I've been playing Haven for years now and I'd say at this point I'm far from a sprucy boi, though not a super sweater either. PVP has been something that always intimidated me due to all the little things you have to know to fight effectively. Though as it turns out, it's really not that hard to learn the basics. As a matter of fact, this guide posted by DDDsDD999 ( viewtopic.php?f=42&t=72160 ) goes over 95% of the things you need to know. Why bring this up? Well I've been thinking, everyone has things they don't like about the game, but still do them anyways. Allow me to use an analogy to demonstrate what I mean:
I HATE farming and animal husbandry, like to the point when it's the only thing left to do I'd almost rather light myself on fire for more enjoyment. However, I still do it because it's a part of the game, I need to in order to experience everything else that I do enjoy doing. PVP used to be the same way, though mostly due to the intimidation. This connection hit me a couple of worlds ago and I realized if I'm going to play this game, I have to AT LEAST learn how to run away. Through the years i've asked for advice and even some practice with some people who knew PVP better than me. And I've come to this conclusion:
If you don't learn how to at least run away effectively, you're the only one to blame.
After a couple years short of a decade, it took a solid hour. That's it.
I can confidently say I'd at least give someone giving chase a hard time.
After this, I dove deeper into PVP and it's turning into one of my favorite features of the game. Which is a cool side effect, but not my point I suppose.
I guess what I'm trying to say to all of you who haven't done any sort of PVP, please do yourself the favor and take a little time to learn it, even if it's just learning how to run away. It might not be fun, you might not enjoy it, but just like my feelings towards farming and animal husbandry, you need it despite how you may feel about it.
Spar with friends, run away from each other while using critters and sprint boosts, practice in Valhalla, ask for advice. Just do yourself the favor if you feel like PVP is ruining your experience.
After a couple years short of a decade, it took a solid hour. That's it.
EDIT: For clarification, I'm not saying all I have is an hour of experience, what I'm trying to say that's probably as long as it'll take to understand roughly what to do, obviously try to practice more than that.