Facebook
Reddit
Email
Everything you need to know about the parry timings in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and how to properly master them to get an edge over bosses.
Parrying attacks in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is easily the most challenging aspect of its gameplay, save for the build-crafting and synergy aspect. While you can still bypass the difficulty of crafting an optimal build by referring to a guide or via experimentation, parrying is a whole other beast. Parrying in Expedition 33 is somewhat similar to games like Sekiro, where it’s not only a way to avoid damage but also deal it, via counterattacks.
However, if you’re not familiar with action games or souls-likes, the parry system here can feel quite overwhelming. Additionally, it’s a combat mechanic that you will have to master as you progress through the game’s later chapters.
While the alternative, i.e., dodge, is a fairly competent option in the early game, it loses its value in the latter half of Expedition 33. As such, learning the proper timing of parries is somewhat crucial, especially if you’re playing the game on Expert.
And, although parries might look intimidating at first, it’s quite easy to master once you understand the basics. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master parry timings in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 as fast as possible.
How To Parry Attacks in Clair Obscur Expedition 33?
While Clair Obscur Expedition 33 is technically a turn-based RPG, the combat elements that it incorporates are a hybrid between traditional turn-based and action RPGs. And unlike other turn-based games, parrying in Expedition 33 isn’t tied to a skill; instead, it’s an active ability that you can perform at any time by pressing R1 or RB.
The same goes for dodge, which can be performed at any time during combat using the active party member. And much like any other action RPG, the parries are tied to a rather lengthy wind-up animation. When you press the parry button, it initiates said animation and only counters an attack if it lands before the parry animation concludes.
If you’ve played games like Sekiro or Lies of P, you will find yourself right at home with Expedition 33’s parry system. To parry an attack, you essentially need to press the parry button right before you see the enemy’s attack reaching the active party member.
While attacks with vertical wind-up are easy to parry, ones that have a longer animation tied to it are quite tricky to parry. The parry window in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 works somewhat similarly to Lies of P, where you need to press the button just a few frames before an attack hits your character.
The best way to master parry is to, well, practice a lot. Similarly to souls-like RPGs, enemies in Expedition 33 respawn after you rest at a checkpoint. A such, you will find plenty of opportunities to practice your parry timings. However, there’s also a faster method that can help you learn parrying attacks much earlier.
How To Master Parry Timings?
To master the parry timings, we recommend using either Gustav (early-game) or Verso (mid to late-game) as your primary party member. While parrying is similar for all the characters in the game, Verso and Gustav have the shortest wind-up animation due to their weapon of choice.
Once you pick Gustav or Verso, head to the Hidden Gestral Arena, which is accessible after completing the Gestral Village main story quest. Inside the Gestral Arena, you can fight mini-bosses that aren’t particularly challenging. However, these bosses serve as a great way to practice your parry timings.
Additionally, every mini-boss in the Gestral Arena has a different attack pattern. This gives you the chance to test your parry timings out against attacks of different directions and intensities. Do note that the same principles apply to Gradinet Counters, which are another form of parry in the game, albeit for specific attacks.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!
