Elden Ring: Mastering Parry With The Buckler

Elden Ring, the expansive action RPG, features combat scenarios. Parrying, a key defensive technique, allows players to deflect enemy attacks. The Buckler, a small shield, enhances parrying capabilities due to its quicker parry frames. The timing of the parry is crucial; players must activate the parry skill just before an enemy’s attack lands to stagger them, opening them up for a critical riposte.

Mastering the Art of the Parry: From Zero to Hero in Blocking Bad Guys!

Alright, buckle up, Tarnished, because we’re diving headfirst into the wonderful world of parrying! Forget button-mashing your way to victory – we’re talking finesse, timing, and turning your enemy’s aggression against them. In a nutshell, parrying is that sweet spot where you deflect an incoming attack with perfect timing, leaving your opponent wide open for a counter-attack. Think of it as the ultimate “no u” in combat!

But wait, isn’t blocking good enough? Or what about just rolling away like a scaredy-cat? Well, while those options are definitely safer, parrying is where the real magic happens. It’s all about risk versus reward. Blocking soaks up damage, dodging keeps you out of harm’s way, but parrying? Parrying not only negates damage but also creates a prime opportunity to dish out some serious pain. It’s like saying, “Nice try, buddy, but I’m about to make you regret that swing.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sounds hard!” And you’re not wrong. It takes practice, patience, and a whole lot of getting your face smashed in at first. But trust me, once you start nailing those parries, you’ll feel like a total badass. It’s like unlocking a secret power, transforming you from a flailing newbie into a graceful warrior. The feeling of redirecting a massive blow from a hulking knight and watching them stumble is just… chef’s kiss.

And that’s the key, isn’t it? Mastering the parry isn’t just about defense; it’s about opening up your offensive game. It adds a whole new layer of strategy to combat, turning those previously insurmountable foes into opportunities for glorious, critical hits. So, if you’re ready to ditch the panic rolls and embrace the art of the perfect riposte, then get ready to level up your skills and become a parrying prodigy!

Choosing Your Parry Tools: Shields, Ashes, and Weapons

So, you wanna be a parry master, huh? Well, you’re gonna need the right tools for the job! Luckily, Elden Ring gives you plenty of options to choose from. It’s not all just roll, roll, roll! Let’s dive into the glorious world of parry implements.

Shields: The Classic Parry Option

Ah, the humble shield! A trusty companion for any adventurer, but did you know it’s also a parrying powerhouse? You’ve got a few flavors to choose from here, each with its own pros and cons.

• Small Shields: These bad boys are all about speed. They have the fastest parry frames, meaning you have a bigger window to land that perfect parry. However, they require a skilled hand and precise timing. Not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.
• Bucklers: Now we’re talking! Bucklers come with a special skill called “Buckler Parry.” This skill is lightning fast and has a very distinct animation, making it easier to learn the timing. Think of it as the training wheels of parrying. It screams, “I’m about to parry you!”.
• Medium Shields: The middle-of-the-road option. They offer a decent balance between defense and parrying capability. They’re not as fast as small shields, but they can still block a blow if you mess up the timing. A solid choice for those who want a little more forgiveness.

Ashes of War: Customizing Your Parry

Want to add some flair to your parrying game? Ashes of War are here to save the day! These little gems can be applied to your shield (or weapon, in some cases) to grant you different parry skills.

• Parry (Ash of War): This is your basic, no-frills parry skill. You can find it early in the game, so it’s a great option to start with. It gets the job done, but there are flashier options out there.
• Golden Parry: Ah, the Golden Parry! This Ash of War extends your parry range, making it more forgiving for those who struggle with timing. It’s fantastic for beginners or for fighting fast enemies that are hard to predict. It makes it look pretty too!
• Carian Retaliation: This one’s a bit different. Instead of directly parrying an attack, it absorbs incoming magic and then unleashes it back at your foe. It’s a great way to create distance and punish those pesky spellcasters. Style points awarded.
• Storm Wall: More of a deflection than a parry, but still super useful! Storm Wall creates a gust of wind that deflects projectiles. This is perfect for dealing with annoying archers or mages who like to spam spells from afar.

Weapons: Parry with a Blade

Wait, you can parry with a weapon? You betcha! Some weapons, like the Estoc, can be equipped with parry skills, allowing you to mix offense and defense.

• Estoc: This thrusting sword is a favorite among those who like to stay nimble on their feet. The Estoc’s ability to equip parry skills offers a unique blend of offense and defense, allowing you to punish your enemies with both blade and parry.

Understanding Parry Mechanics: Timing, Frames, and Stats

Alright, so you’ve got your shield (or ash, or fancy weapon) at the ready. Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of *how this whole parrying thing actually works.* It’s not just about mashing a button and hoping for the best; there’s a bit of rhythm and strategy involved. Think of it like learning a dance, but instead of a partner, you’ve got a bloodthirsty knight swinging a massive sword at your face. Fun, right?

Timing is Everything: Mastering Parry Frames

This is the real key to becoming a parry god (or goddess!). It’s not enough to just block at the general direction of an attack. You need to time your parry perfectly, right as the enemy’s weapon is about to connect with you. This sweet spot is called the “parry frame” – a tiny, fleeting moment where if you hit that parry button, magic happens.

Think of it like this: Imagine someone throwing a ball at you. You don’t just hold up your glove and hope it hits. You watch the ball, anticipate its trajectory, and then snap your glove closed just as it arrives. Parrying is the same, but with a lot more potential for getting your face smashed if you mess up.

The best way to nail this timing? Practice, practice, practice! Find some predictable enemies (we’ll talk about those later) and just focus on getting the timing down. Don’t worry about winning; just worry about deflecting those attacks. Once you start to get a feel for the rhythm, you’ll be parrying like a pro in no time.

Stat Influence: Dexterity, Load, and Stamina

Okay, so timing is crucial, but your character’s stats and equipment also play a role in how smoothly your parries go. Let’s break it down:

• Dexterity: This is your “get out of jail free” card. Higher dexterity can speed up your recovery after a failed parry. So, if you mistime your block and end up eating a sword sandwich, you’ll be able to roll away faster.
• Equipment Load: Ever tried to dance in lead boots? That’s basically what heavy equipment load does to your parrying. The heavier your gear, the slower your recovery. Manage your weight for optimal agility.
• Stamina Management: Both blocking and parrying chew through your stamina bar. Spamming the parry button is a quick way to wind yourself. Strategic use is essential. A well-timed parry can save you stamina compared to continuous blocking, but whiffing a parry will leave you gassed and vulnerable. Don’t overextend yourself!

Identifying Parryable Foes: Know Your Enemy

Okay, so you’ve got your shield (or ash, or weapon!) and you’re itching to deflect some blows. But before you go wildly parrying everything in sight, a little intel is key. Not every enemy is created equal when it comes to parrying. Trust me, you don’t want to be that Tarnished trying to parry a dragon’s foot…it won’t end well. Let’s break down who you can and definitely cannot parry.

Common Parryable Enemy Types

Think of parrying like a dance – it works best when your partner has some rhythm. Generally, humanoid enemies are your best bet. Why? Because they tend to have more predictable attack patterns. Less flailing, more readable tells. These are the folks you’ll want to focus on when you’re starting out:

• Godrick Soldiers: These guys are basically the training dummies of the Lands Between. They’re easy to find, their attacks are pretty straightforward, and they’re just begging to be parried. Seriously, use them. They’re perfect for getting a feel for the timing. Consider them your personal parry instructors!

• Knights: A step up from the soldiers, Knights are still relatively common and have parryable attacks. The timing might be a little trickier, but they’re excellent practice for honing your skills against more formidable opponents. Plus, taking down a Knight with perfectly timed parries? Chef’s kiss!

• Invading NPCs: Now we’re talking! These guys are a serious challenge, but the reward for parrying them is immense bragging rights. Invading NPCs often have unique weapons and tricky attack patterns, so mastering your parries against them is a real badge of honor. Just be prepared to die…a lot.

Unparryable Enemies and Bosses

Alright, brace yourself for some potentially disappointing news. Not everything that moves can be parried. Some enemies are just too big, too strong, or too…well, just too much. Trying to parry them is like trying to stop a train with a toothpick. Here’s the deal:

• Large enemies: Giants, trolls, dragons – if it’s significantly bigger than you, chances are you can’t parry it. Their attacks are often sweeping and powerful, designed to crush rather than be deflected.

• Enemies with specific attack types: Some enemies have attacks that are explicitly unparryable. This might be because the attack is imbued with magic, uses a weapon that’s too massive, or is simply a grab attack. Keep an eye out for these and adjust your strategy accordingly.

  • (Note: Specific examples of unparryable enemies and bosses depend on the game. Look for those hefty weapons and magical attacks.)

• Bosses (Mostly): Okay, this one hurts. Many bosses cannot be parried at all. Some only allow parrying on specific attacks. You’ll need to experiment and find the right opening.

The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment, but also don’t bang your head against a wall trying to parry something that’s clearly not meant to be parried. Observe your enemies, learn their attack patterns, and figure out which ones are ripe for a perfectly timed deflection. Your survival (and your sanity) will thank you.

The Sweet, Sweet Payoff: Stance Breaking and Critical Hits

Okay, so you’ve been practicing your parries, your fingers are aching, and you’re starting to see those enemy attack patterns in your dreams. But trust me, all that sweat and maybe a few tears are about to pay off big time. Because landing a successful parry isn’t just about looking cool (though, let’s be honest, it’s mostly about that). It’s about turning the tables and absolutely wrecking your opponent. Let’s see the details of breaking stances and unleashing those critical hits.

Breaking Their Stance: Vulnerability is Key

Think of it like this: every enemy has a poise meter, a hidden bar that measures their balance. When you parry, you’re not just deflecting an attack, you’re shattering their poise. A successful parry leads directly to a broken stance, leaving your foe in a state of utter vulnerability. This is when they’re at your mercy! How do you know when you’ve broken their stance? Look for the telltale signs: they might stagger violently, kneel in defeat, or just generally look like they’ve realized they made a huge mistake challenging you. This is your golden opportunity!

Unleashing the Critical Hit: Time to Punish!

A broken stance is your invitation to deal massive damage. It’s time to unleash the critical hit, also known as a riposte. This special attack deals tremendous damage, often enough to finish off weaker enemies in a single blow, and seriously wound even the toughest of foes. But here’s the catch: you can’t just wildly swing your weapon.

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Positioning is absolutely key. You need to be directly in front of your staggered enemy to trigger the critical hit animation. Think of it like performing surgery on a monster (a very violent and stabby surgery, admittedly). Get behind them or to the side, and you’ll just do a regular attack and miss out on all that juicy damage. Line yourself up, hit that attack button, and revel in the glory of a perfectly executed critical hit. The sound, the animation, the damage – it’s all so satisfying! Mastering the parry isn’t just about defense; it’s about setting up the ultimate offensive strike. Get out there, break some stances, and unleash those critical hits!

Training Grounds: Level Up Your Parry Game!

Okay, so you’re ready to become a parry god. That’s awesome! But even the most skilled warriors need a place to practice, right? Think of it like this: you wouldn’t walk into a boss fight without knowing the boss’s moveset, and you definitely shouldn’t expect to parry flawlessly without some dedicated training time. Let’s get you acquainted with some prime real estate for honing those reflexes.

Recommended Training Locations

First up, we have the classic…

Gatefront Ruins: The Bootcamp for Beginners

Seriously, if you’re just starting out, head straight to Gatefront Ruins. This place is practically a parry playground. Why? Because it’s absolutely crawling with Godrick Soldiers, and these guys are like the training dummies of the Lands Between. Their attack patterns are relatively predictable, their health pools aren’t massive, and they’re plentiful. Plus, failing here doesn’t sting too much, so you can focus on learning without constant fear of dying.

Beyond the Gatefront: Expanding Your Horizons

Once you’ve gotten a good handle on parrying those poor soldiers (sorry, guys!), it’s time to graduate to more challenging foes. Keep an eye out for areas with:

• Knights: These guys will test your timing with their varied attack patterns.
• Other Humanoid Enemies: Experiment with different enemy types to learn new tells and timings. The more diverse your practice, the better prepared you’ll be for unexpected encounters.
• Liurnia of the Lakes: As you progress, consider areas like Liurnia of the Lakes, which offers a variety of enemies with slightly more complex attack patterns, providing a good step up in difficulty.

Practice Drills: From Zero to Hero!

Now, let’s talk about specific drills you can do to maximize your training efficiency. Don’t just run around mindlessly swinging your shield. Be deliberate!

• The First Attack Parry: Focus solely on parrying the very first attack a Godrick Soldier throws your way. Don’t worry about winning the fight; just concentrate on nailing that initial parry. Repeat this until it becomes second nature.
• The Delayed Attack Drill: Some enemies have attacks with a slight delay before they strike. Practice anticipating these delays and timing your parry accordingly.
• The Multi-Enemy Parry: Once you’re feeling confident, try parrying in situations with multiple enemies. This will help you learn to prioritize threats and manage your stamina effectively.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if you fail repeatedly at first. Keep at it, and you’ll be parrying like a pro in no time!

So, there you have it! Parry your way to victory in Elden Ring. It might take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. Now get out there and show those bosses who’s boss!