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Crimson Desert

How to Parry Attacks

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☆ Best: Side Quests | Weapons | Armor | Skills
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☆ Characters: Damiane | Oongka | Kliff
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How to Parry Attacks

You can parry attacks by guarding just before the enemy's attack lands in Crimson Desert. Learn how to parry in this guide.

List of Contents

How to Parry

  1. Check if You Have Keen Senses Unlocked
  2. Guard Before the Enemy Attack Lands

Check if You Have Keen Senses Unlocked

Requires Keen Senses

You can use parry attacks as soon as you obtain the first level of Keen Senses skill, which is unlocked by default for Kliff, but may require additional unlocks for other characters.

List of All Skills

Guard Before the Enemy Attack Lands

Parry melee attacks by timing your Guard input just when the opponent's attack is about to land. You can parry with just about any melee weapon that can guard, so parrying is a mechanic that should be utilized often.

By default, the guard button is Ctrl on PC, L1 on PS5, and LB on XBOX.

Grab Attacks Cannot Be Parried

Grab attacks cant be parried

Grabs cannot be parried, they must be dodged to avoid damage. Grab attacks usually have a red glint, but not all attacks with a red glint are grabs. Weapon attacks with a red glint can be parried as usual, and the same rules apply to them.

Parrying Tips

Check IconHold the Block Button
Check IconParry the Enemy mid Combo To Interrupt
Check IconShields Aren’t Required To Parry
Check IconCan Be Chained With Follow-Up Attacks
Check IconFills the Stagger Meter
Check IconRegains Lost Stamina

Hold the Block Button

Hold the block button

To play it safe, hold the block button while waiting for an incoming attack that can be parried. This ensures that, even if you misjudge the timing of the parry, the attack will still be blocked, reducing the amount of damage you take.

Parry the Enemy mid Combo To Interrupt

You can parry the enemy mid-combo to interrupt their attack string, which halts their momentum. This is easier to do since combo attacks are easier to anticipate than a single attack.

This means that you can parry after blocking the first few hits. You can even do the parry after getting hit.

Shields Aren’t Required To Parry

A shield isn't required for parrying, so you can parry with any equipped weapon, even when you're dual wielding. In fact, you can even perform parries unarmed, which is quite handy if you want play the game bare-handed.

Can Be Chained With Follow-Up Attacks

Leaves the opponent to counterattacks

Parrying can instantly be followed up with attacks such as the Turning Slash, which can be comboed afterwards. Since parrying also stuns the opponent temporarily, this ensures that the follow-up attack will land, letting you get some hits in.

Fills the Stagger Meter

Stagger Gauge

Parrying attacks fills up the stagger meter, which is especially useful against bosses. When the stagger meter is filled, it leaves the opponent stunned for a long duration, giving you enough time to land your hardest-hitting combos.

Given that parrying also provides you with an opportunity to land a few blows, it's much quicker to stagger opponents when they are parried as opposed to simply landing attacks on your own.

Regains Lost Stamina

Stamina Before Parrying.png
Stamina Before Parrying
Stamina After Parrying.png
Stamina After Parrying

A successful parry regains some of your stamina, allowing you to perform more actions. This makes parrying especially useful in areas with extreme climates, where stamina regeneration is penalized.

Crimson Desert Related Guides

Crimson Desert - Wiki and Guides

Crimson Desert Guides

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Best Ways to Farm MoneyBest Ways to Farm Money Best Skills to Get EarlyBest Skills to Get Early Best Places to Visit EarlyBest Places to Visit Early
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Best WeaponsBest Weapons - -

Beginner Guides

BeginnerBeginner's Guide Early Progression GuideEarly Progression Guide Can You Skip CutscenesIs There Transmog?
How to Fast TravelHow to Fast Travel Where to Store ItemsWhere to Store Items Can You Skip CutscenesCan You Skip Cutscenes
How to Steal ItemsHow to Steal Items How to Pass TimeHow to Pass Time How to Log TreesHow to Log Trees
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Best Items to Keep, Buy, and SellBest Items to Keep, Buy, and Sell Wanted System ExplainedWanted System Explained Best Side Quests to CompleteBest Side Quests to Complete
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How to fishHow to Fish How to Clear Fog of WarHow to Clear Fog of War Temperature Guide How to Deal with Cold and Hot ClimatesHow to Deal with Cold and Hot Climates
How to Respec SkillsHow to Respec Skills How to Find the Room the Key OpensHow to Find the Room the Key Opens Refinement GuideRefinement Guide
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How to SaveHow to Save How to Sheathe Your WeaponHow to Sheathe Your Weapon Camp Guide and FeaturesCamp Features
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Character Progression Guides

8How to Unlock Core Slot - BannerHow to Unlock Core Slot Leveling System Explained - BannerLeveling System Explained How many Skill Points Can You Get? - BannerHow Many Skill Points Can You Get?
How to Equip Abyss Cores - BannerHow to Equip Abyss Cores How to Increase HealthHow to Increase Health How to Increase SpiritHow to Increase Spirit
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Combat Tips

How to Beat Flying Enemies - BannerHow to Beat Flying Enemies How to HealHow to Heal Can You Defeat MyurdinCan You Defeat Myurdin? (Tutorial Boss)
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Settings Guides

List of All ControlsList of All Controls Best SettingsBest Settings Difficulty Explained - BannerDifficulty Explained

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