Can Any Attack Be Parried in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is no, not every attack in Elden Ring can be parried. While the game offers a robust parry mechanic, allowing skilled players to deflect a wide array of blows, there are crucial limitations. Mastering these limitations is essential for any Tarnished aiming to truly conquer the Lands Between. This article will explore the nuances of parrying in Elden Ring, detailing what can and cannot be parried, and answering common questions players have about this crucial skill.
Parry Mechanics in Elden Ring
What is Parrying?
Parrying, in the context of Elden Ring, is a defensive technique where a player uses a shield to deflect an incoming attack at the right moment. A successful parry will not only negate the damage of the attack but also stagger the enemy, leaving them vulnerable to a critical hit known as a riposte. This makes parrying a powerful, high-risk, high-reward tactic for skilled players.
The Importance of Timing
The timing window for a successful parry is precise. Unlike some other games in the genre, Elden Ring requires a well-timed input just before the attack connects. The timing is notably tighter in Elden Ring compared to Dark Souls 3, making it more challenging to master. This means that reacting to an attack visually is not always enough, often requiring players to anticipate the timing.
Tools for Parrying
It’s crucial to understand that you cannot parry using swords or other weapons. Parrying is only possible by equipping shields that possess the Parry skill. These shields are typically small shields, although some medium shields also offer this skill. The Buckler is often cited as the best shield for parrying due to its generous parry window, despite offering minimal physical protection.
Attacks That Cannot Be Parried
While parrying is versatile, it’s far from universal. Here’s a breakdown of attacks that are generally not parriable in Elden Ring:
Weapon Limitations
- Two-Handed Colossal Weapon Attacks: Attacks from enemies wielding colossal weapons with two hands are almost always unparriable. The sheer force of these attacks is considered too immense to deflect.
- Flails and Whips: Attacks from flails and whips are also not parriable. Their flexible and unpredictable nature makes them difficult to time a parry against.
Attack Types
- Ranged Attacks: Arrows, spells, projectiles, and other ranged attacks are, as a general rule, not parriable. Some exceptions exist in the form of specific shield skills, but these are relatively rare.
- Unarmed/Animal Attacks: Attacks from animals like bears and wolves, as well as unarmed punches, are also not parriable. These typically don’t follow conventional weapon attack patterns.
- Giant Enemy Attacks: In general, attacks from giant enemies are unparriable. Their enormous size and the force of their attacks are simply too much to deflect using the parry mechanic.
Enemy-Specific Attacks
- Certain Boss Attacks: Some boss attacks, particularly those that are highly telegraphed or imbued with special effects, are intentionally designed to be unparriable, forcing players to find other defensive solutions.
- Special/Unique Attacks: Enemies may have unique attacks which can not be parried, even if a similar attack from a standard enemy can. These are often easily telegraphed and require a dodge or block.
Attacks That Can Be Parried
Despite the limitations, a vast array of attacks can be parried. This includes:
- Standard Melee Attacks: Most standard melee attacks from humanoid enemies using swords, axes, spears, and other typical weapons are parriable, especially if they’re using the weapon in one hand.
- Boss Attacks: Surprisingly, many boss attacks are also parriable, including those from challenging foes. Successfully parrying a boss attack can open them up to devastating ripostes.
- Some Enemy Spells and Incantations: While most ranged attacks are unparriable, there are some exceptions with certain enemy spells. The majority of these are non-projectiles, such as certain sweeping magic attacks.
Mastering the Parry
Parrying is not just about knowing what to parry, but also about mastering the technique. Players need to:
- Practice the Timing: It’s crucial to dedicate time to practicing parry timings against various enemy attacks.
- Understand Enemy Attack Patterns: Learning the attack patterns of your foes is paramount, as this allows you to anticipate when to attempt a parry.
- Choose the Right Shield: Experiment with different shields to find one that best suits your playstyle and offers the most forgiving parry window. The Buckler remains a top choice for parrying-focused players.
Conclusion
While not every attack in Elden Ring is parriable, mastering the art of parrying opens up a new layer of strategy and satisfaction in combat. Knowing the limitations and understanding which attacks can be parried allows you to use this powerful defensive technique effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I parry Malenia?
Yes, you can parry Malenia’s attacks, and some players have even defeated her using only parrying. However, her timing is tricky, requiring great skill and precision.
2. Can you parry attacks with colossal weapons?
You cannot parry attacks from enemies wielding colossal weapons with two hands. However, if the enemy uses a colossal weapon with one hand, the attacks can often be parried.
3. Can you parry with a sword?
No, you cannot parry with a sword or any other weapon. You must use a shield with the Parry skill.
4. What is the best shield for parrying?
The Buckler is often regarded as the best shield for parrying due to its larger parry window.
5. Are there other ways to parry besides using a shield?
Some unique weapons and skills provide parry capabilities as part of their move sets, but the vast majority of parrying in Elden Ring will rely on a parry shield.
6. Can you parry ranged attacks?
Ranged attacks are generally unparriable, but some specific shield skills can deflect certain types of projectiles.
7. Is parrying harder in Elden Ring than in other Souls games?
Yes, the parry timing is generally considered tighter in Elden Ring compared to Dark Souls 3, making it more challenging to master.
8. Can you parry the Tree Sentinel?
Yes, many of the Tree Sentinel’s attacks are parriable, but the timing for some, such as its side swipes, can be tricky. Baiting out specific attacks like the charging attack or leap attack can help make them easier to parry.
9. Can I guard counter with colossal weapons?
Yes, guard counters are not dependent on weapon type. Whether using a dagger or a colossal weapon, a successful guard counter will stagger an enemy.
10. Can you parry attacks from animals, like wolves?
No, attacks from animals like wolves and bears are not parriable.
11. Which is the easiest class to start with in Elden Ring?
The Vagabond class is generally considered the easiest for beginners due to its strong starting armor, weapon, and shield.
12. What’s the best class for parrying?
The Samurai class is a good option for players focused on dexterity and parrying due to its starting stats and equipment.
13. Does critical damage affect ripostes after parrying?
Yes, a weapon’s critical damage stat directly affects the damage dealt by ripostes after a successful parry.
14. Who is the first major boss of Elden Ring?
The first major boss encountered in Elden Ring is Margit the Fell Omen, who guards the entrance to Stormveil Castle.
15. Can you parry with the Brass Shield?
The Brass Shield is a Standard Shield that is not primarily designed for parrying, it is primarily good at reducing damage and blocking. While you can parry using this shield, it doesn’t have the larger parry window of a small shield, which makes timing trickier and will only be used by more experienced players.