Mastering the Art of the Perfect Parry in Ghost of Tsushima
The perfect parry in Ghost of Tsushima is a crucial skill that separates skilled samurai from those struggling to survive. It’s more than just a defensive maneuver; it’s an opportunity to turn the tide of battle, leaving your enemies vulnerable to devastating counterattacks. So, what exactly is the perfect parry timing in Tsushima? The key lies in understanding enemy animations and striking the L1 button at the precise moment an enemy’s attack is about to land. It’s not about predicting when they start their attack, but when their weapon begins to move towards you with the intention to strike. Generally, it’s about hitting parry just before the weapon lands. Let’s delve deeper into how to master this crucial technique.
Understanding the Parry Mechanic
Ghost of Tsushima’s parry system is elegantly simple yet requires precision. Unlike some action games where a parry window is quite forgiving, Tsushima demands a keen eye and responsive reflexes. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not reacting to the beginning of an attack animation, but rather the forward motion of the weapon. Think of it as reacting to the intent of the attack, rather than the windup. This requires observation and practice.
Identifying Enemy Attack Cues
Each enemy type has distinct attack patterns, and learning these visual cues is vital for consistent perfect parries. For example, spearmen will often pull their thrusting arm back before lunging forward. The perfect parry window occurs during this very brief movement of the hand pulling back and then thrusting ahead, particularly when their body obscures the arm movement. Similarly, when facing enemies with shields, you can employ the same tactic. Focusing on the weapon’s movement rather than the whole body provides a crucial advantage.
Timing is Everything
The general rule of thumb is that the perfect parry window begins when the weapon starts moving toward you. This applies regardless of what weapon you’re using or which stance you’ve adopted. However, some attacks are simply easier to parry than others due to the speed and clarity of their animation. Quick, telegraphed strikes are often easier to read and therefore, easier to parry. With practice you’ll begin to recognize subtle tells that signal an impending attack, greatly improving your parrying effectiveness.
The Benefits of a Perfect Parry
While a standard block will deflect most incoming attacks, a perfect parry offers significant tactical advantages. Successfully performing a perfect parry does not stagger an enemy immediately, unlike games such as Dark Souls or Elden Ring. However, it drains their posture, making them more vulnerable to subsequent attacks. Multiple perfect parries are often needed to fully break an enemy’s posture, setting them up for a critical hit. Additionally, the Sarugami Armor provides a special counterattack ability triggered after a perfect parry, significantly enhancing your damage output.
Beyond the Basics
There’s a subtle rhythm to Tsushima’s combat, and the perfect parry lies at its core. While holding L1 is useful for blocking standard attacks, tapping it just before an enemy strike is key to a successful parry. Remember that you can parry many attacks, including some seemingly unblockable ones. These often require a skill unlock (like the Unyielding Sword and Spear Parry techniques) but are crucial for mastering combat against tougher opponents. By understanding the fundamentals, watching enemy animation, and refining your timing, you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate parries into your offensive and defensive strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the perfect parry mechanic in Ghost of Tsushima:
1. Does stance affect parry success?
Yes, the stance you use does impact your chances of a successful perfect parry. For instance, using the Stone Stance against sword-type enemies or Wind Stance against spear-type enemies increases your odds of landing perfect parries.
2. Do perfect parries stagger enemies immediately?
No, perfect parries in Ghost of Tsushima do not instantly stagger enemies. They do, however, reduce their posture. Repeated perfect parries are required to break their posture and set them up for a critical hit.
3. Should I tap or hold L1 to parry?
You should tap the L1 button just before an enemy strike to perform a perfect parry. Holding L1 is for standard blocking, not parrying.
4. How do I counter red glint attacks?
Red glint attacks are unblockable and must be dodged. However, you can unlock skills to parry certain blue glint attacks (formerly red). You can also interrupt enemies performing red attacks by attacking them first.
5. What are blue glint attacks?
Blue glint attacks are attacks that were initially red glint attacks (unblockable) but have become parryable after you unlock specific defensive skills like the Unyielding Sword Parry. They can be parried or dodged.
6. Is there a perfect parry armor?
The Sarugami Armor is considered a strong contender. Its special ability allows players to perform a combo counter-attack after a successful perfect parry, which is very powerful.
7. Can I parry every attack?
No, you cannot parry every attack. Red glint attacks are unblockable and require dodging, but blue glint attacks can be parried once you have the appropriate unlock.
8. What is the general parry timing?
The timing for parries is generally when the enemy’s weapon is in its forward motion towards you with intent to attack, regardless of the weapon or enemy type.
9. Can you parry Lord Shimura?
Yes, you can parry Lord Shimura. Wait for him to attack, dodge the unblockable red attacks, and then parry the third strike of his combo when he raises his sword overhead.
10. Can you parry Khotun Khan?
Yes, you can parry Khotun Khan’s blue attacks in the second half of the boss fight. He starts using parryable attacks once his health is reduced to 3/4.
11. Can you block all attacks by holding L1?
No, while holding L1 will block many attacks, you cannot block red glint attacks. Also, you will not get the perfect parry bonus by just blocking.
12. How do I improve my parry timing?
Improving your parry timing comes with practice and observing enemy attack animations. Pay close attention to the subtle cues of their attacks and try to react just as the weapon is in its final motion to hit you. Also, use stances that are effective against the enemy’s weapon type.
13. What is the difference between a standard block and a perfect parry?
A standard block (holding L1) will simply deflect the attack but doesn’t leave the enemy vulnerable. A perfect parry, executed with the correct timing, will drain the enemy’s posture and sets them up for a counterattack.
14. Does using certain shields affect parry windows?
In Elden Ring, the Golden Parry Ash of War does provide improved parry frames. However, there is no equivalent in Ghost of Tsushima for shields.
15. Is it possible to play dishonorably and still be effective?
Yes, you can play in any way that is enjoyable to you. The game has no system that punishes using sneaky or honorable methods, so choose whatever is most fun.
By mastering the art of the perfect parry in Ghost of Tsushima, you’ll not only be able to survive but thrive in even the most challenging battles. The key is practice, patience, and an understanding of the subtle visual cues that signal an impending attack. With time and dedication, you’ll be deflecting blows and delivering brutal counterattacks with the precision of a true samurai.