The Unparryable: A Comprehensive Guide to Enemies You Can’t Parry
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So, you think you’re a parrying god, huh? Timing those ripostes perfectly, leaving enemies vulnerable, feeling like a total badass? That’s great! But before you get too cocky, let’s talk about the cold, hard truth: not everything can be parried. And knowing what can’t be parried is just as crucial as mastering the parry itself. Because, frankly, attempting to parry an unparryable attack is a surefire way to get yourself flattened.
In general, you cannot parry:
- Gigantic enemies: Think colossal bosses, massive creatures. Their sheer size makes it impossible for a standard parry to work.
- Unwieldy, Two-Handed Weapon Attacks: Attacks that use large weapons like ultra greatswords, greataxes, or great hammers when wielded with two hands are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to parry. Look at a flailing ultra greatsword as an example.
- Unblockable Attacks: Often telegraphed with a distinctive visual cue (like a red glow or symbol), these attacks are specifically designed to bypass standard defenses. You’ll have to dodge them, parry them (if possible) or find another strategy.
- Specific Enemy Types: Some games make certain enemy types inherently immune to parries. This can include beasts, or enemies with specific auras/effects.
- Environmental Hazards: Falling rocks, damage auras, certain traps – these are not physical attacks and can’t be parried.
Understanding these limitations is the first step in becoming a truly effective combatant. Now, let’s delve into the specifics with some frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I parry every attack from humanoid enemies?
No. While humanoid enemies are generally more susceptible to parrying than other types, this is not a universal rule. Some humanoid enemies have unparryable attacks, especially power attacks or those utilizing special weapons or abilities. Study their attack patterns carefully. Also, watch for red or colored rings that appear while some foes are winding up. A yellow ring indicates that a move can be parried, while a red ring means that it’s unblockable.
Are ranged attacks like arrows or bolts parryable?
Generally, no. Most games do not allow you to parry projectiles like arrows, bolts, or magical blasts. You’ll usually need to dodge, block with a shield (if possible, some projectiles are shield breaking!), or find cover. However, this is game dependent.
Can I parry shield bash attacks?
Usually, no. Shield bash attacks are designed to break through defenses, making them difficult or impossible to parry. Again, dodging or strategically positioning yourself is the better option.
What about attacks from beasts?
This one is game-dependent. Some games (like Bloodborne) explicitly state that attacks from beasts are unparryable. In other games, certain, usually more human-like, beast attacks may be parriable, but it’s often risky and requires precise timing.
Can I parry attacks that inflict status effects (poison, bleed, etc.)?
Whether you can parry the attacks themselves depends on the other criteria mentioned above (enemy size, weapon type, etc.). However, even if you can parry the attack, the status effect may still be applied. This is because status effects are often tied to the weapon or attack type, not necessarily to whether the attack connects cleanly.
Is it possible to parry jumping or plunging attacks?
From the player’s perspective, jumping/plunging attacks performed by players cannot be parried under any circumstances.
Can you parry attacks from bosses?
Sometimes. As mentioned earlier, large bosses are typically unparryable. However, some smaller, more humanoid bosses or mini-bosses may have attacks that can be parried. Experimentation and observation are key. Some bosses have very limited parry windows.
Does the size of my shield affect parrying?
Yes. Small Shields usually weigh very little and give the least protection from attacks. They are often used by players who prefer parrying rather than blocking. Its lighter weight also makes it ideal for quick, agile characters with low equipment weight capacity.
Which is the easiest shield to parry with?
The Buckler is a common example. This makes it more forgiving than other shields that can be used for parrying, which makes it your best option for consistently pulling off the maneuver.
Are unblockable attacks also unparryable?
Not necessarily. Unblockable attacks bypass your standard block, but they might still be parryable. The game’s tutorial may mention that these “Fury attacks” cannot be blocked or dodged, only parried.
What happens if I try to parry an unparryable attack?
You’ll likely get hit. Depending on the attack, you could be knocked back, staggered, or even one-shot. Attempting to parry an unparryable attack leaves you vulnerable and exposed.
Can I parry attacks that I can’t see coming?
While skill and prediction play a large part, you’re going to have a hard time. If you can’t see it, you can’t predict it. This is when dodging and spatial awareness become more important than parrying.
Does my character’s stats affect my parrying ability?
Potentially. Some games might tie parry window or recovery time to stats like Dexterity or Agility. However, the core mechanic of parrying remains the same: timing your defense to coincide with the enemy’s attack.
What about weapons with special properties?
Weapons that deal fire or lightning damage are often parryable, but whether the effects of fire or lightning damage are transferred to the player on a successful parry depends from game to game.
Where can I learn more about game mechanics?
The Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, explores the educational and cognitive aspects of games and game design. While not directly focused on parrying mechanics, understanding game design principles can help you better grasp the underlying logic behind combat systems. The Games Learning Society aims to build a deeper and more nuanced understanding of games and their potential impact on learning and development, helping to unlock the full potential of games for education.
Mastering parrying takes practice, patience, and an understanding of the game’s rules. By identifying what you can’t parry, you can make smarter decisions in combat and survive even the most challenging encounters. Good luck, hunter!