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<title>Can You Parry Two-Handed Attacks? Elden Ring & Souls Games Explained</title>
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<h1>Can You Parry Two-Handed Attacks? A Souls-Like Deep Dive</h1>
<p>The answer, as with many things in the intricate world of Souls-like games like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, is a nuanced "it depends." Generally, <strong>parrying two-handed attacks is possible, but heavily restricted based on weapon type</strong>. Let's break down the specifics.</p>
<h2>Understanding Parry Mechanics in Souls-Like Games</h2>
<p>Parrying is a fundamental defensive technique in FromSoftware's games, allowing players to deflect incoming attacks and create opportunities for devastating counterattacks. Mastering the parry is crucial for overcoming challenging enemies and bosses. However, the rules governing what can and cannot be parried are not always explicitly stated, leading to much player experimentation and community discussion.</p>
<p>The core principle is this: <strong>not all attacks are created equal</strong>. Some attacks are simply too powerful or come from sources too large to be deflected by a standard parry. This creates a hierarchy of parry-ability, influenced by weapon class, enemy size, and even specific attack animations.</p>
<h3>Weapon Class and Parry-Ability</h3>
<p>The most important factor determining whether you can parry a two-handed attack is the **weapon class** being used. Here's a general breakdown:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Greatswords:</strong> Typically, two-handed attacks from standard **Greatswords can be parried**. However, this often excludes charged attacks.</li>
<li><strong>Ultra Greatswords:</strong> Two-handed **Ultra Greatsword swings are generally unparryable**. The sheer weight and momentum behind these attacks make them too powerful to deflect reliably. This is a consistent rule across most Souls-like titles.</li>
<li><strong>Greataxes & Great Hammers:</strong> Similar to Ultra Greatswords, two-handed attacks from **Greataxes and Great Hammers are usually unparryable**, especially standard R1/RB attacks.</li>
<li><strong>Colossal Weapons:</strong> As you might expect, **two-handed attacks from Colossal Weapons are almost always unparryable**. These are the largest and most imposing weapons, and their attacks are designed to be overwhelming.</li>
<li><strong>Other Weapons:</strong> Two-handed attacks from weapon types like **curved swords, katanas, and spears are typically parryable**, provided they are not jumping or otherwise special attacks.</li>
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<h3>Enemy Size and Parry-Ability</h3>
<p>Another critical factor is the **size of the enemy**. Attacks from **gigantic enemies** are almost universally unparryable. Think of colossal bosses or massive creatures – their attacks are simply too powerful to be deflected. Even if they're using a weapon, the sheer force behind their swings will negate your parry attempt.</p>
<h3>Attack Types and Parry-Ability</h3>
<p>Specific attack types also influence parry-ability:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Jumping Attacks:</strong> **Jumping attacks, regardless of weapon type, are almost always unparryable.**</li>
<li><strong>Plunging Attacks:</strong> Plunging attacks performed by players are also unparryable.</li>
<li><strong>Weapon Arts/Skills:</strong> Some **Weapon Arts or Skills are unparryable**, while others may only be parryable on the first hit. This varies widely depending on the specific skill.</li>
<li><strong>Charged Attacks:</strong> Two-handed charged attacks from Greatswords and Greataxes are often unparryable.</li>
<li><strong>Running/Rolling Attacks:</strong> Sometimes, two-handed running and rolling attacks from Ultra Greatswords, Greataxes, and Great Hammers can still be parried, adding a layer of complexity.</li>
</ul>
<h3>General Rules of Thumb</h3>
<p>Here are some general guidelines to remember:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Humanoid Enemies:</strong> Attacks from humanoid enemies are generally more likely to be parryable.</li>
<li><strong>Arcing Swings:</strong> Attacks with weapons that are swung in an arc are often parryable.</li>
<li><strong>Physical Attacks:</strong> Only physical attacks can be parried. You cannot parry spells, projectiles, or elemental damage.</li>
<li><strong>Flails and Whips:</strong> Attacks from Flails and Whips are typically unparryable.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Elden Ring Specifics</h2>
<p>Elden Ring largely follows the parry rules established in previous Souls games, but with a few nuances. The timing for parries in Elden Ring is often considered tighter than in Dark Souls 3, requiring faster reflexes and more precise timing. The game also introduces new enemies and attack patterns, necessitating experimentation to determine what can and cannot be parried. Be sure to explore the world and test your parrying skills on different foes. You might be surprised by what you can deflect with practice!</p>
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
<div class="faq">
<h3>Can you parry all attacks in Elden Ring?</h3>
<p>No, you cannot parry all attacks in Elden Ring. Attacks from very large enemies, two-handed attacks from certain weapon classes (like Ultra Greatswords and Greataxes), jumping attacks, and certain special attacks are generally unparryable.</p>
</div>
<div class="faq">
<h3>What weapons cannot be parried?</h3>
<p>Generally, two-handed Colossal weapons, Flails, and Whips cannot be parried. Also, be aware that jumping attacks are not parryable, regardless of the weapon used.</p>
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<h3>Can you parry spells or projectiles?</h3>
<p>No, you cannot parry spells, incantations, arrows, or other projectiles. Parrying is only effective against physical melee attacks.</p>
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<div class="faq">
<h3>Is it harder to parry in Elden Ring than in Dark Souls 3?</h3>
<p>Many players find parrying in Elden Ring more challenging due to the tighter timing window required for a successful parry.</p>
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<div class="faq">
<h3>Can you parry bosses?</h3>
<p>Yes, you can parry some boss attacks. However, not all bosses are parryable, and even those that are may have specific attacks that cannot be parried. Experimentation is key!</p>
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<div class="faq">
<h3>Can you parry with a weapon?</h3>
<p>Generally, you need a shield equipped to parry. Certain weapons, like thrusting swords, may have a parry skill associated with them, allowing you to parry without a dedicated shield. The timing and effectiveness might differ.</p>
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<h3>Can you parry Malenia?</h3>
<p>Yes, Malenia's attacks can be parried. In fact, some players have defeated her using only parries. However, she is a challenging boss, and mastering the timing of her attacks is crucial.</p>
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<h3>Is the Tree Sentinel parryable?</h3>
<p>Yes, many of the Tree Sentinel's attacks are parryable, particularly his halberd swings. Parrying him can open up opportunities for critical hits.</p>
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<div class="faq">
<h3>Why is parrying so important in Souls-like games?</h3>
<p>Parrying allows you to interrupt enemy attacks, create openings for counterattacks, and sometimes stagger or knock down enemies, providing a significant advantage in combat.</p>
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<div class="faq">
<h3>What stats affect parrying?</h3>
<p>The shield you use primarily determines parry effectiveness. Shields have different "parry frames," which affect the window of opportunity for a successful parry. Some Talismans can also affect parry timing.</p>
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<div class="faq">
<h3>Are there different types of parries?</h3>
<p>While the basic mechanic is the same, different shields and weapon skills can have different parry animations and frame data, affecting the ease and effectiveness of the parry.</p>
</div>
<div class="faq">
<h3>Can you parry two-handed attacks in Dark Souls 3?</h3>
<p>Yes, the rules are similar to Elden Ring. Two-handed attacks from Ultra Greatswords, Greataxes, and Great Hammers are typically unparryable.</p>
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<h3>Can I parry a boss's weapon art?</h3>
<p>It depends on the specific weapon art. Some weapon arts are completely unparryable, while others might only be parryable on the initial hit.</p>
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<h3>Where can I learn more about the mechanics of gaming?</h3>
<p>Organizations such as the <strong>Games Learning Society</strong> research how games affect the way people learn. You can find more resources on the relationship between games and learning at <a href="https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/">GamesLearningSociety.org</a>.</p>
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<h3>Is parrying the only way to beat difficult bosses?</h3>
<p>No, parrying is just one of many strategies for defeating difficult bosses. Other viable approaches include dodging, blocking, using summons, and exploiting enemy weaknesses.</p>
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<p>Ultimately, mastering parrying requires practice, patience, and a willingness to experiment. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your parries be ever in your favor!</p>
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