How to Parry in Elden Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Technique
Parrying is a crucial combat technique in Elden Ring that can help you gain an edge over enemies and bosses. However, mastering this technique can be challenging, which is why we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you learn how to parry like a pro.
Step-by-Step Guide
Parrying involves using a weapon or shield to deflect an enemy’s attack and then following up with a counter-attack. To parry effectively, you need to approach enemy attacks with caution and timing your parries precisely. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Approach enemy attacks carefully: Watch the enemy’s movements and look for openings in their attacks that you can take advantage of.
- Prepare to parry: When you see an opening, hold up your shield or weapon and get ready to time your parry.
- Time your parry correctly: Parry just as the enemy’s attack is about to hit you for maximum effect. If you’re using a shield, you’ll hear a distinct sound when you successfully parry an attack.
- Follow up with a counter-attack: Immediately after parrying, follow up with a counter-attack to deal damage to the enemy.
Be patient and practice these steps until you get them right consistently. Parrying is a skill that takes time and dedication to master.
Parry Techniques for Different Weapons
The mechanics of parrying vary depending on the type of weapon you’re using. Here are tips for parrying with different weapons:
- Dagger: Daggers are fast and precise and are well-suited for parrying. When parrying with a dagger, focus on timing your parry just before the enemy attack hits you.
- Shields: Shields are another reliable option for parrying, especially when dealing with multiple enemies at once. Practice using the shield to deflect enemy attacks and counter-attack quickly.
- Sword: Parrying with a sword can be trickier because the timing is more precise. Pay close attention to the enemy’s movements and timing as you parry with a sword.
Try practicing with different weapon types to find what works best for you and your playstyle.
Advanced Parry Tips
Once you’ve mastered the basics of parrying, you can move on to more advanced techniques that can help you gain an advantage in combat. Here are some tips to try:
- Animation canceling: Canceling the animation of your parry by switching weapons can confuse the enemy and give you an opening for a counter-attack.
- Using different parrying frames: Different weapons and shields have different parrying frames, which can affect the timing of your parry. Experiment with different frames to find what works best for you.
These techniques take time to master but can be valuable tools in combat when used effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced players make mistakes when it comes to parrying. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Mistiming the parry: Timing is crucial when it comes to parrying. Be patient and wait for the right moment to make your move.
- Forgetting to check enemy animations: Watch for enemy animations to telegraph when they’re about to attack. This can help you time your parry more effectively.
- Overreliance on parrying: Parrying is a valuable technique, but it’s not always the best option in every situation. Don’t rely on it too heavily and be ready to switch up your tactics when necessary.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your parrying success rate and become a more effective fighter overall.
Using Parrying for Bosses
Parrying can be especially useful for boss fights, but it’s important to know which bosses can be parried and which weapons are best suited for the job. Here are some tips:
- Bosses that can be parried: Many of the humanoid bosses in Elden Ring can be parried, but it’s important to learn their movesets first. Some bosses that can be parried include Gravetender, Pontiff Sulyvahn, and Champion Gundyr.
- Best weapons for parrying bosses: Shields are often the best weapons to parry bosses because they provide protection and a larger parrying window. Look for shields with high stability and good parry frames.
Remember to be patient and learn the boss’s moveset before attempting to parry. This can help you time your parry more effectively and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Combining Parries with Other Techniques
Parrying can be even more effective when combined with other combat techniques like rolling, dodging, and counter-attacks. Here are some tips on how to combine parries with other techniques:
- Rolling: Use rolling to evade enemy attacks and then follow up immediately with a parry and counter-attack.
- Dodging: Combine dodging with parrying to create a versatile fighting style that can confuse and disorient your enemies.
- Counter-attacks: After successfully parrying an enemy’s attack, follow up with a powerful counter-attack to deal significant damage.
Experiment with different combinations of techniques to find what works best for you and your playstyle.
Conclusion
Parrying is a valuable combat technique in Elden Ring that can help you gain an edge over challenging enemies and bosses. By mastering the basics of parrying, learning the mechanics of different weapons, and avoiding common mistakes, you can become a parry pro in no time. Remember to be patient, practice consistently, and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.
