Is Parrying Hard in Dark Souls 3? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether parrying in Dark Souls 3 (DS3) is hard is a common one among both new and veteran players. The short answer is: it depends. While parrying isn’t inherently impossible or even consistently difficult once mastered, it does have a steep learning curve and requires precise timing, practice, and a solid understanding of game mechanics. Unlike some other action games where parrying feels more forgiving, DS3 demands a calculated and often risky approach. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of parrying in Dark Souls 3.

Why is Parrying Considered Difficult in DS3?

Several factors contribute to the perceived difficulty of parrying in Dark Souls 3:

• Strict Timing Windows: Unlike some other action titles, parrying in DS3 has a very precise timing window. You must initiate the parry animation just before the opponent’s attack lands, not during or after. Missing the window results in a partial parry, which reduces damage but doesn’t open the enemy up for a critical riposte.
• Animation Startup: Different parrying tools have varying startup frames and active parry frames. Medium shields have the longest wind-up, making them the least ideal choice for beginners. Small shields and certain weapons have faster animations, which makes parrying more responsive.
• Latency: Online play introduces latency, which impacts timing significantly. This is why PvE parrying can feel drastically different from PvP parrying. What works flawlessly offline may become incredibly difficult in multiplayer settings.
• Risk vs. Reward: Failing a parry can leave you vulnerable to a full attack, potentially costing you a significant chunk of health or even death. This high-risk, high-reward dynamic pushes players to be very calculated about when and how they attempt a parry.
• Enemy Variability: Not all enemies or attacks can be parried, and some are significantly easier to parry than others. Understanding which attacks are parry-able and learning their timings is essential for successful parrying.
• Visual Cues: Dark Souls 3 often has subtle animation cues which are the telltales of an impending attack. Learning these cues requires a combination of patience and observation.

The Importance of Practice

While difficult, parrying in DS3 is far from impossible to master. Consistent practice and experimentation with different tools will significantly improve your parrying ability. It’s important to start with easy enemies like the Lothric Knight near the Tower bonfire at the High Wall of Lothric. This allows you to practice timing without the pressure of dealing with more difficult enemies or bosses.

Best Tools for Parrying

The right tools can significantly improve your parrying experience. Here are some of the most effective options:

• Small Shields: Shields like the Buckler, Small Leather Shield, and Target Shield are the preferred choices for most players. They have shorter windups and more generous active parry frames than medium or large shields.
• Caestus: The Caestus and other fist-type weapons offer an even faster parry animation. They’re a riskier option since they lack blocking capabilities, but their speed makes them excellent for experienced parry users.
• Parrying Dagger: While not a shield, this dagger is designed explicitly for parrying, possessing a dedicated parry skill. It can be equipped in either hand, offering tactical flexibility.

The Difference Between Partial and Perfect Parries

It’s crucial to understand that not every parry attempt results in a critical riposte.

• Perfect Parry: This is the ideal parry. It occurs when your parry animation connects with the enemy’s attack at the perfect moment, stunning the enemy, and opening them up for a critical attack.
• Partial Parry: Occurs when the parry timing is not perfect, resulting in less damage taken, but not opening the enemy for a critical attack. This can be useful for minimizing damage, especially in difficult situations, but it doesn’t offer the same offensive advantage as a perfect parry.

FAQs About Parrying in Dark Souls 3

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand parrying in Dark Souls 3:

1. Can all shields parry in DS3?

No, not all shields can parry. You need to use a shield or weapon with a parry skill specifically. Check the item description to see if it has the parry ability.

2. Is parrying easier with small shields?

Yes, generally speaking, small shields have shorter startup frames, making parrying easier compared to medium or large shields. The Buckler, Small Leather Shield, and Target Shield are generally recommended.

3. Can you parry every enemy attack?

No, not all attacks can be parried. Some attacks from specific enemies and bosses are unparry-able. Learn which attacks can be parried via experimentation and observation.

4. Can you parry boss attacks?

Most boss attacks cannot be fully parried for a riposte, but many can be partially parried. The only boss that can be fully parried for a riposte is Gundyr.

5. What’s the timing for a parry in DS3?

The timing depends on the tool and attack but generally, you need to press the parry button just before the attack hits. This requires practice to master.

6. Are fist weapons good for parrying?

Yes, fist weapons like the Caestus are excellent for parrying due to their fast startup and animation. They’re riskier as they don’t provide blocking capabilities.

7. Is PvP parrying harder than PvE?

Yes, due to online latency, PvP parrying is much harder than PvE parrying, requiring anticipation and a lot more precision.

8. Can you parry dual wielding attacks?

Yes, you can parry with the off-hand weapon of certain dual-wielding weapons like the Farron Greatsword or Katanas with the hold skill.

9. What is the best parrying tool in DS3?

The Buckler, Target Shield, and Small Leather Shield are often considered the best small shields for parrying. The Caestus and Parrying Dagger are also highly effective.

10. Is parrying viable in DS3?

Yes, parrying is viable and a powerful tool when mastered. However, it is high-risk and requires practice to execute consistently.

11. Can you parry running attacks in DS3?

Yes, all rolling and running attacks are generally parry-able, and often quite easy to parry.

12. How do you know if you did a partial parry?

A partial parry will simply reduce the amount of damage you take and the enemy will not be stunned and riposteable.

13. Is parrying in Dark Souls 3 similar to Bloodborne?

No, parrying in Bloodborne is generally considered easier and more forgiving than in DS3. It has a larger timing window and is ranged.

14. What’s the difference between a parry and a riposte?

A parry is the act of deflecting an attack, and a riposte is the critical attack you perform after a successful parry.

15. Is Elden Ring’s parry similar to DS3’s?

While similar in concept, Elden Ring’s parry mechanics are slightly more forgiving. Some shields and weapons have unique parry skills with different properties.

Conclusion

Is parrying hard in Dark Souls 3? Absolutely, it’s one of the game’s most challenging mechanics to truly master. It demands a blend of skill, patience, and knowledge. However, with the right tools, proper practice, and a good understanding of the timing, parrying can become a powerful asset in your arsenal, transforming challenging encounters into opportunities to dominate your opponents. Don’t get discouraged by early failures; stick with it, and you’ll find the effort is well worth the reward.