How do you parry Black Knights?

How to Parry Black Knights: A Comprehensive Guide

Parrying Black Knights is a crucial skill in Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3, as they can be quite formidable opponents. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to parry Black Knights, including their attacks, weaknesses, and strategies.

Understanding Black Knight Attacks

Before we dive into the parrying techniques, it’s essential to understand the attacks of the Black Knights. They have a limited moveset, which makes them easier to parry. Here are the attacks you should be aware of:

• R1 attack: A slow, overhead swing with their greataxe.
• R2 attack: A quick, slashing attack with their greataxe.
• Shield bash: A powerful shield bash that can knock you back.

Parrying Techniques

Now that you know the attacks of the Black Knights, it’s time to learn how to parry them. Here are some techniques to help you parry Black Knights effectively:

• Circle-strafe: Circle-strafe around the Black Knight to avoid their attacks and create an opportunity to parry.
• Watch for tells: Pay attention to the Black Knight’s animations and watch for tells that indicate an attack is coming. For example, when they raise their greataxe, it’s a sign that they’re about to attack.
• Parry at the right time: Parry the Black Knight’s attack at the exact moment they start their swing. This will give you a window of opportunity to counterattack.
• Use the right timing: Timing is crucial when parrying Black Knights. Make sure to parry at the right moment to avoid taking damage.

Parrying Black Knight R1 Attack

The R1 attack is the most common attack of the Black Knight. Here’s how to parry it:

• Watch for the animation: As the Black Knight raises their greataxe, start circling around them.
• Parry at the peak: Parry the attack at the peak of the swing, when the greataxe is at its highest point.
• Counterattack: Immediately counterattack with a strong attack to take advantage of the opening.

Parrying Black Knight R2 Attack

The R2 attack is a quick, slashing attack that can be challenging to parry. Here’s how to do it:

• Watch for the animation: As the Black Knight starts their R2 attack, start circling around them.
• Parry at the beginning: Parry the attack at the beginning of the swing, when the greataxe is still in its downward motion.
• Counterattack: Immediately counterattack with a strong attack to take advantage of the opening.

Parrying Black Knight Shield Bash

The shield bash is a powerful attack that can knock you back. Here’s how to parry it:

• Watch for the animation: As the Black Knight starts their shield bash, start circling around them.
• Parry at the peak: Parry the attack at the peak of the bash, when the shield is at its highest point.
• Counterattack: Immediately counterattack with a strong attack to take advantage of the opening.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you parry Black Knights effectively:

• Use the right weapon: Choose a weapon that has a high parry rating to increase your chances of parrying the Black Knight’s attacks.
• Stay mobile: Keep moving and circling around the Black Knight to avoid taking damage and create opportunities to parry.
• Practice makes perfect: Parrying Black Knights takes practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually master the technique.

Conclusion

Parrying Black Knights is a crucial skill in Dark Souls and Dark Souls 3. By understanding their attacks, using the right techniques, and practicing regularly, you can become a master parrier and take down these formidable opponents with ease. Remember to stay mobile, use the right weapon, and watch for tells to increase your chances of parrying. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a parrying pro.