Can You Parry with Two-Handed Weapons in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of parrying with two-handed weapons in Elden Ring is a common source of confusion for players, especially those new to the Souls-like genre or those experimenting with different builds. The short answer is: no, you cannot directly parry with a two-handed weapon in Elden Ring. However, this answer isn’t quite so straightforward, and there are nuances to understand regarding weapon types, attack styles, and the game’s mechanics. Let’s delve deeper into the details of parrying in Elden Ring, focusing on the limitations and possibilities when wielding weapons with both hands.
Understanding Parrying Mechanics in Elden Ring
Parrying in Elden Ring is a crucial defensive maneuver that, if executed correctly, can turn the tide of battle. It involves deflecting an incoming attack just before it lands, creating an opening for a critical riposte. Typically, parrying is performed using a shield, or certain special skills imbued into weapons. The timing is crucial, requiring players to anticipate enemy attacks and react with precision. However, not all attacks can be parried, and the ability to parry changes based on how you are wielding your weapon.
Two-Handing and Parry Limitations
When a weapon is wielded in two hands, a fundamental change occurs to its functionality. While the primary benefit of two-handing is increased damage and altered movesets, this comes at the cost of defensive options like parrying. Here’s a breakdown of why you can’t parry with two-handed weapons:
- Shield Functionality Loss: When wielding a weapon two-handed, you automatically sheath your shield or secondary armament, thereby losing its parrying capabilities.
- Weapon Moveset Change: The moveset of a weapon changes when two-handed, and it is no longer considered a parrying tool. You can only parry with an armament that has parrying capability.
- Parry Skills are Incompatible: Although some weapons have unique weapon skills that enable a parry, these are not available or they function differently when the weapon is two handed.
It is important to note that two-handing a weapon provides a damage boost, usually due to the 50% strength bonus you receive. However, this damage increase also locks you out of the ability to parry using a shield.
Specific Weapon Limitations
While the basic rule is that you cannot parry while two-handing a weapon, certain weapon categories further complicate the issue:
- Colossal Weapons: Two-handed attacks with colossal weapons cannot be parried. This is a hard rule; it does not matter what type of parrying tool the defender has. This includes rolling attacks, running attacks, and all standard strikes.
- Greatswords & Greataxes (Charged Attacks): While single-handed attacks with greatswords and greataxes can be parried, you cannot parry their charged attacks or jumping attacks regardless of how the weapon is held.
- Jumping Attacks: Regardless of weapon type, jumping attacks are not parryable.
What Can Be Parried?
Despite these restrictions, many attacks in Elden Ring can be parried with a shield or a parrying skill. Here are some general guidelines:
- Most Single-Handed Attacks: Most single-handed standard attacks from weapons, including great weapons (but not ultra great weapons), can be parried.
- Enemy Attacks: The majority of physical attacks from enemies (excluding those stated above) can be parried.
- Specific Weapon Types: Some weapons, such as fist weapons when used in the off-hand, can be used to parry.
- Weapon Arts/Skills: Some weapon arts or skills enable a parry, but their availability and function will change when two handed.
The Trade-off: Offense vs. Defense
Choosing to two-hand a weapon in Elden Ring is a deliberate trade-off. You gain more offensive capabilities, such as increased damage, a change in moveset, and a strength bonus, but sacrifice defensive options, including the ability to parry. Whether two-handing or not depends largely on your playstyle and situation. Players that favor a fast, offensive approach might appreciate the damage boost two-handing offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions that delve deeper into the topic of parrying with two-handed weapons and related mechanics in Elden Ring:
1. Can you parry two-handed greatsword attacks?
Yes, you can parry most two-handed greatsword attacks with a parry shield if they are standard attacks, and not charged or jumping attacks. However, ultra greatsword attacks cannot be parried when two-handed.
2. Are all colossal weapon attacks unparryable?
Yes, all two-handed attacks from colossal weapons are unparryable, including rolling R1s and running attacks. This is a universal rule.
3. Can you parry jumping attacks in Elden Ring?
No, **jumping attacks** are never parryable, regardless of the weapon used.
4. What about charged attacks?
No, you cannot parry the **charged attacks** of greatswords or greataxes when wielded by an enemy.
5. Are whips and flails parryable?
Whips and flails cannot be parried, regardless of how they are wielded by the enemy.
6. Can you parry with fist weapons?
Yes, when used in the off-hand, fist weapons can be used to parry.
7. What is the best parry shield?
The **Buckler** is often considered the best parry shield because it offers a larger parry window.
8. Is parrying harder in Elden Ring compared to Dark Souls 3?
Yes, parrying in Elden Ring is generally considered more challenging than in Dark Souls 3 due to a tighter parry window.
9. Can you parry all physical attacks in Elden Ring?
No, you cannot parry all physical attacks. There are many exceptions, as detailed above.
10. What is the advantage of two-handing in Elden Ring?
**Two-handing** a weapon boosts your damage, allows for quicker attacks, and grants a **50% strength bonus**.
11. Is dual wielding better than two-handing?
Whether dual wielding or two-handing is better depends on your play style. **Dual-wielding** offers more damage per hit, while **two-handing** grants a strength bonus and changes the moveset of your weapon.
12. Can you parry ranged attacks?
No, most ranged attacks cannot be parried, except when using specific parry skills.
13. What are some popular dual wield combinations?
Some popular dual wield combinations include: Dual Hoslow’s Petal Whips, Rivers of Blood and a second katana, and the Godskin Peeler and Eleonora’s Poleblade.
14. Can you use parry skills while two handing a weapon?
The function of weapon arts/skills that include a parry changes when two handing. The Buckler Parry skill will not function correctly on a two-handed weapon.
15. Can you parry beast and animal attacks?
No, attacks from beasts and animals like bears and wolves are generally unparriable.
Conclusion
While you cannot directly parry using a two-handed weapon in Elden Ring, it is vital to understand the nuances of the game’s parry mechanics. Knowing when you can and cannot parry is critical for success in the Lands Between. Mastering the use of shields and parry skills while understanding the limitations of two-handed combat will vastly improve your Elden Ring experience. Choosing between two-handing and shield-wielding is a tactical decision, influenced by your playstyle and build. Always be ready to adapt your approach based on the challenges you face.