Mastering the Art of Parrying in God of War Ragnarok
Introduction
God of War Ragnarok is an action-packed game that requires players to be quick, agile, and strategic in order to overcome the challenges they encounter. One of the key defensive mechanics in the game is parrying, which is a crucial skill to learn for any player looking to advance through the game’s complex combat system. In this article, we’ll explain how to parry in God of War Ragnarok, highlighting the most effective techniques and strategies for pulling off the perfect parry.
What is Parrying?
Before we dive into the technical aspects of parrying, let’s define what parrying is. Parrying is a defensive move in God of War Ragnarok that allows Kratos (or Atreus in co-op mode) to deflect an enemy’s attack back at them, putting them on the backfoot and creating an opportunity to counterattack. When successfully executed, parrying allows players to avoid damage while also gaining an advantage in combat.
Why Parry?
There are several reasons why players should learn how to parry in God of War Ragnarok:
• Increase Survivability: Parrying allows players to reduce damage taken from enemy attacks, making it easier to stay alive in intense battles.
• Gain Advantage: By deflecting an enemy’s attack, players create an opportunity to counterattack and deal significant damage, turning the tide of combat in their favor.
• Improve Combo Payouts: Successful parries can lead to larger combo payouts, making the game’s combat more challenging and rewarding.
How to Parry in God of War Ragnarok
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to parry in God of War Ragnarok:
- Timing is Everything: Observe your enemy’s attacks and wait for the ideal moment to parry. Look for visual cues, such as a shimmering effect or a quick flash of light, before the attack lands. The timing window for parrying is relatively small, but with practice, players will develop a sense for the optimal moment to react.
- Input System: To parry in God of War Ragnarok, players must use a specific input system:
*Square (PS4/Xbox One) or Shift (PC): A quick press of Square/Shift will perform a quick dodge, while **holding Square/Shift + pressing Circle/B: This combination will initiate a powerful parry.
Timing is crucial here! Release the Square/Shift button as soon as possible after the visual cue.
- Visual Feed: Pay attention to the visual feedback given by the game after executing a parry. You’ll see a satisfying graphical effect, and Kratos/Atreus will adopt an armored position, indicating a successful block.
Tips and Strategies
Here are some helpful tips and strategies to enhance your parrying skills in God of War Ragnarok:
• Keep Distance: Maintain a safe distance from enemies to reduce the risk of taking unnecessary damage while trying to parry.
• Mix-Up Your Attacks: Alternate between light and heavy attacks to keep enemies guessing, increasing the chances of successful parries.
• Look for Openings: Scout for openings in your opponents’ attacks, as missed parries can lead to devastating counterattacks.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Mastering the art of parrying in God of War Ragnarok takes time and practice. Players should focus on building timing and muscle memory.
Common Mistakes and Issues
Here are some common mistakes and issues that new players may encounter while attempting to parry:
- Missed Timings: Frustration sets in when the attack lands, and Kratos/Atreus absorbs damage. Try taking a step back and refocusing on the visual cues.
- Losing Focus: Parry attempts can lead to dodging, and then subsequently losing focus on the surrounding environment. Practice combining parries with proper distance management and situational awareness.
- Enemies Outmaneuver: Beware of enemies who manage to outmaneuver your parries, launching a counterattack. Stay adaptable and anticipate future attacks.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of parrying in God of War Ragnarok is an essential part of advancing through the game’s complex combat system. By following these guidelines, tips, and strategies, players will gain a solid foundation in deftly deflecting their enemies’ attacks, resulting in increased survivability and improved combo payouts. Keep practicing, and with the right timing and skillset, you’ll become an unstoppable force on the battlefields of Midgard!
Additional Resources
Want to learn more about the combat mechanics and parrying in God of War Ragnarok? Check out some of these additional resources for further insights:
• God of War Ragnarok Wiki: The official Wiki provides detailed information on mechanics, enemies, and equipment.
• IGN: God of War Ragnarok Guide: A comprehensive walkthrough and guide covering the basics of combat, puzzles, and more.
• Reddit: r/GodofWarRagnarok Community: Join the official subReddit for discussions, advice, and strategies with the God of War Ragnarok community.
