The player's combat capabilities are in large part governed by the character's combat skills and weapons. Arcanum's combat design has received some levels of criticism, with reviews usually stating that it is poorly balanced and frantic. Three combat modes were included in the final release of the game: real-time, turn-based, and a faster version of turn-based. The player (dwarf, center) in combat with the character Virgil against an Ailing Wolf.
