Master the Art of Parrying in Elden Ring on Xbox

Master the Art of Parrying in Elden Ring on Xbox

Elden Ring, the latest action RPG masterpiece from FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm. Players have been immersed in its vast open world and challenging combat system, making it one of the most celebrated games of 2024. One of the most crucial skills to master in Elden Ring is parrying, a technique that allows players to deflect enemy attacks and create openings for devastating counterattacks. If you’re playing on Xbox, understanding how to parry effectively can be the difference between life and death in the world of Elden Ring. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of parrying, offer a step-by-step process, troubleshoot common mistakes, and provide tips to improve your skills in no time.

What is Parrying in Elden Ring?

Parrying in Elden Ring involves timing your defense just right to deflect an enemy’s attack, which leaves them vulnerable for a critical counterattack. This mechanic is similar to previous FromSoftware games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, but Elden Ring offers new challenges with its open-world design and dynamic combat encounters. Parrying is essential, especially during boss fights and tough enemy engagements, as it allows you to break the rhythm of aggressive foes and strike back with massive damage.

Why is Parrying Important in Elden Ring?

Parrying serves multiple purposes in Elden Ring:

• Counterattacks: Successfully parrying an enemy’s attack opens the door for a devastating riposte, often dealing substantial damage.
• Breaking Enemy Guard: Parrying can help break an enemy’s guard, leaving them exposed for a follow-up attack.
• Stamina Conservation: Rather than dodging, which uses up stamina, parrying allows you to maintain your stamina while still protecting yourself.
• Mastery of Combat: Mastering parrying elevates your overall combat skills and gives you a significant edge in Elden Ring’s challenging world.

How to Parry in Elden Ring on Xbox

Mastering the art of parrying in Elden Ring requires precision, timing, and practice. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Equip a Shield or Weapon for Parrying

Before you can parry, you need to equip a shield or a weapon with a parrying ability. Shields are the most reliable for parrying, as they are specifically designed for defense, but certain weapons, such as curved swords and some greatswords, can also parry.

• Check your shield’s description for its parry rating. Some shields are better at parrying than others.
• Weapons that come with a parry ability often have it listed in the weapon’s skill list.
• Experiment with different shields and weapons to find what fits your combat style.

2. Understand Parrying Timing

The key to successful parrying is timing. You need to press the parry button just as the enemy’s attack is about to land. On Xbox, this is typically the LT (left trigger) button, but check your control settings to confirm. It’s crucial to anticipate the attack rather than reacting to it after the fact. The perfect moment is when the attack is about to hit, and you want to press the parry button just a fraction of a second before the impact.

3. Practice Against Standard Enemies

Once you’re equipped and have the basics down, it’s time to practice. Start by parrying against regular enemies that have relatively slow or predictable attacks. These foes will give you the chance to learn the timing without the pressure of tougher bosses or groups of enemies. Look for openings and try to match their attack animations to your parry button press.

• Focus on enemies with slower, heavy attacks to help you practice timing.
• Pay attention to the animation cues of enemies to gauge when their attack is about to land.

4. Use the Correct Directional Inputs

While pressing the parry button at the right time is essential, you also need to position yourself properly. Use the left thumbstick to adjust your stance and angle to ensure that you’re facing the enemy. If you’re not positioned correctly, even a well-timed parry can fail. Make sure to lock on to the enemy using the RB button to help maintain alignment during combat.

5. Go for the Riposte

If you’ve successfully parried an attack, you will stagger the enemy. This is your chance to perform a riposte, which is a critical attack that can deal a large amount of damage. To execute a riposte, simply press the RT (right trigger) after a successful parry. Be aware that some enemies, especially bosses, may resist ripostes or perform counterattacks if you fail to act quickly.

Common Parrying Mistakes and How to Fix Them

While parrying may seem simple in theory, many players struggle with the timing or execution. Here are some common parrying mistakes and how to troubleshoot them:

• Parrying Too Early: This can happen if you anticipate the attack too soon. If you press the parry button too early, you may miss the attack entirely, leaving you open to getting hit. To fix this, focus on the enemy’s animation cues and try to time your parry closer to the moment when the attack lands.
• Not Facing the Enemy: If you’re not aligned with the enemy, your parry may not connect. Always make sure you’re facing the enemy directly and locked onto them. Adjust your stance if necessary.
• Using the Wrong Shield or Weapon: Not all shields and weapons have the same parrying capability. If you’re having difficulty, consider switching to a shield with a higher parry rating or a weapon that suits your playstyle better.
• Failing to Riposte: After a successful parry, don’t forget to follow up with a riposte. If you miss this opportunity, you could lose out on significant damage. Practice timing your riposte to make it a natural part of your parrying rhythm.

Tips for Mastering Parrying in Elden Ring on Xbox

Mastering parrying requires patience and practice. Here are some tips to help you improve your skills:

• Start with Easy Enemies: Don’t rush into parrying against tough bosses right away. Begin with regular enemies to build your timing and confidence.
• Use the Parrying Tutorial: Elden Ring offers a tutorial area that can help you practice various combat techniques, including parrying. Take advantage of these to get a feel for the system.
• Watch Enemy Animations: Every enemy in Elden Ring has different attack patterns. Study their movements carefully to learn when to parry and when to dodge.
• Use Parrying Shields: Shields with higher parry ratings make the timing easier. Look for shields like the “Buckler” or “Crest Shield” to boost your parrying ability.
• Take Your Time: Parrying is about precision, not speed. Take your time to learn the correct timing rather than rushing into combat.

Conclusion

Parrying in Elden Ring on Xbox is a skill that can significantly improve your combat efficiency and help you tackle some of the game’s toughest challenges. By equipping the right gear, learning the correct timing, and practicing against various enemies, you’ll be able to master this technique and gain a competitive edge in battles. Keep in mind that, like any skill in Elden Ring, mastery comes with time and patience. With dedication and perseverance, you can become a true parrying expert.

For more advanced combat techniques and tips on surviving in the world of Elden Ring, be sure to check out our combat guide.

Additionally, for those interested in discussing parrying strategies or seeking help with tough boss fights, join the vibrant Elden Ring community on Reddit. You’ll find valuable insights, tips, and discussions about improving your parrying and combat skills!

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team