Mastering combat in Where Winds Meet is essential for survival, and at the heart of a skilled warrior’s toolkit is the parry. This defensive maneuver is more than just blocking; it’s a precise action that can create openings, break enemy stances, and lead to devastating counterattacks. This guide will break down everything you need to know about how to parry in Where Winds Meet, from basic timing to advanced exhaustion mechanics.
What is a Parry and How to Perform It
A parry is a perfectly timed defensive action that deflects an enemy’s attack, often leaving them vulnerable.
Keyboard: Press the E key.
Controller: Press the R1 button.
It is crucial to remember that the parry button is separate from the block button. You cannot simply hold a button to parry; it requires a well-timed press just as the enemy’s attack is about to connect.
Parry Timing and Dealing with Different Attack Types
The core challenge of parrying is nailing the timing. The general rule is to press the parry button a split second before the enemy’s strike hits your character. The visual cues are your best friend:
Standard Attacks (White/No Flash): These can be parried. Focus on the enemy’s weapon movement to gauge the timing.
Red Flash Attacks (Unblockable): These powerful attacks can and should be parried. The ideal timing is when the red flash is at its brightest point. A successful parry on a red flash attack often deals significant counter damage to the enemy and is key to breaking their posture.
Yellow Flash Attacks (Unparryable): These attacks cannot be parried or blocked. Your only option is to dodge them. Do not attempt to parry a yellow flash.
Essential Parry Tips and Advanced Techniques
Beyond the basics, several techniques can elevate your parrying skill.
The Block into Parry Method
If you are unsure of the timing, you can hold the block button and then tap the parry button (E or R1) when you see an attack coming. This is a safer method as you are still blocking if you miss the parry. Remember, this will not protect you from unblockable yellow flash attacks.
Spamming Parry Against Fast Enemies
Against enemies with rapid, flurry-like attacks, the parry window is forgiving enough that you can successfully “spam” the parry button to deflect a series of blows. While not the most elegant technique, it is highly effective for surviving overwhelming pressure.
You Can Parry from Any Direction
A parry is effective regardless of your character’s orientation. You can even parry an attack coming from behind you. This makes it an invaluable tool in group combat or against enemies that can teleport.
Using Assist Deflection for Easier Parries
For players who find the timing too strict or are playing on a more narrative-focused difficulty, the game offers a helpful feature called Assist Deflection.
How it Works: When enabled (typically in Story or Recommended difficulty modes), time will slow down briefly as an enemy telegraphs an attack, and a prompt will appear on screen, telling you exactly when to press the parry button.
The Limitation: Assist Deflection is not infinite. It uses a resource, represented by a bar located beneath your Qi Meter. Once this bar is depleted, the assist will not function until it recharges. Use it as a training tool to learn attack patterns.
The Ultimate Goal: Exhausting and Executing Enemies
Parrying is not just for defense; it’s your primary offensive tool for breaking an enemy’s stance.
Every successful parry depletes the enemy’s Qi Bar (their posture/stamina). When this bar is fully drained, the enemy enters an Exhausted state, becoming stunned and wide open.
This is your chance for a massive damage dealing execution. It is highly recommended to land a few regular attacks on the exhausted enemy before triggering the execution animation to maximize the total damage dealt.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What’s the difference between block and parry?
A: Block is held down to reduce damage from standard attacks. Parry is a timed press that, when successful, completely negates damage, drains enemy Qi, and creates a counter-attack opportunity.
Q: Can I parry every attack in the game?
A: No. You cannot parry attacks signaled by a yellow flash. You must dodge these.
Q: Why should I parry a red flash attack instead of dodging?
A: Parrying a red flash attack is high-risk, high-reward. It typically deals significant counter damage to the enemy and drains a large portion of their Qi bar, quickly leading to an Exhausted state.
Q: Is Assist Deflection a cheat?
A: No, it’s an accessibility feature with a limited resource bar. It’s perfect for players who want to experience the story without the intense pressure of perfect timing.
Conclusion
Mastering how to parry in Where Winds Meet is the difference between being a novice and a true martial arts master. It transforms combat from a game of attrition into an elegant dance of deflection and counter-attacks. Start by learning the visual cues for red and yellow flashes, use the block-and-parry method to build confidence, and don’t be afraid to use Assist Deflection as a learning aid. Your ultimate goal is to use consistent parries to exhaust your foes and deliver fight-ending executions. With practice, you will control the flow of every battle.