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Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a mesmerizing role-playing game that fuses turn-based combat with real-time action, set against the backdrop of a surreal, painterly world inspired by Belle Époque France. As you journey with Gustave, Maelle, and the rest of Expedition 33 in a desperate bid to break the deadly cycle of the Paintress, you’ll encounter a battle system that demands both strategy and precision. Among its most crucial mechanics is parrying—a skill that, when mastered, transforms you from a cautious explorer into a formidable duelist. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to parry in Clair Obscur Expedition 33, including parry timing, defensive strategies, combat tips, and how mastering this technique can turn the tide in even the most challenging encounters.
What Is Parrying in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Parrying is a real-time defensive action that allows you to deflect enemy attacks at the last possible moment. Unlike dodging, which offers a broader window and is more forgiving, parrying requires precise timing. If executed correctly, a parry not only negates incoming damage but also rewards you with extra Ability Points (AP) and enables a powerful counterattack, making it a vital skill for maximizing your party’s combat effectiveness.
Why Master Parrying?
- Gain Extra AP: Successful parries grant additional AP, fueling your most powerful skills and attacks.
- Counterattack Opportunities: Parrying opens up chances for devastating counterstrikes, often turning the tables in tough battles.
- Essential on Higher Difficulties: On Expert mode, parrying becomes mandatory for survival, as enemy damage is punishing and the timing windows are tighter.
- Satisfying Gameplay: Few mechanics are as rewarding as landing a perfect parry and watching your enemies falter.
How to Parry in Clair Obscur Expedition 33: Step-by-Step
1. Learn Enemy Attack Patterns
Before you can parry reliably, you must recognize the cues that signal an incoming attack. Each enemy has distinct animations or audio hints—some swing fast, others slow, and a few telegraph their moves with unique sounds. Not all attacks can be parried; for example, large jump attacks are usually unblockable, so learn which moves to avoid and which to deflect.
2. Start with Dodging
If you’re new to the game’s timing mechanics, begin by practicing perfect dodges. Dodging has a longer window and shares similar timing with parrying, making it a great way to build your reflexes before attempting the more demanding parry.
3. Perfect Your Timing
To parry, press the designated button (E on PC, R1 or RB on consoles) just before the enemy’s attack lands. The window is tight—often just a few frames—so focus on the enemy’s animation or listen for subtle audio cues, like a swishing sound, that indicate when to act. Mistiming the parry means taking full damage, so patience and practice are key.
4. Practice Against Different Enemies
Some foes, like Lancier, are easier to read visually, while others, such as Demineur, require you to rely on audio cues. Mix up your practice to get comfortable with both types of signals.
5. Chain Parries in Combos
Many enemies use multi-hit combos. To counterattack, you must parry every strike in the sequence—not just the final blow. Missing even one parry in a combo means you lose the chance for a counter, so stay focused throughout the attack pattern.
Pro Tips for Parrying Success
- Use Story Mode for Practice: If you’re struggling, switch to Story difficulty to enjoy a more generous parry window while you hone your skills.
- Watch for Visual and Audio Cues: Some attacks are best read visually, others audibly. Adapt your focus based on the enemy.
- Maintain Defensive Buffs: On higher difficulties, combine parrying with defensive stances and shields for maximum survivability.
- Upgrade and Customize: Equip Pictos and gear that enhance your parry effectiveness or AP generation to further boost your defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Don’t Get Discouraged: Parrying has a steep learning curve, but with persistence, you’ll dramatically improve your combat prowess.
Combat Flow: Parry vs. Dodge
| Mechanic | Timing Window | Difficulty | Reward | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge | Broad | Easy | Avoids damage | Use when learning enemy patterns or against unknown attacks |
| Parry | Tight | Hard | AP gain, counterattack | Use when confident in timing for maximum advantage |
Final Thoughts
Mastering the parry in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a game-changer, especially as you face increasingly complex enemies and bosses. While dodging offers a safety net, parrying is the path to both survival and dominance. With practice, patience, and the right strategy, you’ll soon find yourself deflecting blows with style and unleashing devastating counterattacks that leave your foes reeling. So grab your controller, sharpen your reflexes, and step boldly into the world of Expedition 33—your journey to parry perfection begins now!
“Parrying in this game can be tricky, but oh-so-satisfying once you get it. Stick with us, and soon you will be deflecting blows like a true pro.”
