Can Colossal Swords Be Parried in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
The towering Colossal Swords in Elden Ring are undeniably some of the most imposing weapons in the game, capable of delivering devastating blows to enemies and bosses alike. However, their immense size and power raise a crucial question for any aspiring Elden Lord: Can they be parried?
The short and direct answer is: No, not typically. When wielded two-handed, Colossal Swords cannot be parried by the player or an opponent. This rule also applies to enemies wielding these massive weapons two-handed. This crucial limitation impacts combat strategies, making understanding parry mechanics imperative, particularly when facing or using colossal weapons.
Understanding Parry Mechanics in Elden Ring
Before delving further, let’s clarify what parrying means within the context of Elden Ring. Parrying is a defensive maneuver that involves using a shield or specific weapon skill to deflect an incoming attack at the right moment. A successful parry leaves the attacker vulnerable, allowing for a devastating critical hit called a riposte. However, not all attacks can be parried, and weapon type significantly influences the outcome.
Why Colossal Swords Are Difficult to Parry
Several factors contribute to the inability to parry Colossal Swords when two-handed:
- Size and Momentum: Colossal Swords are incredibly large and have considerable momentum when swung. The sheer force behind these attacks makes them extremely difficult to deflect. The game mechanics reflect this reality, preventing most attempts to parry these powerful blows.
- Two-Handed Stance: The two-handed grip increases the power of these attacks, making them unsuitable for parrying. This game mechanic is deliberate, encouraging a more aggressive or defensive playstyle depending on the weapon grip.
- Balancing Act: The inability to parry two-handed colossal sword attacks helps balance the game, preventing players from easily exploiting these powerful weapons. This balance is intentional to keep combat engaging and challenging.
Single-Handed Colossal Swords: The Exception
Interestingly, while two-handed colossal weapon attacks can’t be parried, single-handed attacks with colossal weapons are parryable. This detail highlights the nuance in Elden Ring’s combat. If you’re fighting an enemy wielding a colossal sword single-handedly, you can attempt to parry their attacks. However, many players find it more practical to avoid attacks altogether rather than trying to parry the slow, albeit heavy, single-handed swings of a colossal weapon.
Other Unparryable Attacks
It’s also important to know that there are other attacks and weapons that cannot be parried in Elden Ring, regardless of whether you are using a colossal sword or not. These include:
- Jump Attacks: Any jump attacks are unparryable. These attacks are designed to be disruptive, making parrying impractical.
- Charged Attacks: Similarly, charged attacks from greatswords and greataxes cannot be parried. These attacks require careful timing, and attempts to parry would fail.
- Whips and Flails: Attacks from whips and flails are designed to be unpredictable and cannot be parried by any method.
- Ranged Attacks: Arrows, bolts, and other ranged projectiles are not parryable except with specific skills designed for projectile deflection.
- Most Two-Handed Weapon Attacks: While not a universal rule, most heavy weapons when used two-handed cannot be parried.
- Specific Enemy Attacks: Attacks from large enemies like Trolls and Golems cannot be parried.
Colossal Weapons: Powerful but Vulnerable
Despite their parry limitations, Colossal Swords remain incredibly powerful, capable of staggering enemies and dealing substantial damage. They offer unique strengths, including crowd control and staggering larger foes, making them valuable if wielded properly. However, their slow attack speed demands careful planning and strategic use to compensate for their vulnerabilities.
Guard Counters with Colossal Weapons
While you might not be parrying with a Colossal Sword, you can effectively use guard counters. Guard counters are performed by blocking an attack and then immediately following up with a heavy attack. The effectiveness of a guard counter is not determined by the weapon type; meaning, you can stagger enemies with guard counters with any weapon, including colossal weapons.
Dual-Wielding Colossal Weapons
A notable aspect of Colossal Weapons is the ability to dual wield them. This play style can significantly increase your damage output, making these weapons even more formidable. Certain combinations, like the Giant-Crusher and Prelate’s Inferno Crozier, are particularly effective for dual wielding. This approach can compensate for the limitations with parrying by focusing on pure, overwhelming damage.
Viability of Colossal Weapons
Colossal weapons in Elden Ring are very viable. Despite their limitations, their strengths are significant. The key is to upgrade them, focus on strength-based builds, and use the right talismans to maximize equip load and reduce the disadvantages of their weight. While they require a strategic approach, their impact on the battlefield is undeniable.
FAQs About Parrying and Colossal Weapons in Elden Ring
1. Can you parry two-handed colossal weapon attacks?
No, you cannot parry two-handed attacks from colossal weapons in Elden Ring.
2. Can you parry a colossal weapon with another colossal weapon?
No, you cannot parry with a colossal weapon or parry a colossal weapon while it is being wielded in a two-handed manner.
3. Can I parry attacks from single-handed colossal weapons?
Yes, you can parry attacks from single-handed colossal weapons.
4. Are there any specific skills that allow you to parry colossal weapon attacks?
There are no specific skills or items that allow you to parry a two-handed colossal weapon attack.
5. What other attacks can’t be parried in Elden Ring?
Unparryable attacks include jump attacks, charged attacks, whip and flail attacks, ranged attacks, attacks from Trolls and Golems, and most two-handed weapon attacks.
6. Can you put “Bloody Slash” on a Colossal Sword?
No, “Bloody Slash” cannot be used on colossal swords.
7. Which is the best Colossal Sword to start with in Elden Ring?
The Greatsword and the Zweihander are excellent starting choices for Colossal Weapons, often found early in the game. The Starscourge Greatsword is also a top choice but is obtained later.
8. What are some good Talismans for a Colossal Weapon Build?
The Great-Jar’s Arsenal is essential for increasing equip load, allowing for heavier armor and weapons. Other strong choices are Radagon Icon, Rotten Winged Sword Insignia, and Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman.
9. What is the most overpowered Colossal Weapon?
The Starscourge Greatsword is often considered one of the most overpowered Colossal Weapons in the game.
10. Can you dual wield colossal weapons in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can dual wield colossal weapons. The Giant-Crusher and Prelate’s Inferno Crozier are considered one of the best dual-wield options.
11. Is the Godslayer’s Greatsword a colossal weapon?
Yes, the Godslayer’s Greatsword is a colossal weapon, scaling primarily with Dexterity and Faith.
12. Are Colossal Weapons slow?
Yes, Colossal Weapons are known for being slow, but they also inflict substantial damage and have powerful stagger potential.
13. What is the fastest strength-based weapon in Elden Ring?
The Beastman’s Cleaver is a relatively fast strength weapon due to its lower equip load compared to other strength weapons.
14. Is it viable to beat Elden Ring with just Parries and Ripostes?
While challenging, it is possible to beat the game primarily using parries and ripostes, especially if you choose weapons suitable for this strategy. However, you need to know the parryable attacks. This approach becomes even harder if you want to use colossal weapons because the attacks are mostly not parryable.
15. Is it possible to parry with a Colossal weapon?
You cannot parry with a colossal weapon. However, you can still guard counter attacks after blocking.
Conclusion
While Colossal Swords may not be the best choice for a parry-focused playstyle, their immense power and potential for dual wielding make them a formidable weapon type in Elden Ring. Understanding their limitations and strengths is key to success on your journey to become Elden Lord.