How to Parry Attacks in Ghost of Tsushima

How to Parry Attacks in Ghost of Tsushima

Parrying is a cornerstone of combat in Ghost of Tsushima, allowing Jin Sakai to deflect enemy attacks and create devastating counter-attack opportunities. Mastering the parry is essential for survival, especially on higher difficulties, as it negates incoming damage and opens foes up for critical strikes.

To perform a parry, you must time your block just as an enemy's attack is about to land. The input for a block is holding the R1 button. When an enemy attacks, watch their animations closely. If you press R1 at the precise moment their weapon connects with you, Jin will execute a perfect parry. This is indicated by a distinct sound effect and a visual cue, such as Jin pushing the enemy's weapon aside.

There are two types of parries to master:

• Standard Parry: Executed by pressing R1 just before an attack hits. This deflects the attack and can stagger some enemies.
• Perfect Parry: Executed by pressing R1 at the exact moment of impact. This stuns the enemy, leaving them vulnerable to a follow-up attack or a powerful counter-strike.

Certain enemy attacks cannot be parried. These are indicated by a red flash or a red glow around the attacking enemy. These attacks must be dodged or avoided. Learning to distinguish between parryable and unparryable attacks is crucial. Generally, unblockable attacks are telegraphed with a red visual cue.

The timing for a perfect parry can be challenging to master, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Focus on the enemy's wind-up animations and the moment of their strike. Successfully parrying multiple attacks in succession can lead to a stagger, allowing you to unleash a devastating combo or a finishing move. Investing in skills that enhance parrying, such as the 'Perfect Dodge' and 'Perfect Parry' skills, can further improve your defensive capabilities and offensive potential.

Practice parrying against various enemy types, from basic soldiers to more formidable samurai and brutes. Each enemy has unique attack patterns that will test your timing and reflexes. Mastering the parry is not just about defense; it's about controlling the flow of combat and turning your opponent's aggression against them.