Parries and critical strikes are key components in combat in Elden Ring. This guide will explain how to parry enemy attacks, how to perform critical strikes, and when you can do them!
List of Contents
- How to Parry
- How to Perform a Critical Strike
- Related Guides
How to Parry
Deflect an Attack with Perfect Timing
By timing a parry right when an attack is thrown, you may be able to parry the attack. Parrying an attack will mitigate the damage and stagger an opponent, leaving them open for a riposte.
However, not all enemies can be riposted and some enemies require multiple parries in a row before they can be riposted.
A good example of an enemy requiring multiple parries is Malenia, Blade of Miquella, who needs to be parried about 3 times before she is staggered and open to a riposte. An example of enemies that cannot be riposted even if they are parried are mounted bosses like Royal Knight Loretta.
Parry Controls
Button | Action |
---|---|
L2 / LT | Activates the Parry Skill on a shield. |
Controller Layout and Button Scheme
When to Parry
Watch the Hand, Not the Weapon
The moment the hand holding the weapon moves, throw out a parry.
To pull of a successful parry, it will require knowing the specific timing of the parry window for the shield you are using. Smaller shields usually have a faster parry window, making them easier to use. However, not all physical attacks can be parried.
A good rule of thumb is to watch the hand that is holding the weapon and not the weapon itself, even if the enemy is using a large weapon. The moment the hand moves forward is when the parry should be thrown out. This is best practiced with small shields since their parry window is a little more forgiving.
Another way to check a shield's parry timing is by walking up to a wall and using parry against it. The sparks that appear indicate the shield's parry timing. However, it seems certain walls are not able to create sparks, notably the walls at the Church of Elleh.
Incoming Spell Attacks
Carian Retaliation can parry incoming spell attacks, turning the spell into projectiles that fly towards opponents. This is very useful against certain bosses like the Red Wolf of Radagon or casters in PvP.
How to Perform a Critical Strike
Attack a Staggered or Downed Opponent
Once an enemy is staggered or downed, walk up to them and attack to trigger a critical strike animation and deal massive damage.
Critical Strike Controls
Button | Action |
---|---|
R1 / RB | Attack when close to an enemy |
When to Perform Critical Strikes
After Parries
Attacking an enemy immediately after a successful parry will leave them staggered, leading to a free critical strike. This combo can also be done against some bosses.
On Fallen Enemies
Enemies that have been knocked down can be finished off with a critical attack execution. Critical strikes can also be performed on sleeping enemies.
While Behind Enemies
Sneaking or standing behind an enemy will prompt the player to do a critical strike, which can deal tremendous amounts of damage.
Best Shields For Parrying
Buckler
The buckler has a special kind of parry called the Buckler Parry which makes it faster than the regular Parry Ash of War.
This is a good shield to practice with because Buckler Parry's parry frames are more forgiving than the regular parry, which makes it a good choice for both beginner and intermediate players.
List of All Small Shields
A Shield With Golden Parry
Golden Parry is an Ash of War that can be placed on small and medium shields. The size of the shield does not affect the parry timing when using this Ash, which throws out a wide golden arc.
This arc is capable of parrying from a certain distance, unlike a regular parry which requires being up close to the attacker. It's also faster and more forgiving than the Buckler, making this a slightly better choice.
Some players use Golden Parry with a medium shield for slightly more Guard Boost.
List of All Medium Shields
Related Guides
Beginner's Guide: All Tips and Tricks
Tips and Tricks
Tips for Beginners | |
---|---|
Character Creation Guide | Best Starting Keepsakes |
How to Level Up | Rune Farming Guide |
Stats Explained | What is Dexterity? |
What is Arcane? | How to Increase Your Health |
How to Heal | How to Upgrade Flasks |
All Status Effects | All Buffs and Debuffs |
What Happens When You Die? | - |
General Tips and Tricks | |
How to Leave a Boss Fight | How to Pause the Game |
How to Get to The Roundtable Hold | How to Respec |
How to Increase Memory Slots | How to Alter Garments |
How to Make Hostile NPCs Friendly | All Walking Mausoleum Locations |
How to Write Messages | What To Do When You Can't Summon (Co-Op) |
All Weather Effects | - |
Exploration Tips | |
How to Use Sites of Grace | How to Use Stakes of Marika |
How to Fast Travel | How to Use Summon Pool Stakes |
Day and Night Cycle Differences | How to Change Time |
All Illusory Wall Locations | All Painting Locations and Rewards |
How to Get Into the Academy of Raya Lucaria | How to Get to Nokron |
All Portals and Teleport Locations | All Imp Statue Locations and Rewards |
Movement and Combat Tips | |
How to Sprint | How to Parry |
How to Guard Counter | How to Backstab |
Hidden Combat Mechanics | - |