How to Parry Attacks

Parry enemy attacks by attacking at the exact moment they do to slow down time and deliver lots of attacks and deal more damage in Final Fantasy 16 (FF16). Read on to learn how to parry, tips for parrying, the effects of parrying, and if parrying is worth mastering!

How to Parry Attacks

Press Square Exactly when the Enemy Attacks

Press the square button at the right time when an enemy attacks you. You'll know if a parry is successful if time slows down for everything except Clive, and the word "Parry" shows up on the right side of the screen.

When you attack, you have an animation for when your attack actually hits the enemy. Let your attack come into contact with the enemy's attack to do a successful parry!

Pulling this off is no easy feat, and it might require some players more practice in parrying. Unlike QTEs which prompt a button press, parrying is purely timing, however. You can practice in the Eikonic Challenge that's part of the demo.

Attacks that can Parry

Attack	Button
Normal Melee Attack	Press
Burning Blade	Long Press
Lunge	Press + on ground
Downthrust	Press + while midair

Only melee attacks can parry enemy attacks. Using ranged attacks will not parry any attack.

Precisicion Dodge as an Alternative

If you're having trouble parrying attacks, you can opt to use precision dodges. You can do this by pressing the R1 button before the attack hits you. You are granted a chance to a precision counter, which has increased damage to the single attack you do after a precision dodge.

How to Use Precision Dodge Effectively

Parrying Tips

Study Enemy Behavior and Attack Patterns

Each enemy behaves differently in combat and has different attack patterns. You don't have to study every enemy, only the difficult fights where the enemy's will gauge is visible.

Understanding attack patterns is key to a successful parry. Avoid spamming the attack button, as it will reduce your chances of parrying enemy attacks!

List of All Enemies

Equip the Ring of Timely Evasion

Equipping the Ring of Timely Evasion reduces the risk of you getting hit upon a failed parry. It can make you feel more confident when parrying, as you'll automatically evade attacks.

All Timely Accessories and Effects

Practice in the Hall of Virtue

With great power comes great practice! Enter the Hall of Virtue in the Arete Stone and practice parrying with enemies there! Make sure you know how to exit training mode, or you might not be able to see the light of day in Valisthea.

Effects of Parrying

Slows Down Time for a Short Amount

Parrying an attack slows down time, giving you a chance to deal a flurry of attacks with added damage to the enemy. You only have a limited amount of time—about one basic attack combo—before the effect wears off, so make use of the opportunity!

The attacks you can deal to enemies while time is slowed down are not limited to your basic attacks! You can also use your Abilities which have higher damage than normal!

Is Parrying Worth It?

Worth Mastering to Deal Extra Damage

Watch Clive take a chunk of Gigas' health by parrying!

Learning how to parry is extremely worth mastering, as it allows you to deal lots of damage, especially in boss fights! Remember to study the attack patterns of your enemies.

Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) Related Guides

Tips and Tricks: A Beginner's Guide to FF16

All Tips and Tricks