How to Master Parrying in Action-RPGs
If you’re an action-RPG player, you’ve probably spent countless hours fighting enemies, leveling up, and going toe-to-toe with some pretty tough bosses. But let’s talk about something that will make you feel like a true champion when done right—parrying. Parrying is that magical mechanic that can turn the tide of a battle, but mastering it takes more than just hitting a button at the right time. And trust me, I’ve learned the hard way—more times than I can count.
When I first started playing action-RPGs, I was, honestly, terrible at parrying. The timing was off, the enemies were too fast, and I couldn’t figure out how everyone else was pulling off perfect counters while I was just scrambling to dodge. But over time, with a lot of practice (and a few well-timed rage quits), I started getting the hang of it. Let me take you through my journey and share some of the tips I’ve learned along the way. Hopefully, you’ll avoid some of the mistakes I made.
What Is Parrying, Anyway?
Okay, let’s start with the basics. In most action-RPGs, a parry is a defensive action that allows you to block or deflect an incoming attack—usually at the perfect moment. If timed right, it opens up an opportunity to counterattack or cause massive damage to your opponent. It’s not about just blocking; it’s about using your enemy’s own aggression against them. And when you pull off a perfect parry, it feels pretty damn awesome. It’s like you’re the main character of a movie, and the world’s in slow motion as you effortlessly block a blow and take your opponent down.
My Early Mistakes (And How I Fixed Them)
When I first started trying to parry, I was straight-up frustrated. I remember playing Dark Souls for the first time and trying to parry a simple enemy’s sword swing. I missed every single time. It didn’t help that the timing window for a successful parry is usually pretty tight. In some games, you get a few frames of leniency, but in others? If you’re a millisecond off, you’re either going to get hit or waste your stamina trying to block the attack.
At one point, I thought, “Maybe parrying just isn’t for me. I’ll stick to dodging.” But the thing is, some of the best rewards—whether it’s a bigger opening for a counterattack or getting through an enemy’s guard—come from mastering the parry. So I kept at it. And over time, I started to realize that, while parrying does take patience, it’s all about the rhythm of the fight.
The Key Elements to Mastering Parrying
- Timing is EVERYTHING
In the world of parrying, timing is king. Too early, and you’ll miss the window. Too late, and you’ll eat a full-force attack. That split-second of timing is critical. At first, it felt like I was trying to predict the future every time I saw an attack coming. But once you understand your opponent’s attack patterns, you can start anticipating the timing of your parry. Pro Tip: Watch for visual cues! In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, for example, enemies have specific windups before they strike. Learning those tells makes timing the parry feel more intuitive. - Perfecting the Input
It might seem simple, but a lot of people mess up the input for a parry. You don’t just hold down the block button and pray. Most action-RPGs require you to press the block button right before the enemy’s attack lands. So, if you’re mashing buttons, you’re probably missing your chance. I learned the hard way that the best way to get this down is by practicing with lower-level enemies before jumping into boss fights. And if you’re like me, you might even want to practice in a safe area with no pressure. - Patience and Timing Over Speed
I used to think that parrying was all about speed. You know, just being fast and hitting that button right when the attack is coming. But eventually, I learned it’s more about patience and waiting for the right moment. There’s no rush—let the enemy attack, wait for the right time, and then block with precision. The perfect parry feels almost like you’re letting the enemy do the work, and you just show them who’s boss. - Using the Right Equipment
Some weapons and shields make parrying easier than others. I had a rude awakening when I tried to parry with a giant sword in Bloodborne—it was next to impossible. So, if you’re struggling, it might be worth switching your gear. Some shields and weapons have a parry window that’s much wider than others. Sometimes, smaller, quicker weapons make the whole process smoother. Here’s a quick table to help you out:
| Weapon Type | Parry Ease | Recommended Game |
|---|---|---|
| Shields | Easy | Dark Souls |
| Small Daggers | Moderate | Bloodborne |
| Greatswords | Hard | Dark Souls III |
| Katana (Medium) | Moderate | Sekiro |
- Learn the Enemy’s Patterns
Every enemy has its own rhythm. In Dark Souls, for instance, you’ll face a lot of enemies with slow, predictable swings—perfect for parrying. But then you’ll also come across faster, more erratic enemies that require a different kind of patience and skill. One of my mistakes early on was trying to parry every attack. But you quickly realize that some enemies are just better fought with dodging or blocking, and parrying isn’t always the best option. The trick is recognizing those moments and adapting. - Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
This one’s huge. When I first started, I was way too focused on perfection. The more I failed, the more frustrated I became. But failing is part of the process. In Sekiro, you’ll fail a ton at first, but as you keep practicing, you get better. Trust me on this one: embrace the grind. The more you try, the more you’ll start to get a feel for it.
When Parrying Works: Rewards & Benefits
The beauty of mastering parrying is that it opens up huge advantages. In Dark Souls, for example, a well-timed parry stuns your opponent, leaving them open to a critical hit. In Sekiro, parrying isn’t just about blocking—it’s about posture breaking your opponent and setting them up for a killing blow.
But parrying isn’t just about defensive power; it’s also about confidence. When you pull off a parry, you feel like a boss. It’s a skill that can make even the toughest enemies feel manageable. It’s the difference between scraping through a fight and dominating it.
Final Thoughts
Mastering parrying in action-RPGs isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to fail. But the rewards are worth it. Parrying is a skill that, when mastered, can make even the toughest enemies feel like pushovers. Plus, there’s no better feeling than pulling off a perfect parry and delivering a devastating counterattack.
So, next time you’re up against a tough boss or mob, don’t shy away from parrying. Take your time, learn the patterns, and get that timing right. And remember—if it’s frustrating, you’re not alone. Everyone has been there. But stick with it, and soon enough, you’ll be the one giving your enemies a taste of their own medicine.
Good luck out there!