If you’re new to Elden Ring, one of the most satisfying skills you can master is the parry. There’s nothing quite like deflecting a heavy swing from a giant knight or a nimble bandit, leaving them open for a critical riposte. But getting your timing right can feel tricky at first, especially with the game’s fast-paced combat. Here’s a guide to help beginners understand and execute parries consistently.



Understanding the Basics of Parries



Before diving into the timing, it’s important to know which weapons and shields can parry. Most small shields and certain weapons allow for a parry, but not all attacks can be parried. Typically, slower, telegraphed attacks are the easiest targets. Quick, multi-hit combos can be punishing if you mistime your parry, so start slow.



A good tip is to watch your enemy’s movement closely. Parrying in Elden Ring isn’t about mashing buttons—it’s about observation. You want to hit the parry button at the very moment the enemy’s attack is about to connect. The animation will give you subtle hints; even a tiny pause or wind-up can signal the perfect moment.



Timing and Practice



Timing is everything. If you’re too early, your parry will fail, leaving you vulnerable. Too late, and you’ll take damage. A helpful way to practice is to face weaker enemies in safe areas. Try to predict their attack rhythm, and gradually, your reflexes will improve.



Personally, I found it helpful to pair this practice with farming Runes. Sometimes, you’ll be low on resources and want a boost without grinding endlessly. Sites like U4GM let you buy Elden Ring runes, giving you some breathing room while you perfect your timing. This way, you can focus more on learning combat mechanics rather than worrying about running out of currency.



Choosing the Right Shield or Weapon



Not all shields are created equal. Some have better parry windows or faster recovery times. As a beginner, look for shields that explicitly mention parrying ability in their description. Weapons that can parry often have slower swings, which can make timing a bit easier. Experiment with a few to find what feels natural for your playstyle.



Also, if you’re exploring different methods to gain in-game currency, you might consider options to buy Elden Ring runes with credit card. This is especially convenient if you want to try higher-level gear or consumables while staying focused on improving your combat skills. Just remember: don’t rely on it too heavily. Practicing parries manually is where the real skill comes in.



Common Mistakes to Avoid



Many beginners make the same mistakes when learning to parry:





Mashing the button – Timing is crucial; hitting the parry button repeatedly won’t help.





Parrying every attack – Not all attacks are parryable. Learn to identify which ones are safe to attempt.





Neglecting stamina – Running out of stamina mid-parry attempt is a quick way to die. Always keep an eye on your bar.





One trick I learned over time is to anticipate enemy attack patterns rather than reacting blindly. Bosses, for example, often have a predictable sequence. If you focus on reading their moves instead of spamming buttons, you’ll land more parries and feel way more in control.



The Reward of a Successful Parry



Landing a perfect parry is immensely satisfying, especially in Elden Ring’s challenging world. It opens up enemies for a riposte, which deals significant damage and can turn the tide of a fight. Even more, it’s a confidence booster—once you get the rhythm, many encounters become much more manageable.



For those who occasionally find themselves low on Runes and want to keep experimenting without stress, remember that you can buy Elden Ring runes with credit card through services like U4GM. Having a small buffer allows you to focus on learning mechanics rather than worrying about constant farming.



Final Tips for Beginners





Start slow. Practice parrying against low-level enemies first.





Learn enemy attack cues. Observation beats reflex mashing every time.





Pick equipment that suits your timing and playstyle.





Consider small Rune boosts if needed, but don’t skip the core practice.





Parrying in Elden Ring may seem intimidating at first, but with patience and practice, it becomes one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself confidently facing foes that would have destroyed you just days before—and nothing feels quite as rewarding in the Lands Between.




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