Parries and critical strikes are key components in combat in Elden Ring. This guide will explain how to parry enemy attacks, how to perform critical strikes, and when you can do them!

How to Parry

Deflect an Attack with Perfect Timing

By timing a parry right when an attack is thrown, you may be able to parry the attack. Parrying an attack will mitigate the damage and stagger an opponent, leaving them open for a riposte.

However, not all enemies can be riposted and some enemies require multiple parries in a row before they can be riposted.

A good example of an enemy requiring multiple parries is Malenia, Blade of Miquella, who needs to be parried about 3 times before she is staggered and open to a riposte. An example of enemies that cannot be riposted even if they are parried are mounted bosses like Royal Knight Loretta.

Parry Controls

Controller Layout and Button Scheme

When to Parry

Watch the Hand, Not the Weapon

The moment the hand holding the weapon moves, throw out a parry.

To pull of a successful parry, it will require knowing the specific timing of the parry window for the shield you are using. Smaller shields usually have a faster parry window, making them easier to use. However, not all physical attacks can be parried.

A good rule of thumb is to watch the hand that is holding the weapon and not the weapon itself, even if the enemy is using a large weapon. The moment the hand moves forward is when the parry should be thrown out. This is best practiced with small shields since their parry window is a little more forgiving.

Another way to check a shield's parry timing is by walking up to a wall and using parry against it. The sparks that appear indicate the shield's parry timing. However, it seems certain walls are not able to create sparks, notably the walls at the Church of Elleh.

Incoming Spell Attacks

Carian Retaliation can parry incoming spell attacks, turning the spell into projectiles that fly towards opponents. This is very useful against certain bosses like the Red Wolf of Radagon or casters in PvP.

How to Perform a Critical Strike

Attack a Staggered or Downed Opponent

Once an enemy is staggered or downed, walk up to them and attack to trigger a critical strike animation and deal massive damage.

Critical Strike Controls

When to Perform Critical Strikes

After Parries

Attacking an enemy immediately after a successful parry will leave them staggered, leading to a free critical strike. This combo can also be done against some bosses.

On Fallen Enemies

Enemies that have been knocked down can be finished off with a critical attack execution. Critical strikes can also be performed on sleeping enemies.

While Behind Enemies

Sneaking or standing behind an enemy will prompt the player to do a critical strike, which can deal tremendous amounts of damage.

Best Shields For Parrying

Buckler

The buckler has a special kind of parry called the Buckler Parry which makes it faster than the regular Parry Ash of War.

This is a good shield to practice with because Buckler Parry's parry frames are more forgiving than the regular parry, which makes it a good choice for both beginner and intermediate players.

List of All Small Shields

A Shield With Golden Parry

Golden Parry is an Ash of War that can be placed on small and medium shields. The size of the shield does not affect the parry timing when using this Ash, which throws out a wide golden arc.

This arc is capable of parrying from a certain distance, unlike a regular parry which requires being up close to the attacker. It's also faster and more forgiving than the Buckler, making this a slightly better choice.

Some players use Golden Parry with a medium shield for slightly more Guard Boost.

List of All Medium Shields

Related Guides

Beginner's Guide: All Tips and Tricks

Tips and Tricks