Mastering the Art of Parrying in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) is a captivating open-world adventure game that challenges players with various combat scenarios. One essential skill that can turn the tide in your favor is parrying. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the mechanics of parrying in BOTW, providing you with all the knowledge you need to become a parrying expert.

I. What is Parrying?

 

What is Parrying?

 

 

Parrying is a defensive technique that allows you to deflect enemy attacks and create opportunities for counterattacks. In BOTW, mastering this skill can make battles significantly easier.

 

 

II. The Basics of Parrying

 

The Basics of Parrying

 

 

To parry successfully, you need to have the right timing and equipment:

 

Shield Selection: Choosing the right shield is crucial. Some shields are better suited for parrying than others. Look for shields with higher durability and the ability to block elemental attacks.

 

Timing: Practice is key when it comes to parrying. You need to time your shield bash perfectly to deflect an enemy attack. The moment just before the attack connects is your window of opportunity.

 

 

III. Parrying Techniques

 

There are two primary techniques for parrying in BOTW:

 

Standard Parry:

 

To perform a standard parry, raise your shield with the right trigger button (R) and press the A button just as the enemy's attack is about to hit you.

 

Timing is critical. If done correctly, Link will perform a shield bash, deflecting the attack and leaving the enemy vulnerable.

 

Perfect Guard:

 

A perfect guard is a more advanced form of parrying. It requires precise timing and offers additional benefits.

 

To execute a perfect guard, raise your shield and press the A button at the exact moment the enemy's attack is about to land.

 

If successful, time will slow down momentarily, giving you the opportunity for a flurry rush counterattack.

 

 

IV. Best Practices for Parrying

 

To become a parrying master, follow these tips:

 

Practice Regularly: Spend time practicing parrying with various enemies to get the timing right.

 

Use Slow-Motion: Activate slow-motion aiming (by aiming your bow in mid-air) to make perfect guards easier to achieve.

 

Study Enemy Patterns: Learn the attack patterns of different enemies. This knowledge will help you anticipate their moves and parry effectively.

 

 

V. The Importance of Parrying

 

Parrying is essential in BOTW for several reasons:

 

Conserving Resources: Parrying can help you avoid damage, preserving your valuable weapons and shields.

 

Flurry Rush: Perfect guards lead to flurry rushes, where you can unleash a barrage of attacks on your stunned opponent.

 

Stamina Efficiency: Dodging consumes stamina, while parrying does not, making it a more sustainable defensive strategy.

 

 

VI. Advanced Parrying Techniques

 

Once you've mastered the basics, consider these advanced techniques:

 

Shield Surf Parry: Parry while shield surfing to perform a stylish counterattack.

 

Ranged Parrying: You can parry certain ranged attacks, such as Guardian lasers, with precise timing.

 

 

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, parrying is a skill that can elevate your gameplay to new heights. By understanding the mechanics, practicing regularly, and implementing advanced techniques, you can become a formidable parrying expert, ready to face any challenge Hyrule throws your way. So, grab your shield and embark on your journey to master the art of parrying in BOTW!