Parrying is a critical aspect of combat in Elden Ring, allowing players to effectively defend themselves against enemy attacks and counter with devastating blows of their own. Parrying in SoulsBorne games has always been a maneuver that only the most skilled players were able to perform consistently.
However, while Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice made it relatively easier, it can still be a little too tough to perform in Elden Ring, especially for those who are new to FromSoftware games. In this Elden Ring guide, we have combined the basics of parrying with tips and tricks to help you master this valuable combat technique.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Elden Ring, learning how to parry can greatly enhance your combat abilities and increase your chances of success on the battlefield. So, if you’re looking to improve your parrying skills and become a master of the art, read on for some helpful tips and insights.
What is Parrying
Parrying is a technique in the Elden Ring that allows you to block an opponent’s attack with a timed shield swing. Parrying blocks the opponent’s attack and leaves them stunned and vulnerable, allowing the player to perform a critical repost and deal free damage, which makes parrying a crucial gameplay mechanic you need to learn.
Each shield or item that can parry has a different timing window, with the buckler parry shield having the most forgiving timing window. The player can also acquire the parry Ashes of War to give the parry skill to weapons and shields that don’t come with it automatically. Parrying is impossible against attacks from gigantic enemies, beasts, dragons, and fire. However, magic attacks can be parried if the player has the Carrying Retaliation Ashes of War.
How to Parry in Elden Ring
To parry in Elden Ring, you must equip a medium or small shield and place Carian Retaliation or Golden Parry on it. Both of these items will significantly improve your parry timing skills in the game. I recommend using Carian Retaliation because it can easily parry magical projectiles too. You can also use the Buckler parry, but the key is to press parry when the enemy’s attack animal begins. The timing differs for slower and faster attacks. Practice using a dagger or sword against enemy’s with long weapons such as a spear. Select enemies with faster attacks for practice as it helps get used to parry timings faster and develops a better understanding of how to parry in Elden Ring.
Parry Video Tutorial
Which Enemies You Can Parry in Elden Ring
Which enemies can you parry in Elden Ring, you ask? The answer varies depending on the type of enemy you are facing. Generally, humanoid-shaped foes such as knights, bandits, and other warriors can be parried. You can also parry against regular weapon attacks and one-handed large weapon attacks, and finally, some Ash of War weapon arts that involve physical attacks.
You cannot parry giant enemies (including most bosses), beasts, dragons, and fire attacks. Additionally, parrying magic attacks is possible if you have the carrying Carian Retaliation Ash of War.
All Parryable Boss List
- Margit, the Fell Omen
- Godskin Apostle
- Godskin Noble
- Grafted Scion
- Tree Sentinel
- Royal Knight Loretta
- Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree
- Crucible Knight and Crucible Knight Ordovis
- Elemer of the Brair
- Leonine Misbegotten
- Mimic Tear
- Commander Niall
- Maliketh, the Black Blade
- Margott, the Omen King
- Radagon of the Golden Order
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Common Parry Build Mistakes
Over-reliance on parrying: One of the biggest mistakes you can make with a parry build is to see parrying as your sole source of damage. This prolongs the fight and can make parrying harder.
Parry Timing Mismatch: When you start getting comfortable with parry timing, you can fall into the trap of second-guessing yourself and end up parrying too early or too late.
Over-anticipation: If you walk up to an enemy waiting for them to do a parryable attack, this is a surefire way of getting a unparriable attack in the face.
Lack of Aggression: Instead of focusing on openings where you can get free damage, you should be aggressive and attack the enemy every second you can.
Forgetting to look for Openings: Once you’re comfortable with parry timing, don’t forget to look for openings to attack while not parrying. This will make your fights easier and more effective.
Overthinking parry timing is the recipe for disaster, and you will get cheesed by the enemy, especially if you are fighting someone like Godskin Duo.
This is all we have got in how to parry in Elden Ring. For more help on the game, be sure to check out our detailed Elden Ring wiki page.