Knockback

The following information pertains to an upcoming version (NetHack 3.7.0). If this version is now released, please verify that the information below is still accurate, then update the page to incorporate it.

Knockback is when a monster hits another monster hard enough to physically send it hurtling away from the monster that hit it. It is similar to a staggering blow and jousting, but currently it is implemented using a separate code path. Unlike either of those, monsters can also knock you back, introducing some interesting tactical situations.

The victim of knockback will hurtle 1 space away ²⁄₃ of the time, and 2 spaces away ¹⁄₃ of the time. They also become stunned; if you are the target, the stunning will last as many turns as you hurtled, plus 1, for a total of 2-3 turns.

The following must all be true for one monster to successfully knock back another:

• The attacker must be at least 2 sizes larger than the defender. Note that this refers to size numbers, not categories; Gigantic monsters can knock back Huge monsters because the difference in the raw size numbers is 3.
• The defender cannot be unsolid.
• The defender cannot be steadfast.
• The attack must be a claw, kick, butt, or weapon attack that deals physical damage.
• If a weapon is used, it must be a blunt, non-flimsy weapon.
• The target must be able to hurtle at least 1 space, so it won't happen if they are up against a wall, or being knocked diagonally into an open door.

If all of these are true, the chance of being knocked back is ¹⁄₆ per hit, raised to ¹⁄₂ if the attacker is wielding Ogresmasher.

If you are riding, you can get knocked back out of your saddle, which nullifies any hurtling but does force you to land off the steed in the direction you were knocked. If you're sitting on a cursed saddle, your steed gets knocked along with you.

Messages

<Attacker> knocks <defender> back with a <forceful/powerful> <blow/strike>!

The attacker successfully knocked the defender back.

A user has suggested improving this page or section as follows:

"Strategy section"

This page is a stub. Should you wish to do so, you can contribute by expanding this page.