Understanding the Parry Mechanic in Elden Ring
Parrying is an essential skill in Elden Ring that allows you to deflect enemy attacks and leave them open for a crushing counterattack. It is a high-risk, high-reward technique that requires precise timing, situational awareness, and a good understanding of the enemy’s attack patterns. In this article, we will discuss how to parry in Elden Ring and some tips that will help you master this powerful move.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that not all attacks can be parried. Some enemies have unparryable attacks, such as large sweeping attacks or attacks with elemental damage. To parry an attack, you need to be facing your opponent and have your weapon equipped in your hand. When an enemy telegraph’s an attack, you need to hit the parry button at the precise moment when the attack is about to land. This timing can be tricky, and it varies from enemy to enemy.
One of the easiest ways to learn the parry timing is to practice against weaker enemies, such as skeleton soldiers or bandits. These enemies have slower and less complex attack patterns, which makes it easier to learn the wind-up times for their attacks. As you get better at parrying, you can try it against tougher enemies with faster and more complex attack patterns, such as knights or ogres.
Another important aspect of parrying is that there are several types of parries, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, there is the standard parry, which is performed by hitting the parry button at the right time. If successful, your character will deflect the attack and leave the enemy open for a counterattack. However, if you mistime the parry or your opponent has an unparryable attack, you will take damage and potentially be staggered.
Another type of parry is the partial parry, which is performed by hitting the parry button slightly too early or too late. This will still deflect the enemy’s attack, but you won’t be able to land a counterattack. However, you will take less damage and won’t be staggered. This can be a useful technique if you are unsure of the enemy’s timing or if you are facing a tough opponent.
Finally, there is the shield bash parry, which is performed by hitting the attack button while blocking with a shield. This move will knock the enemy back and leave them open for a counterattack. However, it is less reliable than the standard parry, and it can be difficult to time correctly.
In conclusion, parrying is a powerful technique in Elden Ring that requires precise timing, situational awareness, and a good understanding of your opponent’s attack patterns. Start by practicing against weaker enemies to learn the timing, and then gradually work your way up to tougher opponents. Experiment with different types of parries to find the one that works best for your play style. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to parry your way through even the toughest bosses in Elden Ring.
Timing Your Parry: Tips and Tricks
One of the most satisfying things about playing Elden Ring is successfully parrying an enemy’s attack. A well-timed parry can not only protect you from taking damage but also open up opportunities for counterattacks. Here are some tips and tricks for perfecting your timing and becoming a parrying pro!
1. Observe Your Enemies
The key to successful parrying is understanding the timing of your enemy’s attacks. Each enemy has different attack patterns and animations, so it’s essential to spend some time observing their movements before trying to parry. Pay attention to the wind-up time and the moment the enemy swings their weapon, and adjust your timing accordingly.
Some enemies have more extended wind-up times, while others are quicker and more challenging to parry. Practice makes perfect, so spend some time fighting different enemies and learning their attack patterns.
2. Focus on Your Character
While it’s essential to observe your enemies, it’s equally crucial to focus on your character’s stance. Your character should be facing the enemy and have enough stamina to perform a parry. It’s also crucial to be in the right position to parry effectively.
When you’re trying to parry, your character’s left hand should be in a raised position. This raised position indicates that your character is ready to parry. Also, ensure that your character’s feet are firmly planted on the ground to avoid getting knocked off balance by enemy attacks.
3. Don’t Get Greedy
It’s easy to get overzealous when you successfully parry an enemy attack and want to land a counter-attack. However, it’s crucial to avoid getting greedy and only land one or two quick hits before backing off. A prolonged combo could leave you open to enemy attacks and negate the benefits of successfully parrying.
It’s also crucial to remember that not all enemy attacks are possible to parry. Some are unparryable and could leave you exposed and vulnerable to attacks if you attempt to parry them.
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill in Elden Ring, successful parrying takes practice. Spend time honing your timing and reacting to different enemy attacks. Test out different weapons and shields to see which feel most comfortable and effective for parrying.
Practice can also involve co-op or PvP matches with other players. These matches will provide opportunities to practice parrying against different enemy builds and attacks.
Finally, remember that Elden Ring is a challenging game and that perfecting the parry takes time and patience. Stay persistent and keep practicing, and before you know it, you’ll be a parrying pro!
Choosing the Right Shield for Parrying in Elden Ring
Parrying can be a useful skill in Elden Ring, especially when facing strong enemies. But in order to effectively parry attacks, you need to choose the right shield. There are a few things to consider when deciding which shield to use for parrying.
Shield Stability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a shield for parrying is stability. Stability refers to the ability of the shield to absorb enemy attacks without breaking your guard. A shield with high stability will allow you to parry attacks without taking too much damage or losing your footing.
If you’re planning to use a shield for parrying, look for one with a stability rating of at least 60. The higher the stability, the better the shield will perform when you’re trying to parry attacks. However, keep in mind that shields with higher stability are often heavier, making them harder to use while dodging or rolling.
Shield Size
Another factor to consider when choosing a shield for parrying is the size of the shield. Smaller shields are generally easier to use for parrying, as they have less weight and provide better maneuverability. However, smaller shields also tend to have lower stability, making them less effective when facing stronger enemies.
Keep in mind that the size of the shield also affects the size of the parry window. A smaller shield will have a smaller parry window, making it harder to time your parries. On the other hand, a larger shield will have a larger parry window, but it may be harder to use in tight spaces or while dodging attacks.
Shield Type
Finally, the type of shield you choose will also affect your ability to parry attacks. There are several different types of shields in Elden Ring, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
For example, a buckler is a small shield that is very effective for parrying attacks, but it has low stability and can’t be used to block strong attacks. A medium shield like a kite shield provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability, making it a good choice for parrying attacks while still being able to block stronger attacks.
Large shields like tower shields have very high stability, but they are extremely heavy and can slow down your movements. They are best used for blocking attacks rather than parrying, as the large size and weight make it difficult to time your parries effectively.
By considering shield stability, size, and type, you can choose the right shield for parrying in Elden Ring. Experiment with different shields to find the one that works best for your play style and the types of enemies you’re facing. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to master the art of parrying and become a formidable opponent in Elden Ring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Parrying in Elden Ring
Parrying is an essential technique that every player must master in Elden Ring. It allows you to counterattack with deadly precision, but it requires precise timing and execution. Unfortunately, many players make some common mistakes when trying to parry in Elden Ring. In this article, we’ll discuss the most frequent errors to avoid when parrying.
Mistake #1: Trying to Parry Every Attack
The first mistake that most players make is trying to parry every attack. Parrying is an excellent technique, but it doesn’t work against all attacks. Some enemies have unparryable attacks that will leave you open to counterattacks. So, the key here is to learn which attacks can be parried, and which cannot. This comes down to practice and observation. So, next time you face an enemy, take some time to study their attack pattern and learn which attacks can be parried.
Mistake #2: Parrying Too Early or Too Late
The second mistake is parrying too early or too late. Parrying requires precise timing, and if you mistime it, you’ll take unnecessary damage. The timing for parrying is different for each enemy and attack, so it takes time to get used to. The key is to practice and observe the enemy’s attack pattern. Once you’ve learned the timing for an attack, you can anticipate it and parry it with precision.
Mistake #3: Not Using the Correct Equipment
The third mistake is not using the correct equipment. Not all weapons and shields are created equal, and some are better suited for parrying than others. For instance, some shields have a higher stability rating, which means they’re more effective at absorbing damage. Similarly, some weapons, such as daggers, have a faster parrying animation and allow for quicker counterattacks. So, it’s critical to choose the right equipment based on your playstyle and preferences.
Mistake #4: Not Paying Attention to Stamina
The fourth mistake is not paying attention to stamina. Parrying consumes a significant amount of stamina, and if you don’t have enough, you’ll be left vulnerable to attacks. So, it’s critical to manage your stamina bar and time your parry accordingly. As a general rule, it’s best to parry when your stamina bar is full or almost full, as this will give you enough time to counterattack after parrying.
Conclusion
Parrying is one of the most satisfying techniques in Elden Ring, but it requires patience, practice, and precision. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your parrying skills and become a more formidable player. Remember, learning to parry takes time, but it’s worth the effort. So, keep practicing and don’t give up!
Mastering the Art of Parrying: Practice and Patience
Parrying in Elden Ring can be one of the most important skills to have under your belt. It can make a difficult boss fight much easier or turn the tide of a PvP match. However, learning to parry effectively takes time and patience. Here are five tips to help you master the art of parrying.
Tip #1: Understand Your Weapon and Enemies
Each weapon in Elden Ring has different parry timings, so it’s important to understand the weapon you’re using. Some weapons have faster parry timings than others, while shields often have the longest parry windows. Additionally, enemy attacks have different speeds and animations, making it important to understand each enemy’s move set. Take the time to study both your weapons and enemies to improve your parry timing.
Tip #2: Practice in PVE
Practice makes perfect, and fighting against AI enemies in PVE can be a great way to improve your parrying skills. Take advantage of early game enemies to practice your timing and reactions to different animations, allowing you to perfect your method before boss battles. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t give up if it takes time to get the timing right.
Tip #3: Learn to Read and Predict Your Opponent
Parrying isn’t just about timing, it’s also about knowing your opponent and predicting their movements. Pay attention to their movements, try to read their behavior and movements to predict when they’ll attack. The more you fight different enemies, the easier it becomes to recognize their attack patterns and respond with a parry.
Tip #4: Keep Your Distance and Stay Focused
When parrying, it’s important to keep your distance from your opponent. You want to be far enough away to react to their attack but not too far to where you can’t attack back. Keep yourself focused and ready to launch a counter-attack after a successful parry. Mastering parrying in Elden Ring relies on your focus and timing so keep both in mind while practicing.
Tip #5: Try Using Different Weapons and Shields
Finally, don’t be afraid to switch up your weapons and shields to see which work best for you. Shields offer the biggest parry windows but often come with slower parry starting frames, while some weapons parry instantly but have a small parry window. Trying different weapons and shields gives you the chance to find the perfect equipment for your playstyle and level of comfort.
Parrying in Elden Ring can be a challenge, but with time, patience, and these tips, it’s a skill you can master. So keep practicing and don’t give up just because it gets tough. Remember, the rewards for a successful parry can be great, so keep at it and you’ll find yourself improving in no time.
