1. 1

1. Fix the CTD problem.

2. Fix the Invincibility bug.

3. Add MCM option to change the backstab window and parry time.

4. Improve some scripts to make it react faster.

There is only one backstab animation for all kinds of melee weapons, because we don't know how to make a new killmove animation.

1. I'm not the author of this mod. FB is, but unfortunately he is too lazy to write the detailed description and upload his mod.

2. Both FB and I are Chinese, so please try your best to understand what I'm talking about if we make any language mistake (or  you can help me correct it, for my coming IELTS test).

3.中文用户:如果你关注过FB在公民上发的simple combat,这是那个mod里的背刺弹反独立版,有更加细致的MCM菜单,并修复了少许bug。如果想用其他战斗组模的话可以选用这个。

This mod allows you to backstab and parry like Dark Souls, with detailed MCM settings.

Backstab: When you stand behind someone and attack with melee weapon, it will play a backstab animation and do a huge damage to this one.

*Parry: When someone heavy-attacks you, your successful bash can activate a short slow-time effect. During this time your attack will be changed to a counterattack animation and also do a huge damage. You can let it work with normal attack in MCM.

This mod only effects on human NPCs, because FNIS doesn't allow us play a killmove animation to a monster without an instantly killing.

The NPCs can use backstab if you turn on the switch in MCM.

Preview Video 

Critical Hit 

Prototype (with Potion Animated Fix)

E5efHfz9Dqc

Critical Hit 1. 0

W9kR3SS2f_Y

P. S. We don't have the permission to use the parry sound effect which is showed in this video, so in the real mod we use a sound made by myself. I hope that will not disappoint you. <

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

Critical Hit adds Dark Souls-style backstabs and parries to Skyrim, letting you perform cinematic critical strikes and counterattacks. With 2,360 endorsements and 84,322 downloads, it's a popular combat overhaul for players seeking more skill-based melee combat. Last updated in 2018, so compatibility with newer Skyrim versions may be an issue.

✨ Key Features

Adds backstab and parry mechanics inspired by Dark Souls.
Allows players to perform critical hits during combat.
Requires Skyrim and is categorized under combat mods.

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Huge community trust with 2,360 endorsements and 84k downloads.
  • Brings Dark Souls-style combat depth to Skyrim, perfect for players wanting more skill-based melee.
  • Simple concept that adds a lot of gameplay value without overhauling the whole combat system.

⚠️ Cons

  • Last updated in 2018 — may be incompatible with the latest Skyrim Special Edition or Anniversary Edition patches.
  • No detailed documentation provided, so you might need to figure out the exact keybinds and mechanics in-game.
  • Requires manual installation or mod manager setup, and no clear dependency list is given.
🎯 Is This For You?
For Skyrim players who love Dark Souls' combat and want to add backstabs and parries to their game. If you're tired of vanilla combat and want more skill-based melee, this is a must-try. Skip if you prefer pure vanilla or don't want to risk compatibility issues with an older mod.
📦 Install:Medium· 5-10 minutes

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Use a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 to install and manage the mod, as manual installation can lead to conflicts.
  • Check the mod's comments section on Nexus for user reports about compatibility with your Skyrim version (SE/AE).
  • Test the backstab and parry mechanics on a low-level character to get a feel for the timing before diving into tough fights.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Skyrim LE Mods
Author
FBplus and migeandend
Version
1.2
Downloads
84,322
Endorsements
2,360
Category
Combat
Created
4/23/2018
Updated
5/5/2018

🔧 How to Install Skyrim LE Mods

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim LE →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Skyrim LE commands, item IDs, and more.

Keep browsing — more Skyrim LE mods await

📋 All Skyrim LE Mods 🏆 Top 25 📂 More Combat 👤 More by FBplus and migeandend 🔎 Similar Mods 🌐 Best Combat (All Games) ⚠️ Fix Crashes & Errors 💾 Save Files 🔀 Check Compatibility ⚖️ Compare Mods 🆕 New Mods