Mastering Parrying in Elden Ring: Nightreign
Elden Ring captivates players not only through its expansive world but also via its intricate combat mechanics, particularly the art of parrying. This feature, carried over into Nightreign, allows various characters beyond just Executor to engage with enemy attacks effectively. Whether you choose to wield a shield as Wylder or any properly equipped character, mastering parrying can be a game-changer.
Understanding the Complexity of Parrying
While parrying may sound straightforward, it presents unique challenges. Firstly, choosing the right shield tailored to your combat style is vital. Moreover, each parry type has distinct nuances that can significantly impact your success rate. To further complicate matters, not every attack is susceptible to being parried, making the rush to level up feel even more pressing. However, with the guidance provided here, you’ll gain insights into effective parrying techniques, the best shields to utilize, and the various types of parries available.
How to Parry Attacks in Elden Ring: Nightreign
Begin by ensuring your shield is equipped with the Ash of War Parry. Avoid shields labeled as “No Skill, ”as they will not allow you to parry effectively. With your proper shield in the off-hand, position yourself in front of your adversary. As they prepare to attack, execute the parry using the skill (typically by pressing L2 or LT) just before the strike lands. A successful parry will be marked by red sparks, indicating that your enemy is staggered and vulnerable to a riposte.
To execute a riposte for critical damage, quickly follow up with a standard attack. Note that heavy or charged attacks will not yield critical damage and will waste your opportunity after a parry. Beginners are encouraged to adopt a guard-and-parry approach rather than attempting direct parries, reducing potential damage taken from failed attempts.
Timing is crucial and varies based on both the enemy’s attack and the shield utilized. It is essential to avoid parrying too early or too late, as both will result in damage. Additionally, not all enemies can be staggered with a single parry; certain foes, such as the Fell Omen, require multiple successful parries before being open to a riposte.
Optimal Shields for Parrying
Small shields are often the best choice for parrying, particularly those with the Buckler Parry skill. This skill offers a higher number of parry frames, providing more leniency for timing errors. Wylder’s default shield conveniently comes with this parrying capability, making it an excellent starting point.
As a rule of thumb, focus your attention on your enemy’s hands while parrying. Stand close and initiate your parry as their hand begins to move toward you. Conversely, you can also time your parry based on the enemy’s weapon, anticipating the moment for your shield to make contact.
A Parrying Dagger is another alternative to shields that offers a similar parrying animation to that of a Buckler.
Identifying Non-Parryable Attacks
Not all attacks in Nightreign can be parried.Common examples include jump attacks, grab moves, and strikes from two-handed colossal weapons. Other non-parryable actions might include odd attacks like a rat bite or a shield swing from a Lordsword Captain.
Some attacks, typically categorically exempt from parrying, can be countered with specific Ashes of War—such as the Golden Parry which can handle the Fell Omen’s hammer, or the Carian Retaliation for glintblade responses against sorcery attacks.
Ultimately, experimentation is key; the best way to uncover what can and cannot be parried involves trial and error. If you’re new to the action-packed nature of Nightreign, consider practicing in the original Elden Ring, where you have greater flexibility in shield selection and Ashes of War applications.
Exploring Different Types of Parries in Elden Ring: Nightreign
There are six distinct parry types available, each tailored to different combat scenarios.The Buckler Parry stands out as the most effective option. Other skills like Golden Parry and Carian Retaliation also hold their advantages, particularly in specific situations.
Standard Parry
The standard parry allows players to deflect attacks using their shield. With all shields in Nightreign offering significant physical damage negation, small shields are typically preferred for optimal performance.
Buckler Parry
This parry type features an upward flick animation and is found on the Buckler or Wylder’s initial shield, providing a slight edge in timing precision.
Golden Parry
Utilizing this Ash of War lets players parry attacks from a greater distance and can accommodate multiple enemy strikes. However, frequent use will deplete FP, necessitating the need for resources like Starlight Shards to replenish.
Storm Wall
Similar to Golden Parry, this skill consumes FP and is effective against projectiles like arrows, producing a storm effect upon parrying.
Thops’s Barrier
This barrier does not require FP, making it a reliable choice for blocking regular attacks. Its strength lies in countering sorceries, generating a magical forcefield upon successful parrying.
Search Retaliation
Focusing more on magic, this skill transforms incoming spells into glintblades that target nearby enemies. Regular attacks can be parried without consuming FP, while spells will drain resources.
To effectively learn parrying techniques, playing as Wylder is recommended. His Buckler Parry ability simplifies the learning curve, allowing you to bypass the randomness of shield acquisition.
With diligent practice and experience, you’ll develop the intuition needed to parry successfully with various shields.
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