Dark Souls 2: Mastering Parry and Riposte

Dark Souls 2: Mastering Parry and Riposte#

Parrying Basics#

Parrying in Dark Souls 2 is an essential skill that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. It takes timing, patience, and practice to master, but once you do, you’ll feel like a true warrior. Here’s everything you need to know to get started with parrying.

What is Parrying?#

Parrying is a defensive maneuver where you deflect an enemy’s attack with your weapon or shield, leaving them open for a devastating counterattack, known as a riposte. This move can deal significant damage and often break through enemy defenses.

How to Parry#

Equip a Weapon or Shield: You need an item capable of parrying. Common choices include small shields, such as the Buckler, or certain weapons like the Parrying Dagger.
Time Your Move: This is the tricky part. You need to press the parry button (usually L2/LT) just as the enemy’s attack is about to hit you. Too early or too late, and you’ll either miss the parry or get hit.
Riposte: If you’ve timed your parry correctly, the enemy will stagger, and you’ll hear a distinct sound. Move quickly in front of them and press the light attack button (R1/RB) to perform a riposte and deal massive damage.

Timing is Everything#

The exact timing required can vary depending on the enemy’s attack and the weapon or shield you’re using. Here are some tips to nail the timing:

Watch and Learn: Observe enemy attack patterns. Different enemies have different wind-up times before their attacks.
Practice Makes Perfect: Find a safe enemy to practice on, like the Hollow Soldiers in the Forest of Fallen Giants. Practice parrying until you get the timing down.
Visual Cues: Pay attention to visual cues. For many enemies, there’s a split second before their weapon hits you that’s perfect for parrying.

Types of Parry-able Attacks#

Not all attacks can be parried in Dark Souls 2. Generally, standard physical attacks and some magic attacks can be parried. However, be aware that not all weapons and shields can parry, and not every enemy move is parryable.

Using Shields and Weapons#

Different shields and weapons have varying parrying frames, which are the window of time where a successful parry can occur. Here’s a breakdown:

Small Shields: These have the longest parry window and are easiest to use. Great for beginners.
Medium Shields: A bit harder to time but offer better protection overall.
Parrying Dagger: Specifically designed for parrying, with a good parry window.
Weapons: Some weapons, like the Cestus, have fast parry frames but generally require more precise timing.

Tips and Tricks#

Stay Light: Heavy armor can slow down your movement and reaction times. Consider wearing lighter gear while you’re learning to parry.
Be Patient: Don’t rush your parries. Wait for the enemy to commit to their attack before you attempt to parry.
Mix It Up: Don’t just rely on parrying. Combine it with dodging and blocking to keep your approach unpredictable.

Common Mistakes#

Avoid these pitfalls when learning to parry:

Spamming the Parry Button: Spamming won’t help with timing and leaves you vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
Ignoring Stamina: Parrying consumes stamina. Make sure you have enough stamina left to avoid getting stunned.
Getting Greedy: Sometimes it’s better to block or dodge rather than go for a risky parry. Know when to pick your moments.

By understanding these basics and practicing regularly, you’ll quickly become more confident in your parrying skills. Remember, persistence is key in Dark Souls 2, and every failed parry is just another step towards mastering the art of riposte. Good luck, and happy hunting!

Dark Souls 2: Mastering Parry and Riposte#

Perfect Parry Timing#

In Dark Souls 2, nailing that perfect parry can make you feel like a total badass. But, let’s be real—getting the timing down can be tricky. If you’ve ever found yourself mashing the button and eating dirt instead of landing that sweet parry, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here’s how to nail that perfect parry timing.

Understanding the Basics#

First off, let’s break down what a parry and riposte are. Parrying is when you deflect an enemy’s attack with your shield or weapon, making them vulnerable. Riposte is a follow-up attack that deals massive damage. The key to a good parry is timing—it’s all about hitting the parry button (usually L2/LT) right as the enemy’s attack is about to land.

Watching the Enemy#

The secret to mastering parry timing is watching the enemy’s movements. Each enemy has a different attack animation, so you’ll want to learn and recognize these patterns. Generally, you want to parry just before the enemy’s weapon hits you.

Observation: Spend time watching how enemies wind up their attacks. This might mean getting hit a few times while you learn. That’s fine—every failure is a step toward mastering the parry.
Practice: The best way to get better is to practice. Start on weaker enemies like Hollow Soldiers or Heide Knights. These enemies have pretty clear attack animations and are more forgiving.

Timing Tips#

Here are some handy tips to help you get the timing just right:

Visual Cues: Watch for visual indicators. For example, when a Hollow Soldier raises its sword and swings, parry as the sword starts to come down towards you.
Audio Cues: Some enemies give audio clues before they strike. Listen for grunts or other noises that can hint an attack is coming.
Consistency: Stick with one shield or weapon to parry with until you’re comfortable. Different items have different parry windows.
Distance: Stay at the right distance. If you’re too close or too far from the enemy, parrying will be tougher. Ideally, be at a range where the enemy’s weapon is just about to connect when you parry.

Parry Windows#

Different weapons and shields have different parry windows—the amount of time you have to successfully deflect an attack. Generally, smaller shields, like bucklers, have a larger parry window, making them friendlier for beginners. Medium shields and other weapons require more precise timing.

Practical Example#

Let’s take the Hollow Soldier wielding a spear as an example.

Anticipate: Notice how they pull back before thrusting their weapon forward.
Prepare: Get ready to press L2/LT as the spear starts to come towards you.
Parry: Press L2/LT right before the spear hits. If timed correctly, you’ll see a deflection animation.
Riposte: Immediately press R1/RB to follow up with a devastating attack.

Training Place#

One of the best places to practice parrying early on is the Forest of Fallen Giants. Here you’ll encounter Hollow Soldiers who are perfect for drilling your parry skills. Take your time and don’t rush—mastering parry timing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Patient Progression#

Remember, it’s okay to fail. Parrying is a skill that takes patience and practice. Start with easier enemies and work your way up to more challenging foes. Before you know it, you’ll be parrying like a pro and taking down tougher enemies with ease.

So, next time you go out swinging, keep these tips in mind. Watch your enemy’s movements, listen for cues, and time that parry just right. With practice, you’ll master the art of the perfect parry and make Dark Souls 2 just a little bit easier. Happy parrying, Undead!

Dark Souls 2: Mastering Parry and Riposte#

Riposte Damage#

So you’ve nailed the parry, and now you’re ready to devastate your opponent with a riposte. Great! But let’s talk about what’s really going on when you riposte and how to make it hurt as much as possible.

Understanding Riposte Basics#

When you successfully parry an enemy, you’ll see them stagger, leaving you a brief window of opportunity to perform a riposte. This high-damage counterattack can be a game-changer, especially in tougher fights. But just how much damage are you dealing, and how can you maximize it?

Damage Calculation#

Riposte damage isn’t a flat number; it actually gets calculated based on your weapon’s critical damage stat. Here’s a breakdown:

Weapon’s Base Damage: The raw attack power of your weapon.
Critical Damage Modifier: Different weapons have different critical multipliers. Generally, daggers have the highest, often around 150-160%, while larger weapons like ultra greatswords have lower multipliers, around 110-120%.
Bonus Attributes: Attributes like Dexterity (for dex weapons) or Strength (for str weapons) can add a significant boost to your riposte’s ouch factor.

So, your riposte damage is basically a combination of your weapon’s base damage, its critical damage rating, and any bonuses from your attributes. The formula looks something like this:

Riposte Damage = Base Damage × Critical Modifier + Attribute Bonus#

Choosing the Right Weapon#

Picking the right weapon can make a lot of difference. Here are a few to consider:

Daggers: They may look tiny, but their high critical damage can rip through opponents when used in a riposte. The Bandit’s Knife is a popular choice for this very reason.
Rapiers: While not as high as daggers, rapiers still pack a decent punch due to their balanced speed and critical stats. The Espada Ropera is a favorite due to its swift attacks and good scaling.
Thrusting Swords: These are also pretty effective for critical hits. Try the Ricard’s Rapier if you can get your hands on it.

Even larger weapons can be used for ripostes if you prefer a more versatile playstyle. Just be aware they might not hit as hard in a critical state as daggers or rapiers do.

Buffs and Enhancements#

To really crank up the damage, consider using weapon buffs. Magic Weapon, Dark Weapon, and Gold Pine Resin are some buffs that can enable you to squeeze out extra damage from ripostes.

Magic Weapon: Adds magic power.
Dark Weapon: Adds dark (hex) power.
Gold Pine Resin: Adds lightning damage.

Remember, these buffs will temporarily increase your weapon’s damage, and consequently, its riposte damage.

Practice Makes Perfect#

Landing the riposte itself takes practice. Here are some tips:

Timing is Key: Each enemy has a unique attack pattern. Spend time learning their tells.
Positioning: Stand close but to the side of your opponent once parried to ensure your riposte connects.
Invade for Practice: PvP arenas are awesome places to refine your parry and riposte skills. Human opponents are more unpredictable but offer great learning experiences.

Final Thoughts#

Riposte damage can be a potent tool in your Dark Souls 2 arsenal. Understanding the mechanics and picking the right weapon will help you make the most out of every parry opportunity. Keep practicing, buff up your weapon, and you’ll be dishing out some serious pain before you know it.

Now get out there and show those enemies (and invaders) who’s boss!

Parry-able Enemies#

Parrying in Dark Souls 2 is like a high-risk, high-reward dance. Timing it right lets you stun enemies and deal massive damage with a riposte. But first, you need to know which enemies can be parried. Here’s a rundown of the enemies you can practice your parrying skills on:

Hollows#

Hollow Soldiers - These pesky, often undergeared enemies are your best bet for learning the basics of parrying in the early game. Found in places like the Forest of Fallen Giants, they’re numerous, but relatively weak.
Hollow Infantry - Similar to Hollow Soldiers, but usually with lighter weapons and armor. You’ll encounter them frequently in the beginning areas.

Armored Knights#

Heide Knights - These guys are scattered around early areas like Heide’s Tower of Flame and can be a nuisance, but their slow, deliberate attacks make them prime parry fodder.
Old Knights - Also located in Heide’s Tower of Flame, these large, slow enemies telegraph their attacks, making them easier to parry. Watch out, though; they hit hard if you mess up.

Undead Warriors#

Varangian Sailors - Found around the No-Man’s Wharf, these enemies swing hefty weapons that have clear attack patterns. A good opportunity to practice parrying while avoiding taking too much damage.
Alonne Knights - In the Iron Keep, these enemies can be tricky, but their attacks are spaced out enough to allow for precise parrying.

Unique Foes#

Pursuer - This miniboss, encountered multiple times, can actually be parried. It’s a great feeling when you manage it, but remember, the timing is tight!
Dark Spirit Invaders - Player invaders and NPCs often have human attack patterns, making their movements more predictable. Keep calm and focus on their swings.

Enemies to Avoid Parrying#

While some enemies are great for practicing your parry game, others are better left to a more traditional hack-and-slash approach. Here’s a quick rundown of those you’d better avoid trying to parry:

Large Creatures - Enemies like the Flexile Sentry or Cyclops, due to their size and erratic attack patterns.
Magic and Ranged Enemies - Don’t expect to parry lightning bolts from Heide Knights or arrows from Dark Stalkers. Their attacks are difficult or impossible to parry.
Bosses (Mostly) - Excluding those specifically mentioned like the Pursuer, very few bosses can be parried reliably. Stick to dodging and blocking instead.

Tips for Effective Parrying#

Timing is Key - Wait until the enemy’s attack is a fraction of a second away from hitting you before you press the parry button.
Watch for Tells - Learn the enemy’s attack “tells” – the slight wind-up before they strike – so you can predict their moves.
Practice Makes Perfect - The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Start with easier enemies and work your way up.
Stay Calm - Parrying can be nerve-wracking, especially in the heat of battle. Stay calm, and focus on your timing.
Check Your Equipment - Some shields and weapons have a longer parry window, so experiment to find what works best for you.

Mastering the parry is like learning to dance with the enemies of Dark Souls 2. With each successful parry, you’ll feel an ever-increasing sense of satisfaction. So get out there, test your reflexes, and show those enemies who’s boss!

Dark Souls 2: Mastering Parry and Riposte#

Parrying in PvP#

Parrying in PvP is an art in Dark Souls 2. It can feel like the ultimate power move when you pull it off, but getting to that level takes practice. This guide will walk you through when and how to parry effectively against other players.

Understanding Parry Timing#

Timing is everything when it comes to parrying. Press the parry button (L2 on PS3, LT on Xbox 360, or Shift+Right Click on PC) just before an enemy’s attack lands. This small window is what makes parrying tricky. If you’re too early or too late, you’ll end up just taking a hit to the face.

Recognizing Attack Patterns#

Knowing your opponent’s attack patterns gives you a massive advantage. Most players have a rhythm to their attacks. Spend some time observing enemies—especially in duels—before attempting a parry. Here are a few tips:

Watch for Heavy Attacks: These are generally easier to parry due to their longer wind-up time.
Predictability: Players who stick to a single attack pattern are like open books. Read them and time your parry accordingly.
Opening Moves: Some players start with predictable attacks. If you notice a repeating pattern, use it to your advantage.

Effective PvP Parrying Tips#

Use Smaller Shields: Small shields have a faster parry animation compared to medium or large ones, giving you a better chance at success.
Timing Over Spamming: Spamming the parry button won’t help. It leaves you open to attacks. Stay calm and wait for the right moment.
Baiting: Try baiting your opponent into attacking by making yourself look vulnerable. A few missed attacks or backpedaling can lure them into making a predictable move.
Adjusting for Latency: In online play, there’s always a bit of lag. Adjust your timing slightly earlier than you would offline to compensate for this.
Practice in PvE: Before taking your parrying skills to PvP, practice against AI enemies. Some PvE enemies have similar attack rhythms to players.

The Parry and Riposte Combo#

When you successfully parry an opponent, they’ll be temporarily stunned. This is your moment to shine with a riposte.

Move Close: Quickly move close to the stunned enemy.
Execute Riposte: Press the attack button (R1 on PS3, RB on Xbox 360, Left Click on PC) to perform a powerful riposte, dealing significant damage.

Weapons and Tools for Parrying#

Certain weapons and shields are better for parrying. Here are a few fan favorites:

Buckler: Its small size makes parries faster.
Parrying Dagger: Designed specifically for parrying, it has a rapid animation.
Caestus: Fast and brutal for quick parries.
Llewellyn Shield: Small, lightweight, and efficient for parrying.

Practice, Practice, Practice#

Parrying in PvP takes time to master. Don’t get discouraged by early failures. Every failed parry is a learning opportunity. With enough practice, you’ll be able to read your opponent’s moves and time your parries like a pro.

Remember, parrying is risky but rewarding. Use it wisely in PvP, and it can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

So there you have it—everything you need to start perfecting your parrying skills in Dark Souls 2 PvP. Grab your shield, find a friend (or a foe), and start practicing! Good luck, Undead warrior!

Dark Souls 2: Mastering Parry and Riposte

https://www.rappy-world.com/posts/dark_souls_2_mastering_parry_and_riposte/

Author

Rappy-World

Published at

2024-05-15

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Yurika Corporation ToS

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