What Weapons Can’t Be Parried in Dark Souls 3?

Navigating the treacherous world of Dark Souls 3 requires mastery of its combat mechanics, and parrying is a crucial skill for many players. However, not all attacks are created equal, and many weapons and moves simply cannot be deflected with a well-timed parry. Understanding which attacks are unparryable is essential for survival, both in PvE encounters and PvP duels. So, let’s break down exactly what you can’t parry in Dark Souls 3:

The short answer is that attacks from the following types of weapons generally cannot be parried: two-handed R1 and R2 attacks from Ultra Greatswords, Greataxes, and Great Hammers. However, it’s important to add the following considerations:

• Two-handed rolling and running R1 attacks from Ultra Greatswords, Greataxes, and Great Hammers can be parried. It’s only the standing, non-moving, two-handed R1 and R2 attacks that are off-limits.

• Whip attacks cannot be parried under any circumstances.

• Ranged attacks such as arrows, bolts, and spells, are typically unparryable with a shield. Some weapons and items possess special parry abilities that can deflect them, but standard parrying is ineffective.

• Catalysts used for casting spells are never parriable.

• Certain enemy attacks, especially those from larger enemies and those using shield bashes, are also unparryable. Jumping and plunging attacks from players are also unparryable.

Why Learn What Can’t Be Parried?

Understanding these limitations allows players to:

• Adjust their defensive strategies: Instead of relying solely on parries, players can focus on dodging, blocking, or using mobility to evade these attacks.
• Recognize opponent’s movesets: Knowing which attacks are unparryable can help anticipate an opponent’s likely actions in PvP scenarios.
• Exploit weaknesses: By recognizing what moves you can’t parry, you can focus on exploiting an opponent’s predictable unparryable attack patterns.

The list may seem short, but these exceptions dramatically influence combat encounters in Dark Souls 3. The inability to parry a two-handed Ultra Greatsword swing can be just as deadly as being unable to parry a volley of spells. In the next section we answer all sorts of additional questions that will clarify what you need to know about parrying in DS3.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parrying in Dark Souls 3

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further solidify your understanding of the parrying mechanics in Dark Souls 3:

Can you parry with a dagger in Dark Souls 3?

Yes, you can absolutely parry with a dagger in Dark Souls 3, and some daggers are specifically designed for parrying. The Parrying Dagger, for example, is built for this purpose. It typically has a faster parry animation compared to other weapons or shields.

Can you parry with a katana in Dark Souls 3?

Yes, you can parry with a katana in Dark Souls 3. Many Katanas come with a weapon art that allows you to parry. Specifically, the “hold” skill on many Katanas functions as a parry, enabling you to deflect incoming attacks.

What kind of enemy attacks cannot be parried in Dark Souls 3?

Generally, attacks from gigantic enemies are unparryable. The same goes for attacks from enemies wielding large weapons two-handed. Also, projectile attacks (arrows, bolts) and shield bashes from enemies are unparryable through standard parry mechanics.

Are whip attacks parriable in Dark Souls 3?

No, whip attacks are explicitly unparryable in Dark Souls 3. This makes whips unique and dangerous to fight against for players who rely on parries.

Can you parry arrows or spells?

Standard parrying with a shield or weapon cannot parry projectiles such as arrows, bolts, or spells. However, certain shields and weapon arts possess unique parry abilities that can deflect these types of attacks, but these are exceptions, not the rule.

Can you parry a two-handed greataxe in Dark Souls 3?

It depends on the specific attack. You cannot parry a two-handed R1 or R2 attack from a greataxe. However, you can parry two-handed rolling and running R1 attacks from greataxes.

What is the easiest weapon to parry with in Dark Souls 3?

The Buckler, Small Leather Shield, and Target Shield are considered the easiest to parry with in Dark Souls 3. This is due to their extended parry frames compared to other options, giving you a slightly larger window to land a successful parry.

Are all shield parries the same in Dark Souls 3?

No, the parry frames vary between different shields. Bucklers and other dedicated parry shields like the Small Leather Shield and Target Shield have longer parry frames, making them easier to use for parrying. Other shields, particularly larger ones, generally have slower parry animations and are more for blocking than parrying.

Can you parry with fist weapons in Dark Souls 3?

Yes, fist weapons can be used for parrying. Caestus, Manikin Claws, regular Claws, and Demon Fist are all viable options. They are generally faster and have low recovery time, making them ideal for aggressive parrying.

Are there any boss fights in DS3 where parrying is useful?

Yes. While many bosses in Dark Souls 3 cannot be parried, some are parryable and can make the boss fights a lot easier. The most notable of these is Pontiff Sulyvahn, who can be parried for a devastating riposte.

Can you parry dual-wielding attacks in Dark Souls 3?

It depends on the weapon. For example, the Farron Greatsword is a dual weapon accompanied by a dagger. With the dagger equipped, you can use the parry ability. Many Katanas with a “hold” skill also allow you to parry, even while dual-wielding.

Can you parry ultra greatswords in Dark Souls 3?

Yes, but there’s a crucial distinction. You cannot parry two-handed R1 and R2 attacks from Ultra Greatswords. However, you can parry two-handed rolling and running R1 attacks.

Does the “Golden Parry” Ash of War make parrying easier?

Yes. The “Golden Parry” Ash of War, which is an Erdtree Incantation, infuses shields with enhanced parry capability and can make it easier for players to land successful parries. It’s particularly good for those who struggle with the timing of standard parries.

What is a “setup parry” in Dark Souls 3?

A setup parry is when you block the first or multiple attacks and then time the parry for the subsequent attack. This technique is particularly effective against players who spam attacks, making the parry timing more predictable. It’s useful against enemies or players who are more aggressive.

Can you parry in any situation in DS3?

No, not every situation is conducive to parrying. Many enemies have unparryable attacks, and attempting to parry them can leave you vulnerable. It’s important to recognize which attacks are parryable and when to use alternative defense options, like blocking, dodging, or spacing.

By understanding what attacks are and aren’t parryable in Dark Souls 3, you can significantly improve your combat prowess, both in PvE and PvP encounters. This knowledge will help you react faster, defend more efficiently, and ultimately, survive more often.