Best Parry-Based Games for Skillful Combat

Dark Souls series

The Dark Souls series is a collection of action RPG known for their intense combat, deep lore, and mysterious world ready for exploration. It challenges players with precise timing, smart strategy, and a strong sense of risk and reward in every battle.

Image credit: FromSoftware, Inc.

In this game, parrying is all about precise timing – pressing the parry button just before an enemy’s attack lands to deflect it and open them up for a powerful riposte. Not all attacks can be parried, but with the right tools (like small shields or certain weapons), skilled players can turn enemy aggression into big damage.

Dark Souls series

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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a brutal action-adventure game set in Sengoku-era Japan where a skilled shinobi fights to save his kidnapped lord. It offers skill-based combat, stealth elements, and deep lore.

Image credit: FromSoftware, Inc.

Blocking an attack – called parrying – is very important in Sekiro. You just need to press the block button right before the enemy hits you. It will break their balance and let you do a strong attack. Watch how enemies attack and learn their pattern. That’s how a shinobi fights.

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Bloodborne

Bloodbourne is a dark action game where you explore a scary city full of monsters and dangerous secrets. You play as Hunter, using intense parry-based combat and strange weapons to fight creatures and uncover the truth behind a mysterious illness.

Image credit: FromSoftware

To parry in this game, fire your gun just as an enemy begins their attack to interrupt them, then strike with a devastating Visceral Attack. Well-timed shots – especially during their wind-up – make all the difference.

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Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a fantasy role-playing game with an immersive world co-created with author George R. R. Martin. As players travel through the Lands Between, they fight powerful enemies and discover hidden stories while trying to become the Elden Lord.

Image credit: FromSoftware

Parrying in this game allows you to block an enemy’s attack at just the right moment and counter with a powerful strike. However, not all enemies or attacks can be parried – larger foes and magical attacks usually can’t be blocked this way.

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Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game set in feudal Japan. Players take on the role of Jin Sakai, a samurai fighting to protect his homeland from a Mongol invasion. The game features intense parry-based combat and stealth, letting you fight with skill or sneak around.

Image credit: Sucker Punch Productions

Parrying in Ghost of Tsushima is one of the game’s reactive mechanics, letting you block enemy attacks by pressing L1 just before they land. A Perfect Parry, timed exactly right, stuns the enemy and gives you a chance to strike back hard – some attacks can’t be paired and must be dodged instead.

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Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a fast action game where you play as Raiden, a powerful ninja with a robot body, fighting against powerful enemies in a world full of war and machines.  The game also has skill-based combat that gives rewards for being precise and fast.

Image credit: PlatinumGames

In this game, parrying is a core part of the reactive mechanics system, blending defense and offense into one stylish move. These reactive mechanics emphasize timing defense, where players must respond precisely to enemy attacks. If your timing is perfect, Raiden not only blocks the strike but also performs counter-attacks that stagger the enemy.

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Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a beautifully hand-drawn 2D action-adventure game where you explore the underground kingdom of Hollownest, filled with strange creatures and hidden secrets. Some battles are especially challenging, using parry-based combat to test your reflexes and strategy.

Image credit: Team Cherry

In Hollow Knight, parry-based combat lets you deflect certain attacks by hitting them with your Nail at the right moment. You’ll hear a ‘clash’ sound when it works. It gives you a short time where you can’t be hurt. Only normal Nail hits can do this – no spells or special moves.

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Nioh series

The Nioh series is a challenging action RPG set in a dark fantasy version of feudal Japan, blending historical figures with supernatural creatures called yokai. It offers skill-based combat, deep customization, and a unique stamina-based system that rewards precision and timing.

Image credit: Team NINJA

In the Nioh series – a standout among combat countering games – parrying is an advanced skill unlocked through specific weapon skill tree. While it doesn’t work on most yokai, mastering this technique opens the door to powerful counter-attacks, making it essential to learn enemy patterns and strike with precision.

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with real-time elements, set in a dreamlike world inspired by old French art and history. You lead a group trying to stop a strange woman called Paintress, whose magical paintings make people of certain age disappear each year.

Image credit: Sandfall Interactive

In this game, parrying is a timing defense mechanic used during enemy turns. Hit the button just before an attack lands to block damage, gain Action Points, and strike back.

Mastering parry mechanics in the game becomes much easier when you learn enemy patters and pay close attention to sound cues. Recognising the rhythm of each opponent’s attacks and reacting at just right moment help you take control of combat with precision.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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