Being able to parry in Elden Ring can turn the tide for players in a massive way. Rather than just blocking, if you parry in the game, you stagger your foe. While this may sound minimal, it opens them up to a counterattack. Which can help to deal massive damage. Whether to a boss or even rank-and-file enemies. Furthermore, a parry in Elden Ring is incredibly satisfying to accomplish, but also tricky to pull off. I have played many Soulslike games, and parrying takes practice.
However, we aim to make sure that you can start doing a parry in Elden Ring. So that way, when you come up against foes like the Tree Sentinel, you can counter. While sometimes you may take damage from not parrying at the right time, getting into the habit will help immensely. Below, you can find the details on how to parry in Elden Ring.
How to Parry in Elden Ring
Players need a Shield or a weapon art that can parry to be able to deflect an attack in the game. You must then hit the Parry button just as the attack is about to hit you. Additionally, some weapons, such as the Parrying Dagger, allow you to do so. However, the action is not automatic. Rather, you must hit a specific button just as the hit is about to land on you. Each console has a different button, and they are:
- PC: Hold out your shield and press both Shift + Right-click just as the attack is about to connect.
- PlayStation: Have the shield equipped in your character’s left hand and hit L2. It is important to do so just as you are about to be hit.
- Xbox: Equip the shield in your left hand and hit LT as the attack is about to hit you.
It’s important to remember that each enemy has a different attack pattern and speed. So there is going to be plenty of trial-and-error when it comes to parrying. However, there are some specific items you can use to make things easier for you.
Best Equipment to Parry in Elden Ring
Light Shields and Weapon Arts with parrying are your best friends to be able to parry. While there are a variety of shields, knowing the ones to choose can help you out a lot in this regard. Furthermore, there are a lot of Weapon Arts, but a specific few are what you need to have an easier time. We provide the different options you have to go off of, that way you can start hunting for the item.
Light Shields to Use to Parry
- Beastman’s Jar-Shield
- Buckler – It comes equipped with the Buckler Parry skill, allowing for a larger parrying window.
- Gilded Iron Shield
- Ice Crest Shield
- Iron Round Shield
- Perfumer’s Shield
- Rickety Shield
- Spiralhorn Shield
Weapon Arts to Use to Parry
- Buckler Parry: Allows the wielder to parry faster, and the window to activate it lasts longer than normal.
- Carian Retaliation: Works similarly to Golden Parry, causing the shield to swing in front of the player. However, rather than deflecting just physical attacks, it deflects encantations and sorceries.
- Golden Parry: The character performs a spell that causes the character to swing the shield. In doing so, it deflects the enemy attack and breaks their stance.
Best Ways to Learn Parrying in Elden Ring
Memorizing enemy patterns and fighting starter enemies are some methods for learning parrying. It works better to start slow and practice, rather than jumping into trying to parry tougher foes. Trust me, I know this from first-hand experience of being arrogant enough to try it. By doing some of the different tricks below, you can start to get better confidence when you go to parry in the game:
- Bulk Up Defence: It’s better to be prepared and cautious when parrying. So, make sure to get some medium armor of your choice to negate the damage you may receive.
- Practice on Weaker Enemies: It’s best to practice parrying on weaker foes. No matter the level you are at, weaker enemies can function like practice dummies. Therefore, fast travel back to the Limgrave. The standard soldiers in the forest outside the Church of Elleh are your best options. That way, you don’t risk dying and can take your time on getting the parrying timing down.
- Study Enemy Patterns: Learning when to parry enemies is the most important. However, to do so, you need to know when they strike. Because of this, learning different sequences of attacks from enemies is useful. Whether from small foes or bigger, nastier enemies.
With this knowledge, you can start to parry while in Elden Ring. It will take some time to get used to. However, there are plenty of enemies you encounter where it will be a lifesaver. Furthermore, you can cut down on some bosses’ health by being able to parry their attacks. While not all moves can be, it’s all about testing. Plus, the satisfaction of nailing a parry is immeasurable and part of the experience. So grab a light shield and get to deflecting those attacks.
