Parrying in Elden Ring is a high-risk, high-reward skill that can make even the most intimidating bosses crumble. It requires precision, timing, and a good grasp of enemy patterns. While many players rely on rolling or shielding, those who learn to parry unlock a layer of combat that rewards timing over brute force.
What Is Parrying?
Parrying is a defensive manoeuvre that allows you to deflect an incoming melee attack and stagger the opponent. If successful, it opens the enemy up for a critical riposte. It is not a universal action for all weapons. Only certain shields and a few specialised weapons (like the Buckler or Parrying Dagger) offer this ability.
How to Parry
- Equip a shield or weapon capable of parrying. The Buckler, Small Shield, and the Parrying Dagger are some of the most forgiving options due to their faster startup.
- Press the parry button (L2/LT) just before an enemy’s weapon makes contact.
- If timed correctly, the enemy will stagger. You can then land a critical hit by following up with a light attack (R1/RB) while facing them.
Parry Controls
| Platform | Input to Parry |
|---|---|
| PC | Shift + Right-click (Mouse & Keyboard) or L2 (with Controller) |
| PlayStation | L2 (Hold shield or weapon in left hand) |
| Xbox | LT (Hold shield or weapon in left hand) |
Timing and Practice
Timing is everything. You are not reacting to the moment of impact, but pre-empting it slightly. Every enemy has a slightly different wind-up. Humanoids are usually easier to read, while beasts and eldritch enemies often have staggered or deceptive animations.
Practise against human-sized foes like Godrick Soldiers or Knights. Their attacks are more consistent and ideal for learning the rhythm. Avoid trying to parry multi-hit flurries or unblockable red-glowing attacks.
Parry Frames and Recovery
The parry window is only a few frames long, usually around 11 frames for a Buckler. Larger shields like the Heater Shield have slower startup and shorter windows, making them harder to use for parrying.
If you mistime your parry, you will enter a brief recovery animation, leaving you vulnerable. This is why spamming the parry button is ineffective and dangerous. Patience and reading your opponent matter more than reflex.
PvP vs PvE Parrying
In PvE, most humanoid NPCs and bosses are vulnerable to parrying. Margit, the Fell Omen, for example, can be parried during certain attacks if your timing is exact.
In PvP, parrying is more nuanced. Skilled invaders or duelists will often bait parries or use delayed strikes to punish hasty attempts. Never rely on it as a default. Use it sparingly and unpredictably.
Best Tools for Parrying
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Buckler | Excellent parry frames, light weight |
| Parrying Dagger | Fastest parry animation, but no block capability |
| Carian Retaliation | Ash of War that can parry spells and attacks |
| Small Shield | Decent compromise between defence and speed |
Parrying with Ashes of War
Some Ashes of War like Carian Retaliation and Thops’s Barrier allow for magical or ranged parrying. These are particularly useful against spellcasting enemies and invaders.
The Seven Swords takeaway
Parrying in Elden Ring is not essential to succeed, but it adds depth to combat and makes certain encounters far easier. The key is not just raw timing, but also situational awareness and restraint. Learn enemy patterns, commit to practise, and avoid unnecessary risks. Those who can master the parry will find themselves rewarded with stylish kills and a genuine sense of mastery.
Watch the video: Become a parry God
