Slice Aberrant Form: Axe Damage & Back Attacks

Quick answer

Slice is an axe-shaped Primary Form focused on high damage to one target. The official Xbox Wire preview also identifies bonus damage from behind, giving it a positional identity that Flurry and Slash do not share.

Confirmed role

Slice is selected from the opening group of three Primary Forms. Its axe attacks trade the broad group coverage of Slash and the rapid critical-oriented pressure of Flurry for a stronger single-target description. The back-attack bonus suggests that movement and facing can matter to its output.

The published preview does not state the bonus percentage, whether every attack can receive it, or how the game decides that Dylan is behind an enemy. Those details require the final build. It would also be premature to assume that bosses always permit reliable rear positioning.

Positioning implications

Control Resonant includes dashes, aerial movement and supernatural abilities, so Slice is not limited to walking around a stationary opponent. Shield can move Dylan offensively, summons can divide attention, and crowd control may create an opening to approach a target’s back. These are system-level possibilities, not a verified “best Slice combo.”

The media preview paired Slice with Extend, a longer-reaching Secondary Form. That pairing illustrates a sensible coverage rule: use the Primary Form for close single-target punishment and the second slot when distance or multiple enemies make the axe less comfortable.

Is the opening choice permanent?

Xbox Wire says the other starting weapons can eventually be unlocked. Choosing Slice first determines the early basic moveset but does not appear to lock Flurry and Slash out of the entire playthrough. Remedy has not published the exact unlock requirements.

Use the starting forms overview to compare all confirmed options. The Extend page explains the previewed range pairing, while combat momentum covers why returning to melee matters after spending abilities.