Is Parrying Hard in Dark Souls 3? A Deep Dive
Yes, parrying in Dark Souls 3 is undeniably challenging for many players, especially newcomers to the Soulsborne genre. It’s not merely about pressing a button at the right time; it’s a complex dance involving timing, prediction, and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns. The difficulty arises from several factors, including the tight parry windows, the high risk of failure, and the diverse range of enemy attack timings. Unlike some other action games, a missed parry in Dark Souls 3 often results in a devastating blow, making the risk versus reward calculation a crucial aspect of mastering this technique. Let’s explore why parrying can feel so difficult and how to overcome these challenges.
Understanding the Parrying System
The Tight Timing Windows
One of the primary reasons parrying in Dark Souls 3 feels hard is the relatively short active frames during a parry attempt. Unlike Bloodborne, which is often praised for its generous parry window, Dark Souls 3 requires precise timing to deflect an attack successfully. You can’t simply mash the parry button and hope for the best. You must actively anticipate when the enemy’s attack will land and execute your parry just before that moment. This precision takes considerable practice and observation.
The Risk vs. Reward
In Dark Souls 3, a failed parry often results in taking the full force of the enemy’s attack. This creates a high-stakes situation where every parry attempt carries the risk of significant damage, or even death. This is particularly daunting when facing challenging enemies or bosses. The punishment for a failed parry is much greater than in games like Bloodborne, where a missed parry may only lead to a quick dodge. In contrast, successfully landing a parry in Dark Souls 3 can open up opportunities for critical attacks and deal huge damage, making it a very rewarding, but high-risk, maneuver.
Enemy Attack Variation
The different enemy types in Dark Souls 3 each have their own unique attack patterns and timings. This means that a parry technique that works perfectly against one enemy might fail completely against another. Learning these individual timings is a significant undertaking for players looking to master the parry. The variability in attack speed and wind-up animations adds an extra layer of difficulty and requires players to constantly adapt their approach, making parrying feel very difficult at first.
Mastering the Parry
Despite the challenges, parrying in Dark Souls 3 is a learnable skill. Here are some tips to improve:
Use the Right Equipment
Certain shields are better for parrying than others. The Buckler and Target Shield are often cited as the best options because they have extended active parry frames compared to other shields. While they offer little in terms of physical absorption, their superior parry capabilities make them very valuable for players looking to parry effectively. Additionally, fist weapons used in the offhand can also be used to parry, offering more diverse timing options, particularly Caestus and similar weapons.
Practice Against Easier Enemies
Start by practicing on lower-level enemies to get a feel for the parry timings without risking too much damage. This lower-stakes environment allows you to experiment, make mistakes, and refine your technique. Identify the attacks you want to parry and focus on understanding their specific timing. Watch for visual cues and predict when the attack is about to land. Repetition is key, so keep at it.
Focus on Prediction
Parrying in Dark Souls 3 isn’t about reacting to an attack; it’s about predicting it. This means learning to read enemy animations and executing your parry just before their weapon would make contact. Learning to recognize the wind-up animation of enemy attacks will help you anticipate and time your parries accurately. This skill comes with practice and understanding of how different enemy types behave.
Don’t Overly Rely on Parrying
While parrying is a powerful tool, it shouldn’t be your only defensive strategy. Blocking, dodging, and proper positioning are also vital to your success. Do not put all your eggs in one basket, and don’t feel obliged to parry every attack you can. Knowing when to parry and when to use other defensive options is crucial. Consider parrying as a strategic move rather than a default option.
Analyze Your Mistakes
When you fail a parry, take a moment to understand why. Was your timing off? Did you misread the animation? Analyzing your mistakes is critical for improvement. It allows you to adjust your timing and your approach for the next attempt. Understanding why your parries fail helps you avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about parrying in Dark Souls 3, with concise and helpful answers:
1. What makes parrying in Dark Souls 3 different from other games?
Dark Souls 3 has a shorter parry window compared to games like Bloodborne, making timing more crucial. The punishment for failure is also severe, often resulting in significant damage.
2. Which shields are best for parrying?
The Buckler and Target Shield are the best due to their extended active parry frames.
3. Can you parry every enemy in Dark Souls 3?
No, certain enemies and attacks cannot be parried. Most **large weapons used two-handed**, **whips**, **ranged weapons**, **catalysts**, and **shields** are unparryable.
4. What happens if you fail a parry?
You'll typically take the full damage of the attack you tried to parry, often leading to a **punishing blow or even death**.
5. Is parrying viable in PvP?
Yes, parrying can be incredibly effective in PvP if you have strong timing and understand player patterns, although it's equally challenging to perform.
6. Can you parry with fist weapons?
Yes, when used in the off-hand, most fist weapons (except Dark Hand) can be used to parry. The Caestus is a popular choice because of its fast activation.
7. What does a successful parry do?
A successful parry will stun your enemy, allowing you to perform a devastating critical attack (riposte).
8. Do I take damage when I parry?
You can still take damage from partial parries, especially when using shields with low physical absorption. A clean parry will result in no damage.
9. How do I get better at timing parries?
Practice against easy enemies, focus on predicting attacks, and analyze your mistakes. Understanding enemy animations is key.
10. What are iFrames?
**I-frames (invulnerability frames)** are moments during your parry or dodge where you are briefly immune to damage. The extended iFrames on certain parrying tools can make it easier.
11. What should I do if I’m struggling with parrying?
Don’t rely on it. Focus on other defensive options like dodging and blocking instead. Parrying should be viewed as a bonus, not a necessity.
12. Can I parry dual-wielding weapons?
Some dual-wielded weapons have a parry ability on the off-hand weapon, like the Farron Greatsword. Others like some katanas have a “hold” stance that can be used to parry, and there’s also the Parrying Dagger.
13. Is parrying necessary to beat Dark Souls 3?
No, parrying isn’t essential, but it can make many fights considerably easier if mastered. It is not necessary to beat the game.
14. Why are small shields better for parrying?
Small shields like the Buckler and Target Shield have extended active parry frames compared to larger shields, which makes it easier to time parries.
15. What are some common mistakes new players make when parrying?
New players often fail due to **poor timing, trying to react rather than predict,** and using the wrong equipment. They may also try to parry every attack they can, rather than using the technique strategically.
Conclusion
Parrying in Dark Souls 3 is a challenging but rewarding skill to learn. While it’s undeniably hard due to the tight timing windows and high risk, it’s not impossible to master. By understanding the mechanics, choosing the right equipment, and diligently practicing, you can add a powerful tool to your arsenal. Remember, it’s not about being perfect, but about constantly learning and adapting to the game’s challenges. Good luck, Ashen One!