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Very few things in Elden Ring are a clearer showcase of mastery than performing a perfect parry. When facing bosses capable of obliterating you with single hits or fast combos like Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance, repelling your deadly opponent’s strike with impeccable timing can make you feel like a god. But how exactly can you perform the move? Here’s how to parry in Elden Ring.
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How To Successfully Parry and Riposte in Elden Ring
While wielding a weapon or shield equipped with any Parry Ash of War, you can perform a parry in Elden Ring by using your Weapon Skill at the moment your opponent’s attack is about to hit you. Here’s how to perform a parry on all platforms:
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5: Press L2 as your opponent’s attack is about to hit you
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S: Press LT as your opponent’s attack is about to connect.
- PC: Hold Shift and then right-click at the moment your opponent’s attack is about to hit.
After a set number of parries (usually one for regular enemies), your target will fall to their knees or become staggered. Once that happens, you will be able to do a riposte by performing a simple attack with any of your available weapons.
Can You Parry With Swords in Elden Ring?
You can perform parries with both Thrusting and Curved Swords in Elden Ring, as they are the only ones compatible with the standard Parry Ash of War. The Ash of War is the only one of its class and is available for gear outside of shields. It can also be used on Daggers, Fists, and Claws.
How To Get the Parry Ash of War
Although many shields will come equipped with it, you can get the regular Parry Ash of War in Elden Ring by purchasing it from Knight Bernahl for 600 runes. If you are just starting in the game, you will be able to find him at Warmaster’s Shack.
You can reach the area by heading to the spot marked below, located north of Stormgate and east of Stormveil Castle.
If you killed Bernahl and got his Bell Bearing, you will still be able to purchase the Ash of War by giving the item to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, who will then take over his shop.
What Is the Best Shield for Parrying in Elden Ring?
The best shield for parrying in Elden Ring is the Buckler. The shield earns its spot thanks to its exclusive Buckler Parry Weapon Skill, which has the fastest buildup and larger parry window in the game when compared to other weapons or small shields equipped with any Ash of War.
You can purchase the shield from Gatekeeper Gostoc at Stormveil Castle for 1,500 runes, as well as from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold if you killed the NPC and gave them his Bell Bearing. The shield is also a starting equipment of the bandit class.
If you don’t want to use the Buckler, all other available shields perform very similarly. Although the small ones will offer a larger parry window no matter your Ash of War. If you are looking to use medium shields, however, I highly recommend equipping them with the Golden Parry Ash of War, which offers a way higher parrying window. You can check out how to get the Ash of War in our How to Get the Golden Parry guide.
Elden Ring is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
