Why Parrying Is a Game-Changer
In action games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, God of War, and Stellar Blade, parrying isn't just a defensive option — it's often the most powerful tool in your arsenal. A well-timed parry staggers enemies, opens windows for massive damage, and can completely flip the momentum of a fight. Yet many players ignore it, relying on dodging instead.
This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of parrying, how to train your timing, and how to apply it across different game systems.
Understanding the Parry Window
Every game with a parry mechanic has a parry window — a brief moment during which pressing the block or parry button will successfully counter an incoming attack. This window is typically measured in frames and varies by game:
- Tight windows (Sekiro-style): Requires near-perfect timing. Rewarding but unforgiving.
- Generous windows (God of War style): More accessible, designed for broader audiences.
- Rhythm-based windows (Sifu style): Timing is tied to enemy attack animations rather than strict frames.
Step-by-Step: Building Your Parry Timing
- Start with weak enemies. Don't attempt parrying on bosses right away. Practice on regular enemies whose attack patterns are simple and predictable.
- Watch the animation, not the health bar. Your cue to parry is always the enemy's wind-up animation — not a sound cue or an icon.
- Press late, not early. Most beginners parry too early. Consciously try to press the button slightly later than feels natural.
- Accept failure as feedback. If your parry fails, note whether the enemy's attack hit before or after your press. Adjust accordingly.
- Isolate one attack at a time. Focus on parrying just one move in a boss's combo before attempting the full sequence.
Advanced Parry Techniques
Parry Chaining
In games like Sekiro, enemies often attack in multi-hit combos. Parrying each hit in a chain builds massive posture damage. Practice chaining 2–3 parries in sequence before advancing to full combos.
Bait and Parry
Some enemies don't attack until provoked. Step into their range deliberately, then parry their predictable response. This gives you full control of the timing.
Knowing What NOT to Parry
Not all attacks are parriable. Watch for visual indicators like red glowing effects (Sekiro's Perilous Attacks) or yellow outlines — these signal unblockable moves that require a dodge instead.
Practice Recommendations by Game
| Game | Parry Difficulty | Best Place to Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Hard | Sword Saint Genichiro (tutorial area) |
| God of War (2018) | Medium | Draugr enemies in early Midgard |
| Stellar Blade | Medium | Basic Naytiba in the Wasteland |
| Sifu | Hard | The Museum level, first floor guards |
Final Tips
- Turn off auto-dodge assists if the game has them — they can interfere with parry inputs.
- Use a controller if you're on PC — the analog triggers offer better tactile feedback than keyboard keys.
- Be patient. Parrying is a skill that clicks suddenly after enough repetition.