Can the Fume Ultra Greatsword Be Parried? A Deep Dive

The question of whether the Fume Ultra Greatsword can be parried is a surprisingly complex one, frequently debated within the Dark Souls community. The short answer, based on the general mechanics of Dark Souls games, is: no, the Fume Ultra Greatsword cannot be parried in its two-handed state, and generally cannot be parried at all. While it shares similarities with other large weapons, its classification as an Ultra Greatsword is crucial, and this weapon type has specific parry restrictions. This article will delve into why this is the case and explore the nuances of parrying in relation to this formidable weapon, alongside some related FAQs.

The Unparriable Nature of Ultra Greatswords

In the Dark Souls series, weapon parrying is a core mechanic, allowing skilled players to deflect enemy attacks and open them up to devastating ripostes. However, not all attacks are parriable. The general rule of thumb, especially for Dark Souls 2 where the Fume Ultra Greatsword is prominent, is that two-handed colossal weapons, including Ultra Greatswords, cannot be parried. This holds true for the Fume Ultra Greatsword.

While there can be some apparent confusion based on specific cases, and the odd mention that two-handed Ultra Greatswords can be parried, the overall consensus and gameplay experience confirm that attempting to parry a two-handed attack from this weapon will most likely result in the player taking a full hit. This exception to normal parrying rules makes the Fume Ultra Greatsword, and other weapons like it, powerful and difficult to counter with a parry focused strategy.

Why is the Fume Ultra Greatsword Exceptionally Hard to Parry?

The primary reason why the Fume Ultra Greatsword cannot be parried lies in its classification as an Ultra Greatsword. This classification dictates the weapon’s size, weight, and attack patterns. These factors contribute to:

• Colossal Size and Weight: Ultra Greatswords, like the Fume Ultra Greatsword, are incredibly large and heavy weapons. Their swings carry immense momentum, making them difficult to deflect with a standard parry. The impact is too significant to easily manage with a smaller parrying tool.
• Two-Handed Use: Generally, to wield such a weapon effectively, players use a two-handed grip. Two-handed attacks from colossal weapons are universally unparriable, adding an element of risk and reward when using these massive weapons.
• Attack Animation and Speed: The slow, deliberate animations of Ultra Greatsword attacks, though providing opportunities for dodging, also make them more resistant to parry. The power of each blow makes it unsuitable for precise deflections.
• Game Mechanics: Game mechanics reinforce this rule. The developers designed Ultra Greatswords to be more difficult to parry, rewarding the user with powerful attacks but also a degree of risk against skilled opponents using dodges and spacing.

One-Handed Fume Ultra Greatsword Considerations

Although wielding the Fume Ultra Greatsword in one hand is possible, that doesn’t change its parry mechanics. Generally, the game treats an Ultra Greatsword in the same way regardless of whether it’s wielded in one or two hands: it’s unparriable by a normal parry. The exception is if the weapon is being used in a special attack that may be parried, but that exception is not specific to one-handed or two-handed wielding.

Parryable Attacks: The Alternatives

While the Fume Ultra Greatsword itself cannot be parried, it’s crucial to understand what can be parried, and to know what else to do when facing the weapon. Here are a few notes:

• Standard Greatswords: Unlike Ultra Greatswords, standard Greatswords, when used in one-handed attacks, are usually parriable. However, charged attacks or two-handed attacks from a standard greatsword are still not parriable.
• Rapiers and Daggers: Weapons like Rapiers and Daggers are specifically designed for parrying, and can deflect certain attacks with good timing.
• Other Weapon Types: Generally, Flails and Whips cannot be parried. Curved Greatswords can often be parried.
• Jumping and Running Attacks: You cannot parry jumping attacks, running attacks and crouching attacks from any weapons.
• Ranged attacks: Ranged attacks are generally unparriable, except with special skills.
• Enemy Types: Some giant enemies or those using very large weapons cannot be parried due to their size and power.

Adapting When Facing a Fume Ultra Greatsword

Instead of relying on parries, players facing a Fume Ultra Greatsword should adopt different tactics:

• Dodging: Focusing on dodging attacks, using rolls and dashes, is highly effective for avoiding the slow, sweeping attacks of the Fume Ultra Greatsword.
• Spacing: Maintaining distance from the opponent is crucial. This lets you bait out attacks and find opportunities to counter after their long windups.
• Faster Weapons: Utilizing faster, more agile weapons can allow for quick attacks and hit-and-run tactics, making it harder for the Fume Ultra Greatsword to land hits.
• Shields: Blocking with a shield, especially one with high stability, can help mitigate the massive damage from the Fume Ultra Greatsword.
• Backstabs: Circling your opponent and setting up a backstab is a viable strategy to exploit its slow movement.
• Playing Against The Attack: The best counter to any large swing is to simply side step it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you parry a two-handed Ultra Greatsword in Dark Souls?

No, two-handed attacks from Ultra Greatswords cannot be parried. This is a fundamental rule of the Dark Souls mechanics.

2. Can you parry a one-handed Ultra Greatsword?

Generally, Ultra Greatswords cannot be parried, even when wielded in one hand.

3. Can a dagger parry a greatsword?

Yes, a dagger can parry a greatsword, especially when wielded one-handed, but timing and position must be precise.

4. Can you parry curved greatswords?

Yes, Curved Greatswords are typically parriable.

5. Can you parry a running or jumping attack?

No, running or jumping attacks from any weapon cannot be parried.

6. What weapons cannot be parried?

Flails, Whips, and two-handed colossal weapons (including Ultra Greatswords) cannot be parried. Also, many charged attacks are unparriable.

7. Can you parry with a greatsword?

Yes, you can parry with a greatsword if you are wielding it one-handed and the attack is parryable.

8. Can you parry with the Zweihander?

The Zweihander is also an Ultra Greatsword in some games, and thus its two-handed attacks are not parriable.

9. Can you parry with a rapier?

Yes, rapiers are designed for parrying and can effectively deflect a variety of attacks.

10. Can a Katana be used for parrying?

Yes, a Katana can parry, using a sloped-deflection technique to redirect the attack.

11. Is the Sai a parrying weapon?

Yes, the Sai is traditionally used as a parrying weapon.

12. Can I parry an enemy that uses a very big weapon?

Generally, enemies using two-handed colossal weapons cannot be parried. Giant enemies are also typically unparriable.

13. Is the Fume Ultra Greatsword good in Dark Souls 2?

Yes, the Fume Ultra Greatsword is considered a very strong weapon in Dark Souls 2 because of its high damage and defensive capabilities.

14. Can the Nameless King be parried?

No, the Nameless King in Dark Souls III cannot be parried. You may, however, get a riposte on him from enough damage.

15. How does the Fume Ultra Greatsword compare to other ultra greatswords?

The Fume Ultra Greatsword is often considered one of the best Ultra Greatswords due to its higher damage and ability to block more damage than other weapons in this class. However, this comes at the cost of it being the heaviest weapon in the game.

In conclusion, while the Fume Ultra Greatsword can be a challenging weapon to face, understanding the parry mechanics will help you learn how to avoid, counter, or outright defeat anyone who is wielding it. Knowing what can be parried, and how, will significantly improve your gameplay in the Souls series.