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Mastering Parry Techniques in Avowed: A Guide

by Nora Apr 16,2025

There’s nothing more exhilarating in an action game than perfectly parrying an enemy's attack, transforming their aggressive move into a triumphant moment of counteraction. If you’re aiming to master this thrilling mechanic in *Avowed*, here's your comprehensive guide on how to parry effectively.

How to Unlock Parry in Avowed

An image showing the Parry ability in Avowed as part of a guide on how to parry in the game.Unlocking the Parry ability in *Avowed* is your first step towards becoming a defensive maestro. Navigate to the menu, head to the "Abilities" section, and select the "Ranger" tab. You'll find the Parry ability prominently positioned in the middle column at the top. To unlock it, you need to allocate an Ability point into one of the three core trees. Once that's done, you can proceed to unlock Parry.

Parry comes in three ranks, each offering enhanced capabilities as you progress. Here's a clear breakdown:

RankPlayer Level RequirementLevel Description
1N/A (1 Point Spent)Unlocks Parry.
2Player Level 5Increases Parry efficiency by 25%, dealing greater Stun when Parrying enemies.
3Player Level 8Increases Parry efficiency by 50%, dealing greater Stun when parrying enemies.

At level 10, you'll unlock "Arrow Deflection," an additional ability that allows you to parry arrows and other projectiles, adding another layer to your defensive arsenal.

How to Parry Attacks in Avowed

An image showing the player in Avowed holding up a sword, about to parry a Yellowband outlaw, as part of a guide on how to parry in the game.

Screenshot taken moments before player's death by bears.
Executing a parry in *Avowed* involves impeccable timing. You must block right before an enemy's attack lands. A satisfying metal clanking sound, coupled with a visual cue on the screen, confirms a successful parry, leaving your opponent reeling. The timing might vary with different enemies, but with practice, you'll master this skill. It's less challenging than in games like *Dark Souls* or *Elden Ring*, making it accessible yet rewarding.

Parrying Isn’t Always an Option

Be aware that not all attacks can be parried. When you see a red circle, dodging is your best move. Also, not all weapons in *Avowed* are suited for parrying. Single-handed and two-handed weapons typically allow for parrying, but only if they're not in your off-hand. Shields in your off-hand can also be used to parry. Unfortunately, ranged weapons such as guns, wands, and bows, as well as grimoires, cannot parry, so keep your weapon choice in mind.

What Parrying Does (& Why You Might Want to Do It)

Parrying in *Avowed* serves a dual purpose: it stuns your attacker, causing them to stagger, which sets up a perfect window for you to unleash significant damage. This mechanic is invaluable for melee-focused characters who thrive in close combat, allowing them to minimize damage taken while maximizing their offensive output.

However, consider your character build carefully. Parrying may not be ideal for ranged-focused characters. The good news is that respecing in *Avowed* is straightforward and cost-effective, so if you find Parry isn't for you, you can easily adjust your abilities later on.

And that’s how to master the art of parrying in *Avowed*. Dive into the game and turn enemy attacks into your advantage today!

*Avowed is available now.*