Clothesline

Clothesline is a sweeping tackle executed at running speed, where Kliff drives his forearm or shoulder into an enemy at full sprint velocity, sending them sprawling. The Blue Stamina tree ability deals solid blunt damage and has a wide enough hit arc to catch enemies slightly to either side of the direct running path. The knockdown duration is generous, longer than most kick-based stagger effects, giving Kliff several seconds of free attacks against the downed target.

Clothesline is mechanically distinct from Grapple-Lariat because it does not require an initial grab: it connects as a freestanding running attack. This makes it more reliable in open-field combat against enemies that are difficult to set up grapple initiations on. Against Desert Bandits and Wolf Tracker Scouts who maintain spread formation, Clothesline through the group's corridor can hit multiple enemies in sequence during the run-through animation.

The ability shines in liberation sequences where Kliff is fighting through waves of Kraber Footsoldiers or Black Bear Soldiers defending a stronghold. Activating Clothesline at the entry point of a room full of enemies clears the center of the formation, creates multiple knockdowns simultaneously, and positions Kliff for either a Finisher execution on the nearest downed enemy or a Grapple chain against the one that recovers first.

Clothesline upgrades through Abyss Artifacts increase its hit arc width and add a brief Super Armor effect during the charge, preventing Kliff from being interrupted mid-run by lighter attacks. Advanced players combine Clothesline with Kick for a devastating loop: Clothesline knocks down a group, Kick staggers the first enemy to stand, then a second Clothesline charge catches the remaining enemies as they rise. The ability also synergizes with Blinding Flash — Flashing a group first and then Clotheslining through the blinded enemies ensures maximum hits with zero interruption risk, and any survivors are both Blinded and knocked down, creating an extended window for Finisher executions on priority targets.

Clothesline is a running strike that catches enemies with a powerful horizontal arm sweep, knocking them down and dealing solid damage. It covers ground quickly, making it effective as both a gap-closer and a crowd-control tool in open areas. Clothesline chains naturally into Lariat and Body Slam for a devastating Unarmed combo sequence, and its wide arc can hit multiple enemies in a line if they are positioned correctly.