How to play Cleaver Duel
Cleaver Duel is a free 1v1 skill-shot duel in the browser. You and a friend join opposite halves of a circular arena, throw cleavers, and try to drop each other from 700 HP to zero. No account, no download, no chat.
Controls
The default layout is designed for a mouse and keyboard, and every key can be rebound from the Hotkeys menu in the side panel. On a phone or tablet, see the touch controls below or the mobile guide.
| Input | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right-click | Move | Walk to the clicked point inside the arena. |
| Q | Cleaver | Throw toward the cursor after a short wind-up. |
| S | Stop | Stops movement and cancels a cleaver wind-up without using the cooldown. |
| D | Haste | +40% move speed for 10 seconds. Once per round. |
| F | Blink | Teleport up to 350 units toward the cursor. Once per round. |
| Enter | Rematch | Available on the result screen when both players agree. |
Touch controls
| Touch | Action |
|---|---|
| Tap the arena | Move to that point |
| Tap Q, then tap the arena | Throw a cleaver there (the tap does not move you) |
| Tap F, then tap the arena | Blink there |
| Tap D / S | Haste / Stop |
Touch controls
| Touch | Action |
|---|---|
| Tap the arena | Move to that point |
| Tap Q, then tap the arena | Throw a cleaver there (the tap does not move you) |
| Tap F, then tap the arena | Blink there |
| Tap D / S | Haste / Stop |
Your abilities
Cleaver (Q)
The cleaver is your only attack. It deals 100 damage, has a 3-second cooldown, and takes about 0.18 seconds to wind up. You are rooted during the wind-up, so commit only when you have a read on your opponent. A hit also slows the victim by 10% for one second, which makes the next cleaver easier to land. Press S during the wind-up to cancel it and keep the cooldown available.
Haste (D)
Haste gives you 40% extra movement speed for 10 seconds and can be used once per round. It is best used to close distance for a finishing hit, to escape after a missed cleaver, or to reach the centre of the arena when sudden death begins. Using it too early usually means you have no answer when the opponent pushes.
Blink (F)
Blink teleports you up to 350 units toward the cursor and can be used once per round. It clears your current move order and is blocked during a cleaver wind-up, so plan the order of your abilities. Blink is the strongest defensive tool in the game: save it for a cleaver you cannot dodge on foot, or use it to appear behind an opponent who is winding up.
Sudden death
When a player reaches their last life, the glowing mid-wall falls and both brutes can roam the whole arena. The fight becomes much more open, so keep your Haste or Blink available for this phase if you can.
Match rules
- Each player starts with 700 HP (seven lives).
- A cleaver hit deals 100 damage and slows the victim by 10% for 1 second.
- The mid-wall splits the arena for most of the match. Cleavers cross it; players do not.
- At 1 life left, sudden death begins and the mid-wall falls.
- Reduce your opponent to 0 HP to win the round. Both players can then vote for a rematch.
- Leave the match with the Leave button in the side panel. Disconnecting ends the match immediately.
Strategy tips for your first duel
- Keep moving. A stationary target is the easiest cleaver to land. Change direction after every throw.
- Bait the wind-up. Step into range, make your opponent commit, then sidestep. Their cleaver cooldown is your window.
- Aim where they will be, not where they are. Cleavers travel fast but not instantly, especially across the arena.
- Do not root yourself in the open. The 0.18-second wind-up is short, but it is long enough to be punished.
- Use the wall. Hug the mid-wall to limit the angles your opponent can throw from, then step out to attack.
- Save one escape. If you have used both Haste and Blink, a single mistake can end the round.
- Watch the cooldown. The HUD shows your cleaver cooldown and whether Haste and Blink are ready or used.
- Practise offline. The Practice vs bot button gives you a live opponent without needing a second player.
Play with a friend
- Click Create game on the home page.
- Copy the invite link or share the five-letter room code.
- When your friend opens the link, the match starts after a short countdown.
- Extra visitors can open the same link to watch as spectators.
It works on desktop, phone and tablet, and players on different devices can share a room. Want to learn first? Use Play vs bot.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Cleaver Duel free?
- Yes. The game is free to play and does not require an account or payment.
- Can I play on a phone or tablet?
- Yes. Tap to move, press Q or F then tap to aim, and use the D and S buttons. Mobile players can face desktop players. See the mobile guide.
- How long does a match take?
- Most rounds last between one and three minutes. You can rematch immediately from the result screen.
- Can I change the controls?
- Yes. Open Hotkeys in the side panel and click a key to rebind it. Reset to defaults restores the original layout.
- What happens if my opponent disconnects?
- The match ends immediately. Cleaver Duel does not support rejoining a match in progress.
- Is there a chat or an account system?
- No. There are no accounts, logins, or chat. You only need a room code or invite link.