Equip a parry-capable shield or weapon, then use its parry action as a vulnerable enemy’s attack comes in. On Windows, the default input is Left Ctrl or Shift + right-click. After a successful parry, press left-click for the critical attack. The action only works with suitable equipment against attacks the enemy can be parried with.
How to parry on Windows
- Equip a tool that can parry. The game’s manual describes parrying with a shield equipped in the left hand; some equipped weapons cannot perform the action.
- Press the parry input as the attack comes in. The Windows manual lists Left Ctrl or Shift + right-click. If you changed your bindings, use the currently assigned parry action instead.
- Follow up after a successful parry. Press left-click to perform the critical attack. The manual says critical attacks deal high damage.
These Windows controls come from FromSoftware’s Dark Souls III Windows manual.
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How to time the parry
Use the parry action as the enemy’s attack comes toward you, rather than treating parry as a general-purpose block. The official manual explains the action and result, but does not give a numeric timing window or specify a universal point in every enemy’s animation. Timing therefore depends on the attack you are facing; a single frame count should not be treated as a rule for every situation.
For practice, try the input against a predictable opponent whose attacks can be parried, and watch for whether the game opens the critical follow-up. This is a practical way to learn the timing, not a guarantee that every attack from that opponent is parryable.
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What can prevent a parry?
- Your equipment may not support parrying. Some equipped weapons cannot perform the parry action.
- The enemy or attack may be immune to parrying. The manual warns that some enemies cannot be parried; it does not provide an exhaustive list of eligible enemies or attacks.
- Your input may differ from the default. Check the current control bindings if Left Ctrl or Shift + right-click does not trigger the action.
If the parry attempt fails, check these conditions before assuming the timing alone was wrong. FromSoftware’s PS4 manual also describes the left-hand shield action, critical follow-up, and the limits on which tools and enemies support parrying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Controller controls
The PS4 manual identifies a parry action, but its button glyph is shown as an image rather than readable text in the manual’s indexed version. Use the parry button shown for your controller and platform in the game’s controls; do not assume a specific button based on the Windows defaults.
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