Can Colossal Greatswords Be Parried in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of whether colossal greatswords can be parried in Elden Ring is a crucial one for any player mastering the game’s combat system. The short answer is: No, you cannot parry the majority of attacks from a two-handed colossal greatsword. However, the nuances of Elden Ring’s combat mechanics mean the complete picture is more complex. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Understanding Parry Mechanics in Elden Ring
Before we address colossal greatswords directly, it’s important to understand the basics of parrying in Elden Ring. Parrying is a defensive maneuver that, when timed correctly, deflects an incoming attack, leaving the attacker vulnerable for a critical strike. This is typically achieved using a shield (especially small shields like the Buckler) or certain weapon skills. The success of a parry depends heavily on timing and the specific attack type. Not all attacks are parryable, and different weapon types have different rules regarding their parryability.
Attacks That Cannot Be Parried
Several attack types are inherently unparryable. These include:
- Two-handed attacks from colossal weapons: This is the central focus of this article and a cornerstone of Elden Ring’s combat balance.
- Jumping Attacks: All jumping attacks, regardless of weapon type, cannot be parried.
- Charged attacks from certain weapons like greatswords and greataxes.
- Flails and Whips: Attacks from these weapon types are generally unparryable.
- Ranged attacks: Arrows and bolts cannot be parried (except with specific skills).
- Attacks from extremely large enemies or bosses.
- Shield bash attacks: These are generally immune to parries.
Colossal Greatswords and Parry Rules
Colossal weapons in Elden Ring are defined by their immense size, damage output, and, crucially, their unparryable two-handed moveset. When wielded two-handed, standard R1 attacks (light attacks), rolling R1s, running attacks and other similar movements from colossal greatswords cannot be parried. This is a deliberate design choice that gives these heavy weapons a unique offensive advantage, making them incredibly dangerous in the hands of a skilled player.
The inability to parry most colossal greatsword attacks is intended to balance their high damage output and poise damage. This means if you’re facing an opponent wielding a two-handed colossal greatsword, relying on parries will likely result in your demise. Instead, players must learn to dodge, block, or use other defensive strategies to avoid these devastating attacks. The lack of parry window significantly changes the risk-reward analysis for players wielding this weapon category, encouraging an aggressive playstyle.
Exceptions and Nuances
While the general rule stands, a crucial note to keep in mind is that some attacks might be parryable if the Colossal weapon is used one-handed, though this dramatically reduces the weapon’s effectiveness and is rarely seen in higher-level gameplay. It’s worth experimenting, though as a rule of thumb, it’s safer to assume the 2H colossal moveset is unparryable.
Additionally, certain weapon skills like Golden Parry can enhance parry windows, but they still do not break the fundamental rules around parrying two-handed colossal weapons. The benefit of Golden Parry is making it easier to land the parry on weapons that are parryable, but it does not alter the basic logic on what can or cannot be parried.
Why Colossal Weapons Are Unparryable
The inability to parry colossal weapons adds an important layer of strategic depth to Elden Ring’s combat. It forces players to adapt their defensive tactics. Rather than relying solely on parry counters, players must consider utilizing movement, spacing, and other defensive skills. This promotes a diverse combat experience and a constant evolution of player strategies, which is a key component to From Software’s gameplay design.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some additional questions that players often have regarding parrying in Elden Ring, specifically as it relates to colossal greatswords and other similar weapons:
1. Are all colossal weapons unparryable?
Yes, almost all two-handed attacks from colossal weapons are unparryable. This includes greatswords, great hammers, and other weapons that fall into the “colossal” category when wielded in a two-handed fashion.
2. Can I parry a running attack from a colossal greatsword?
No. Running attacks with a two-handed colossal greatsword are not parryable.
3. Can you parry a jumping attack with any weapon?
No, all jumping attacks, regardless of the weapon type, are inherently unparryable.
4. Can I parry a rolling R1 attack from a colossal greatsword?
No, rolling attacks of two-handed colossal weapons cannot be parried.
5. Can you parry a one-handed colossal greatsword?
Potentially, but it’s less effective and less common as one handed usage of colossal weapons sacrifices damage and range for the very small chance of being parried. Most players would be better suited to dodging.
6. Are two-handed greatswords parryable?
Yes, regular two-handed greatswords are parryable, as long as they are not the “Ultra” category variant. The defining difference between a greatsword and an ultra/colossal greatsword in Elden Ring is their respective parry-ability when 2-handed.
7. What is the best shield for parrying?
The Buckler is often considered the best shield for parrying due to its generous parry window. It makes parrying a more consistent and forgiving process compared to other shields.
8. Can I parry Malenia?
Yes, Malenia has several attacks that are parryable, but many of her most dangerous attacks are unparryable.
9. Is the Godslayer Greatsword a colossal weapon?
Yes, the Godslayer’s Greatsword is a colossal greatsword meaning its attacks are largely unparryable when used two-handed.
10. Can you parry with the Golden Parry skill?
Yes, Golden Parry makes parrying easier by increasing the parry window, but it still doesn’t make unparryable attacks parryable.
11. Can you guard counter a colossal weapon attack?
Yes, guard counters can be performed after blocking an attack and are very effective on most enemies regardless of your equipped weapon.
12. Are there any enemies that cannot be parried?
Yes, many enemies have unparryable attacks, especially those with large size, two-handed weapons, and those using heavy physical attacks. This includes giants, large knights, and bosses.
13. Can you parry curved greatswords?
Yes, curved greatswords can be parried, unlike colossal greatswords, though they may be difficult for some to learn.
14. Is Zweihander an ultra greatsword?
No, the Zweihander is considered a standard greatsword, not an ultra (colossal) greatsword, meaning its attacks when 2H wielded are parryable.
15. What is the difference between a greatsword and an ultra greatsword (colossal greatsword)?
The main difference is their classification and relative parryability when wielded two-handed. A greatsword can be parried, while an ultra/colossal greatsword cannot be parried when 2H wielded. Ultra/colossal variants often have greater damage and stagger potential than regular greatswords.
Conclusion
Understanding the nuances of parry mechanics, especially as it relates to colossal greatswords, is crucial for mastering Elden Ring’s challenging combat. While the vast majority of two-handed attacks from colossal greatswords cannot be parried, recognizing this will help you adapt your strategy and survive in the Lands Between. Instead of relying on parries against colossal weapon users, focus on dodging, spacing, and other forms of defense to overcome these powerful opponents.