Are Colossal Swords Parryable in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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The towering, earth-shattering power of colossal swords in Elden Ring is undeniable. These behemoths of weaponry offer devastating blows and stagger potential, making them a favorite for strength-focused builds. However, their massive size often raises a crucial question among players: can colossal swords be parried? The short answer is it’s complicated, but mostly no, especially when wielded two-handed. Let’s delve into the details to fully understand parrying dynamics against these massive weapons.
Two-Handed Colossal Swords: The Parry Blockade
The core issue lies in the two-handed moveset of colossal weapons. While one-handed attacks from colossal swords can indeed be parried, the situation drastically changes when the user grips the weapon with both hands. When wielded with two hands, most of their attacks, including rolling R1’s and running attacks, become unparryable. This is a fundamental design choice within Elden Ring, adding a layer of risk and reward to using these heavy weapons.
Why the Difference?
The distinction between one-handed and two-handed stances is critical. When wielding one-handed, the colossal sword is handled with more finesse, creating openings for a well-timed parry. In contrast, the two-handed stance emphasizes raw power and wide sweeping attacks, making them more difficult to intercept with a parry. This design encourages players to strategize and adapt their defensive tactics when facing a colossal sword user.
Exceptions and Nuances
While the general rule of thumb is that two-handed colossal sword attacks are unparryable, there are some exceptions to consider. For example, some colossal swords may possess weapon arts or special attacks that are parryable. These instances are rare, however, and should not be relied upon as a primary strategy.
It’s also important to note the distinction between a parry and a guard counter. Although both are defensive maneuvers, they work differently. Guard counters, which are performed after a successful block, are a reliable response to many enemy attacks, including colossal weapons, but are not related to parrying.
Other Unparryable Attacks in Elden Ring
Colossal swords aren’t the only attacks you cannot parry. Here are other categories of attacks and weapons that you cannot parry:
- Jump Attacks: Regardless of the weapon used, jump attacks are fundamentally unparryable.
- Whips: Attacks from whips are unparryable, although they do not deal critical damage.
- Flails: Similar to whips, flails are unparryable.
- Ranged Attacks: Most ranged attacks, such as arrows or spells, cannot be parried, with the exception of skills that specifically allow for it (like Carian Retaliation).
- Animal Attacks: Attacks from creatures like wolves and bears are usually unparryable.
Skills and Weapon Arts
Some specific weapon skills and arts may allow for a parry even when normally they couldn’t. For example, some shields possess unique parrying arts. However, be aware that most of these skills will not change the parry behavior of two-handed colossal weapons, even when used by you against them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that should further clarify the parry mechanics in Elden Ring, especially regarding colossal weapons.
1. Can you parry all attacks from a colossal sword when wielded one-handed?
Yes, all one-handed attacks from a colossal sword are parryable. The timing can be a bit more challenging due to the size and speed of the weapon, but it’s definitely possible.
2. What about dual-wielding colossal swords, are those attacks parryable?
Dual-wielded colossal swords can become a parryable nightmare for the person using them. While wielding them, they attack like a single two handed weapon, meaning they are unparryable.
3. What is the best shield for parrying in Elden Ring?
The Buckler is widely considered the best parry shield in Elden Ring due to its forgiving parry window. It makes timing your parries much more consistent.
4. Can I parry Malenia, the Blade of Miquella?
Yes, Malenia’s attacks are parryable, and in fact, skilled players have defeated her using only the parry mechanic.
5. What is a guard counter, and is it a parry?
A guard counter is not a parry. It’s a counter-attack performed after a successful block. It’s a powerful tool but doesn’t have the same timing requirements as a parry.
6. Does the Golden Parry Ash of War make parrying easier?
Yes, the Golden Parry Ash of War infuses your shield with Erdtree Incantation, making the parry window wider and easier to land.
7. Why is parrying so difficult in Elden Ring compared to previous Souls games?
The parry window in Elden Ring is significantly shorter than in games like Dark Souls 3, requiring more precise timing. This makes parrying a more challenging but rewarding skill to master.
8. Can you parry whip attacks?
No, whip attacks are unparryable, making them a unique weapon type that demands different defensive strategies.
9. Is the Zweihander a colossal weapon, and can its two-handed attacks be parried?
Yes, the Zweihander is a colossal sword, and like other colossal swords, its two-handed attacks cannot be parried.
10. Are there any Talismans that improve parrying?
While there aren’t Talismans that specifically improve parry timing, the Marika’s Soreseal or Scarseal Talismans provide a boost to your attributes which may indirectly make parrying a little easier if you invest more into arcane, faith or intellect. However, there aren’t any talisman that directly improve parry timing or effectiveness.
11. Can you use weapon skills to parry in Elden Ring?
Some weapons and shields possess skills or arts, like Carian Retaliation, that can be used for parrying, though it’s not standard on most weapons.
12. What is the difference between a parry and a deflect?
In Elden Ring, there’s no explicit “deflect” mechanic as in games like Sekiro. The equivalent action is the guard counter. Deflect mechanics in other games allow for a perfect block that can lead to a posture break, while parrying in Elden Ring leads to a riposte.
13. Do other unique attacks or weapon arts make a colossal sword attack parryable?
While some unique attacks can change behavior, it is rare for a weapon art to make a two-handed colossal sword attack parryable. Generally, stick to the rule that two-handed colossal sword attacks are not parryable.
14. Do colossal swords benefit from guard counters?
Yes, colossal swords can use guard counters just like any other weapon, and they often do considerable damage, making them a good strategy against aggressive enemies.
15. What if the colossal sword has a unique skill like “Bloody Slash”?
While “Bloody Slash” is a powerful ability, it does not change the parry status of the colossal sword. Two-handed attacks with a colossal sword are still unparryable, with or without unique skills.
Conclusion
The parrying mechanics in Elden Ring, especially concerning colossal swords, can be nuanced. While one-handed attacks are parryable, the two-handed moveset of colossal weapons presents a significant challenge due to its unparryable nature. Understanding these dynamics is vital for mastering both offensive and defensive strategies in Elden Ring. By being aware of which attacks can and cannot be parried, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the dangers of the Lands Between and conquer even the most formidable foes.