I. Introduction
If you’re a fan of the Soulsborne series, then you already know that parrying is a critical skill to have in your arsenal. The same is true for Elden Ring, the upcoming action role-playing game designed by FromSoftware, the developers behind the Soulsborne titles. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about parrying in Elden Ring and share some tips on how to master this vital technique.
II. What is Parrying?
For those who are new to the concept, parrying is the act of deflecting an opponent’s attack with precise timing and using that opening to deliver a counter-attack. In Elden Ring, where combat is fast-paced and enemies hit hard, parrying can be a crucial way to gain an advantage over tough bosses or groups of enemies.
There are several types of parrying techniques in Elden Ring, each with their own mechanics and strengths. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of parrying in the game.
III. Types of Parrying
The three primary types of parrying in Elden Ring are:
1. Standard Parrying
This type of parry is executed by pressing the L2 button (or left trigger) on your controller. Standard parrying creates a brief window for a counter-attack after deflecting the enemy’s strike. It’s the simplest parry to execute, but it requires precise timing to be successful.
2. Timed Parrying
Timed parrying requires players to press the L2 button at the precise moment the enemy’s weapon connects with the player character’s weapon. This type of parry provides a larger window for counter-attacking, making it a valuable technique for dealing with tougher enemies.
3. Counter Parrying
Counter parrying is executed by attacking immediately after a successful parry. This technique deals extra damage to enemies and is an effective way to take down tough foes quickly.
IV. Practice Makes Perfect
Parrying is all about timing, so the only way you’re going to master it is through practice. Fortunately, Elden Ring gives players plenty of opportunities to practice parrying.
The best enemies to practice on are those with predictable attack patterns, such as the foot soldiers or bandits that populate the early areas of the game. Spend time working on your parrying skills against these weaker enemies before moving on to tougher challenges.
V. Timing is Everything
Timing is crucial when it comes to parrying in Elden Ring. Timing your parry too early or too late will result in a failed parry, leaving you open to enemy attacks.
If you time your parry too early, your character will take damage and be left vulnerable to follow-up attacks. If you time it too late, your character will perform the parry animation but won’t deflect the incoming attack, again leaving you open to enemy attacks.
VI. How to Parry in Elden Ring
So, how do you execute each type of parry in Elden Ring? Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
1. Standard Parrying
- Press L2 to enter a parrying stance.
- When an enemy attacks, press L2 again at the precise moment the attack connects with your weapon.
- If successful, your character will perform a parry animation, and you’ll have a brief window to counter-attack.
2. Timed Parrying
- Press L2 to enter a parrying stance.
- As the enemy’s weapon starts to swing down towards your character, press L2 again to execute a timed parry.
- If successful, your character will perform a more extended parry animation, giving you a larger window to counter-attack.
3. Counter Parrying
- Execute a successful standard or timed parry.
- Immediately press the R1 button (or right bumper) to deliver a counter-attack.
- If timed correctly, the counter-attack will deal extra damage to the enemy.
It’s important to note that different enemy types require different types of parrying techniques. For example, a large, slow-moving enemy may be better suited to a standard parry, while a fast, aggressive enemy may require a well-timed parry.
VII. Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of parrying, it’s time to move on to some more advanced techniques. Here are a few tips to help you take your parrying game to the next level:
1. Parrying Multiple Enemies
Parrying multiple enemies at once can be a difficult feat to pull off, but it’s possible with the right technique. To parry multiple enemies, position yourself so that all the enemies’ attacks are coming from the same angle. Then, execute a timed parry just as the first enemy’s weapon is about to connect with your character. If successful, your parry will deflect all incoming attacks, leaving the enemies vulnerable to counter-attacks.
2. Baiting Enemies into a Parry
Sometimes, enemies will be hesitant to attack, making it difficult to pull off a successful parry. In these cases, try baiting the enemy into a parry by taunting them with a few quick attacks. As the enemy retaliates, use a standard or timed parry to deflect their attack and gain the upper hand.
It’s worth noting that some enemies are harder to parry than others. For example, enemies with large weapons or those that attack irregularly may require more practice to get the timing right. Don’t get discouraged if you struggle to parry a particular enemy at first – keep practicing and experimenting, and you’ll get there eventually.
VIII. FAQ
Here are a few common questions and concerns surrounding parrying in Elden Ring:
1. Can You Parry Every Enemy in the Game?
While most enemies can be parried, some are immune to parrying. Bosses, in particular, tend to be much harder to parry than regular enemies.
2. What Happens If You Miss a Parry?
If you miss a parry, your character will be vulnerable to enemy attacks, leaving you open to damage. It’s important to practice your parrying technique and get the timing right to avoid missing parries.
IX. Conclusion
Parrying is a crucial skill to have in Elden Ring, and mastering this technique can mean the difference between victory and defeat. With the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a parrying master.
Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different types of parrying techniques, and don’t be afraid to face challenging enemies head-on. With time and practice, you’ll be a master of parrying in Elden Ring.
