Unlock the true potential of your Elden Ring gameplay by mastering the art of parry and riposte! This comprehensive guide, ‘Elden Ring: Mastering Parry and Riposte,’ is designed to elevate your combat prowess and transform you into a formidable adversary in the Lands Between. Dive into the basics of parrying to set a strong foundation, then perfect your timing to achieve the elusive perfect parry. Learn how to utilize riposte for massive damage and discover which enemies and bosses are parry-able. Finally, boost your PvP combat skills with expert parrying techniques. Read on and become the parrying master you were destined to be!
Elden Ring: Mastering Parry and Riposte
Basics of Parrying
So, you want to master the art of parrying in Elden Ring? You’re in the right place! Parrying isn’t easy, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be deflecting blows and dishing out massive damage like a pro. Here’s a breakdown on the basics of parrying in the Lands Between.
What is Parrying?
Parrying is a combat technique where you use your shield or special weapon skill to deflect an enemy’s attack. If timed correctly, this move stuns the enemy, creating an opening for a devastating counterattack known as a riposte.
When to Parry
Timing is everything in parrying. You need to hit the parry button just before the enemy’s blow lands. Each enemy has a unique attack pattern, so it might take a few tries to get used to the timing. Practice makes perfect!
How to Parry
Equip a Small Shield or Specific Weapon: Small shields and some specific weapons (like certain daggers) are better for parrying due to their quicker animation. Try starting with these to make learning a bit easier.
Lock Onto Your Enemy: Always lock onto your target to ensure you’re facing them and can react quickly.
Watch Their Movements: Observe your enemy’s moves. Look for visual and audio cues that signal an attack is coming.
Press the Parry Button: On a controller, hit L2 (PlayStation) or LT (Xbox) just before the enemy’s attack connects.
Perform the Riposte: If you see the enemy stagger and hear a distinct sound, move in close and press R1 (PlayStation) or RB (Xbox) to do a riposte. This powerful attack does tons of damage and feels incredible!
Practicing Your Parry
Start with Easier Enemies: Practice with standard grunts first. They have simpler attack patterns which are easier to learn.
Learn Your Weapon: Different weapons have different parry windows. Spend time with your preferred weapon to learn its timing.
Don’t Get Discouraged: Parrying can be frustrating at first. Keep at it! The more you practice, the better you’ll become.
Advanced Tips
Parry Frames: Understanding ‘parry frames’ can help. This term refers to the specific frames during which the parry action is effective. Small shields have longer parry frames than medium or large shields.
Stamina Management: Parrying consumes stamina. Ensure you have enough stamina to not only parry but follow up with a riposte or a dodge if needed.
Different Enemies, Different Timings: Bosses and tougher enemies have varied attack patterns. Each of them requires unique timing, so be ready to adapt.
Distance Matters: Make sure you’re close enough to your enemy. If you’re too far away, even a well-timed parry won’t trigger the stagger animation.
Parrying in Elden Ring is a high-risk, high-reward technique. Once you master it, you’ll feel like a true warrior of the Lands Between, ready to face anything the game throws at you. So grab your shield, watch those attack patterns, and happy parrying!
Elden Ring: Mastering Parry and Riposte
Timing for Perfect Parry
Parrying in Elden Ring requires both finesse and practice. It’s not just about hitting a button at the right time; it’s about reading your enemy’s movements and understanding their attack patterns. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you perfect your parry timing:
1. Understand What Parrying Does
Parrying is a defensive move where you use your shield or weapon to deflect an enemy attack, leaving them open for a critical riposte. It’s a high-risk high-reward move because if you miss, you’re wide open to get smacked in the face.
2. Use the Correct Equipment
First things first, you need the right gear. Not all shields and weapons can parry, so make sure to equip one that does. Look for shields with a low weight and high stability, such as the Buckler or Golden Greatshield. Certain weapons, like small swords and daggers, can also be used for parrying.
3. Spotting the Attack
Different enemies have different telltale signs before they attack. Your job is to watch them and figure out when they’re about to strike. This means spending some time to observe their movements and attack patterns. Here’s a tip: humanoid enemies with melee weapons are usually the best to practice on because they have predictable and slow attacks.
4. The Moment Before Impact
The general rule of thumb is to hit the parry button (usually L2 or LT) right before the enemy’s weapon hits you. But timing can be tricky—it varies from one enemy to another and from one attack to another. As you see the enemy begin their swing, that’s your cue to get ready.
5. Trial and Error
Expect to mess up a lot initially. That’s okay! Learning to parry is all about trial and error. Don’t get discouraged if you fail multiple times. Each miss is a lesson learned.
6. Practice with Specific Enemies
To really get the hang of parrying, you’ll want to practice on specific enemies:
- Soldiers and Basic Knights: Their powerful but slow attacks are easiest to learn on.
- Noble Skeletons: They have relatively obvious attack animations.
- Tarnished Warriors: Similar to your character, these foes are a great parrying practice.
7. Sound and Visual Cues
Sound can be a big help when learning parry timing. When you hear the enemy weapon drawing close, match your parry attempt to this audio cue. Also, keep an eye out for visual clues. For example, some enemies will flash or have a specific movement right before they attack.
8. Learn from Ripostes
When you successfully parry, follow up with a riposte—attacking the foe while they are staggered. This not only lets you deal massive damage but also helps reinforce the correct parrying timing in your muscle memory.
9. When Not to Parry
Not every attack should be parried. Some foes have attacks that are nearly impossible to parry or deal so much damage that failing to parry can be disastrous. Learn to pick your moments wisely. In such cases, dodging or blocking might be your better bet.
10. Use Practice Sessions
Consider making a run through easier areas of the game just to practice your parry skills. Use these sessions to train yourself so that in higher-stakes battles, your parry timing is second nature.
Conclusion
Parrying in Elden Ring is admittedly tough but incredibly satisfying and rewarding. Take your time, practice diligently, and soon you’ll be deflecting blows like a true Tarnished warrior. Remember, patience and practice make perfect parry!
Happy parrying!
Elden Ring: Mastering Parry and Riposte
Utilizing Riposte for Massive Damage
If you want to deal massive damage in Elden Ring, mastering the parry and riposte mechanics is key. These techniques are not only flashy but can turn the tides of battle in your favor. Here’s a breakdown on how you can make riposting your go-to move against tough enemies.
1. Understanding Parry Timing
Parrying is all about timing. When an enemy attacks, you use your shield or weapon to deflect the blow at the last possible moment. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move, but when you get it right, it feels incredible. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Get a Parry-Capable Shield or Weapon: Not all shields or weapons can parry. Make sure you have one that can. Small shields and some medium shields are good choices. Some weapons also have parry abilities.
- Watch the Enemy’s Movements: Study the enemy’s attack patterns. You need to recognize the wind-up of their attacks to time your parries correctly.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Use weaker enemies to practice your parrying skills. They’ll give you lots of opportunities to parry without putting you at too much risk.
2. Executing a Riposte
Once you’ve successfully parried, your enemy will be staggered and vulnerable. This is your moment to shine with a riposte. Approach the staggered enemy quickly and press the attack button for a devastating counter-attack.
- Close the Distance: After a parry, you need to be close enough to the enemy to land the riposte. Make sure you’re quick on your feet.
- Direct Aim: Position yourself directly in front of the staggered enemy. The riposte needs to be executed properly to deal maximum damage.
3. Choosing the Right Moment
Not every enemy or situation calls for a parry and riposte. Here’s when you should consider utilizing it:
- 1v1 Encounters: Focus on parrying when dealing with single enemies. Multiple foes can make timing tricky and leave you vulnerable.
- Slow, Predictable Enemies: Start practicing parries on enemies with simpler, more predictable attack patterns.
- Boss Fights: Many bosses have parry-able moves, but they’re often mixed with unparry-able attacks. Learn the telltale signs of parry-able moves in boss fights.
4. Benefits Beyond Damage
Successfully parrying and riposting not only delivers substantial damage but can also:
- Break Enemy Composure: Some enemies, especially tougher ones, can have their guard broken, leaving them open for more attacks.
- Conserve Stamina: Parrying uses less stamina than blocking or dodging, letting you stay in the fight longer.
- Boost Confidence: There’s nothing like the thrill of a perfectly timed parry to boost your in-game confidence.
5. Practicing Against Different Enemy Types
Different enemies will require different parry timing. Here’s how you can practice against various types:
- Humanoid Enemies: These tend to have more readable attack patterns, making them good practice.
- Monsters and Beasts: They might have erratic attack patterns, offering a tougher challenge.
- Boss Minions: Sometimes bosses summon adds or have phases where they’re more vulnerable to parries. Practice in these scenarios to get a feel for boss fights.
6. Advanced Tips
- Backstep Reset: If you miss a parry, using a backstep can quickly reset your position to try again.
- Secondary Weapon: Keep a parry-capable weapon in your secondary slot for versatility.
- Training Areas: Find areas with easily manageable enemies to hone your parry skills over time. Don’t rush; patience pays off.
Mastering parry and riposte in Elden Ring takes time and dedication, but with persistence, you’ll start dishing out massive damage and overcoming even the toughest foes with ease. Happy parrying!
Elden Ring: Mastering Parry and Riposte
Parry-able Enemies and Bosses
So, you’re diving deep into Elden Ring and looking to up your game with some slick parrying moves. Parrying can be a game-changer, giving you that satisfying feeling of completely turning the tables on your enemies. Not all foes in Elden Ring can be parried, though, so let’s break down which enemies and bosses you can confidently face with your parry skills.
Basic Enemies
Godrick Soldiers
These guys are among the first enemies you encounter. They have pretty predictable attacks which make them perfect for practicing your parries. You’ll find them scattered around Limgrave, especially near the Gatefront Ruins.
Demi-Humans
Demi-Humans appear in several locations, like the Coastal Cave. They are quick but their attacks are straightforward. Watch their arm movements as they often telegraph their slashes quite clearly.
Skeletal Soldiers
These bony warriors are found in dungeons and graveyards. Though they can be creepy, their attacks are pretty slow and easy to read. Just be ready to deal with them rising again after being “killed.”
Intermediate Enemies
Banished Knights
Recognizable by their flowing capes and heavy armor, Banished Knights pack a punch. However, their heavy swings are well-telegraphed, giving you ample time to parry. You’ll encounter them in Stormveil Castle and other key locations.
Misbegotten Warriors
Noticeable with their crude, shaman-like appearance, Misbegotten Warriors have a mix of slashes and stabs. Their aggressive nature makes them a bit tougher to parry, but their attacks are manageable once you get the timing.
Elite Enemies
Crucible Knights
One of the tougher foes, Crucible Knights test your reflexes significantly. Found in various locations, like the Stormhill Evergaol, their disciplined attack patterns can be parried, but it demands near-perfect timing.
Tree Sentinels
These heavily armored knights on horseback may seem unapproachable at first. However, when they dismount (or if you manage to dismount them), their ground attacks can be parried. Just beware of their massive HP pool.
Bosses
Margit, the Fell Omen
The notorious first major boss can actually be parried! While it’s risky, successfully parrying Margit’s swings opens him up for critical hits. Focus on his predictable staff attacks for practice.
Godrick the Grafted
The big bad of Stormveil Castle, Godrick has a few moves you can parry. His giant axe swings are your best bet, but be cautious—his varied attack patterns mean parrying him is a challenge.
Black Knife Assassin
Fast and lethal, Black Knife Assassin appears in several Evergaols. This boss’s swift attacks demand sharp reflexes to pull off a parry, but it’s definitely possible and rewarding.
Morgott, the Omen King
Similar to Margit, Morgott can be parried during select moves. His spear attacks are your best opportunity here, but his diverse move set and higher aggression level make it tough.
Parrying Tips and Tricks
- Timing is Key: Don’t just spam the parry button. Watch your enemy’s movements and learn the rhythm of their attacks.
- Use a Small Shield: Small shields have the quickest parrying animation, making them ideal for beginners.
- Practice in Safe Areas: Start with less dangerous enemies to get the timing down before trying it on bosses.
- Risk vs. Reward: Remember, parrying is risky. Know when to block or dodge instead of always going for that risky parry.
With this guide, you should be better prepared to parry your way through Elden Ring’s challenging world. Happy parrying, Tarnished!
Elden Ring: Mastering Parry and Riposte
Parrying in PvP Combat
Parrying in Elden Ring can be a game-changer, especially in PvP combat. It lets you deflect an opponent’s attack and leave them vulnerable to a devastating counter-attack. If you’re planning to dive into the dangerous world of player-versus-player battles, mastering the parry is essential. Let’s break down how to do it effectively.
Why Parry?
Parrying is risky but rewarding. When you successfully parry an opponent’s attack, you open them up for a riposte, which can deal massive damage. This is particularly handy in PvP where fights can often come down to who can land a critical hit first.
The Basics of Parrying
To parry, you’ll need a shield or weapon that has the parry ability. Here’s how you do it:
- Equip a Shield or Weapon with Parry: Not all shields and weapons can parry, so make sure the one you’re using has this capability. Small shields are often the best for parrying.
- Time It Right: Parrying relies heavily on timing. You need to press the designated parry button (usually LT/L2) just before the enemy’s attack lands. It’s all about timing, so practice makes perfect.
Key Tips for Parrying in PvP
- Learn Opponent Attack Patterns: Every weapon and player has distinct attack patterns. Observing your opponent’s moves can help you predict when to parry.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: PvP can be intense, but staying calm helps you time your parries better. Don’t panic; focus on your opponent’s movements.
- Don’t Spam Parry: Spamming the parry button is a rookie mistake. It leaves you open to attacks. Instead, wait for the right moment.
- Use Practice Matches: Engage in duels to practice your parrying skills without the high stakes of other game modes. Friendly duels with mates can really help improve your timing.
- Play Mind Games: Sometimes, pretending to initiate an attack can prompt your opponent to strike. Use this to bait them into an attack that you can parry.
Weapons and Shields for Parrying
Certain weapons and shields are better suited for parrying in PvP:
- Buckler: This small shield has a higher parry window, making it easier to time your parries.
- Parrying Dagger: As the name suggests, this dagger is designed specifically for parrying. It offers a decent parry window and quick response time.
- Small Shields: Items like the Target Shield also have enhanced parry windows, making them a great choice.
Combining Parry with Riposte
After a successful parry, you’ll see your opponent stagger. This is your moment to strike. Here’s how:
- Parry Cancelling: After you parry, immediately follow up with a light attack (R1/RT). This triggers a riposte and deals massive critical damage.
- Follow Through: Make sure to aim correctly when following up. Sometimes the riposte positioning can be tricky, so practice makes perfect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing Parry: Remember, parrying isn’t always the best option. Over-reliance can make you predictable.
- Ignoring Roll and Dodge: Sometimes, dodging is a safer bet, especially if you’re unsure of your parrying skills.
- Not Adjusting to Latency: In online PvP, lag can mess with your timing. You might need to adjust your parry window slightly to account for any latency.
By integrating these tips into your PvP strategy, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a parry master in Elden Ring. The key is to practice consistently and learn from each encounter. Happy parrying!