How to Get Better at Timing Parries in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an exciting turn-based RPG where combat is much more interactive than your average RPG. Unlike traditional turn-based games where you just wait for your turn, in this game, you have the ability to actively dodge attacks or even parry them, turning the tide of battle in your favor. However, mastering the timing for parrying can be a bit tricky. But don’t worry, here’s a simple and easy-to-follow guide to help you become a parrying expert!

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What Is Parrying in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

Parrying in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a risk-reward mechanic. When you press the parry button (E on PC, R1/RB on Consoles) just at the right moment, you block the enemy’s attack and even get a chance to counterattack, dealing massive damage. But if you mistime it, you’ll take the full damage from the attack. So, parrying can be really powerful, but it requires some practice.

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Step 1: Focus on Dodging First

If you’re new to the game, don’t worry too much about parrying at first. Parrying is harder to get right, and mistiming it can lead to big damage. So, start by focusing on dodging.

Dodging is much easier to learn, and it gives you several chances to avoid enemy attacks. Just tap the dodge button during the enemy’s attack animation, and if you time it right, you’ll avoid the damage completely. You can even press the dodge button multiple times if needed to make sure you don’t get hit.

An added bonus of dodging is that it lets you learn the enemy’s attack patterns safely. While dodging, you might see “Perfect Dodge” flash on the screen. This is the timing you want to memorize because it’s very similar to the timing for a parry. Once you get good at dodging, you’ll have a better understanding of when to parry.

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Step 2: Learn the Enemy’s Attack Patterns

Before you start parrying, it’s important to understand the enemy’s attack patterns. Spend some time dodging and observing the way the enemy attacks. Notice how long it takes before they strike and how they attack. Once you can dodge consistently and confidently, it’s time to practice parrying.

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Step 3: The Right Timing for Parries

Now that you’re ready to parry, let’s talk about timing. For most enemies, the right time to press the parry button is just before the attack hits you. It’s important to press the button a few frames before the attack lands. It might feel like you’re pressing the button too late, but pressing too early will just get you hurt.

Once you get the timing right, parrying will give you extra Action Points (AP), which are useful for performing more skills and attacks. Plus, if you manage to parry every attack in a combo, you’ll trigger a powerful counterattack that can do massive damage to the enemy.

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Step 4: Experiment with Pictos and Luminas

In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Pictos and Luminas can enhance your combat abilities. Some Pictos, like the Healing Parry or Empowering Parry, give bonuses when you successfully parry an attack. This means parrying not only helps you avoid damage but can also make your party even stronger.

For example, the Dodger Picto gives you an extra AP whenever you dodge an enemy attack. If you equip a few dodge-focused Pictos on a character, you might find that dodging works better than parrying for that character. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.

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Step 5: Is It Better to Dodge or Parry?

As you progress through Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you’ll encounter a mix of enemies. Some will have simple attacks, while others will launch complicated multi-hit combos. This is where your decision between dodging and parrying becomes crucial.

In the beginning, you’ll rely more on dodging. Dodging has a more forgiving timing window, making it easier to avoid damage. As you get more comfortable with the game and learn enemy attack patterns, you can start focusing on parrying to unleash those powerful counterattacks.

For some characters, especially if you’ve equipped dodge-focused Pictos, dodging may feel more effective than parrying. The key is to balance both techniques depending on the situation. If you’re not confident about the timing for parries, sticking to dodging might be the safer bet until you get better.

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Step 6: Practice, Patience, and Progress

Mastering parrying takes time. There’s no shortcut to success in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 combat. You need to practice, learn enemy attack patterns, and improve your timing with both dodges and parries. As you get deeper into the game, you’ll find that parrying becomes a vital part of your strategy, especially when you start facing stronger enemies and bosses.

In conclusion, the key to mastering parrying in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is to start slow, focus on dodging, and practice until you get the timing down. Once you can consistently parry attacks, you’ll be able to unleash devastating counterattacks and dominate your enemies. Keep practicing, and soon parrying will become second nature, making the game even more fun and rewarding!

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