There's nothing quite like the thrill of parrying an enemy's attack in an action game, turning their aggression into a moment of triumphant counterattack. If you're eager to master this skill in *Avowed*, here's your comprehensive guide on how to parry effectively in the game.
How to Unlock Parry in Avowed
To unlock the parry ability in *Avowed*, you'll need to navigate through your character's progression. Begin by opening the menu and heading to the "Abilities" screen under the "Ranger" tab. You'll find the Parry ability positioned in the middle column at the top. To access it, you must first allocate an Ability point into one of the three core trees. Once you've done this, you can then unlock Parry.
Parry in *Avowed* comes in three ranks, each offering enhanced capabilities as you level up. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Rank | Player Level Requirement | Level Description |
| 1 | N/A (1 Point Spent) | Unlocks Parry. |
| 2 | Player Level 5 | Increases Parry efficiency by 25%, dealing greater Stun when Parrying enemies. |
| 3 | Player Level 8 | Increases Parry efficiency by 50%, dealing greater Stun when parrying enemies. |
At level 10, you'll also unlock "Arrow Deflection," an ability that lets you parry arrows and other projectiles, adding another layer of defensive strategy to your gameplay.
How to Parry Attacks in Avowed
Mastering the art of parrying in *Avowed* involves precise timing. You must block just before an enemy's attack lands. The game will signal a successful parry with a distinct metal clanking sound and a visual indicator, showing the enemy reeling from your counter. The timing can vary among different enemies, so practice is key. While it may not be as challenging as in games like *Dark Souls* or *Elden Ring*, honing this skill will significantly enhance your combat effectiveness.
Parrying Isn’t Always an Option
It's important to note that not all attacks in *Avowed* can be parried. When you see a red circle, it's a cue to dodge rather than attempt a parry. Additionally, not all weapons are suited for parrying. Single-handed and two-handed weapons can generally be used to parry, but only if they're not in your off-hand. Shields in your off-hand can also be used for parrying. However, ranged weapons such as guns, wands, and bows, along with grimoires, cannot parry at all.
What Parrying Does (& Why You Might Want to Do It)
Parrying in *Avowed* serves a dual purpose: it stuns your attacker, causing them to stagger, which opens up opportunities for you to deal significant damage. This mechanic is particularly advantageous for melee-focused characters who engage enemies at close range. If your build leans more towards ranged attacks, you might want to reconsider investing in parry. However, the flexibility of *Avowed*'s respeccing system means you can easily adjust your abilities later if you find parry isn't for you.
Mastering the parry in *Avowed* can transform your combat experience, making it a crucial skill for any melee enthusiast. And that's how you parry in *Avowed*.
*Avowed is available now.*
