Parrying in Devil May Cry 5
In DMC5 parrying an attack is not so intuitive. This ability doesn't have dedicated button or mechanic for all characters in the traditional sense like in some other action games.
You will need to time your attack to your opponent's, so basically your weapon should hit the enemy's weapon at the same time. You will need to attack before the enemy hits you.
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In other words, you have to try to coordinate any attack to clash with an enemy sword right before it lands on you, causing various effects, such as stunning the enemy, deflecting projectiles, or creating an opening for a counter-attack.
It will be very useful to practice into the Void. Below are some useful tips with different characters.
Nero
Melee Attacks: Nero can parry certain enemy melee attacks by timing his own sword attacks (Red Queen) to connect with the enemy's weapon just as it's about to strike. This requires good timing and knowledge of enemy attack patterns.
Buster Arm: While not a traditional parry, Nero's Buster Arm Devil Breaker can counter some enemy attacks, especially charging attacks from certain bosses like Goliath and Artemis. You need to use the Buster Arm grab (usually the B/Circle button) right as they are about to hit you.
Some of Nero's Devil Breakers can be used defensively or to create parry-like effects:
- Gerbera: The Break Away ability can be used for a quick escape, and with precise timing, might interrupt some attacks.
- Overture: The charged attack can sometimes interrupt or stagger enemies.
- Punch Line: Can be launched to interrupt enemies.
Dante
Melee Attacks: Similar to Nero, Dante can parry some melee attacks by timing his sword attacks or other melee weapon attacks to clash with the enemy's attack. Different weapons and moves might have different parry windows.
Royal Guard Style: Dante's Royal Guard style is the most dedicated parrying mechanic in the game. By pressing the style button just before an enemy attack lands, Dante can absorb the damage and build up a "revenge" gauge. Releasing the button unleashes a powerful counter-attack. A "Just Guard" (pressing the button with perfect timing) maximizes the gauge build-up and minimizes block stun.
Some of Dante's weapons have specific moves that can function as parries:
- Cerberus (Ice): The forward + melee attack has a wide attack range and can be used to parry.
- Balrog (Kick Mode): Some of the kick mode attacks might have parrying properties.
V
V doesn't have direct parrying abilities with his cane or familiars in the same way Nero and Dante do with their melee weapons. His gameplay revolves around strategic positioning and using his familiars (Griffon and Shadow) for offense and defense.
The most crucial aspect of parrying is timing your attack or defensive move to connect with the enemy's attack at the last possible moment before it hits you.
Vergil
Vergil as well does not have an immediate way of parrying, but here is what you can do:
- Melee Attacks (Yamato and Mirage Edge): Similar to Nero and Dante, Vergil can parry certain enemy melee attacks by timing his own sword attacks (both Yamato and Mirage Edge) to connect with the enemy's weapon just as it's about to strike. This requires precise timing and knowledge of enemy attack patterns. Some moves with longer active frames might be easier to parry with.
- Beowulf: Some of Beowulf's attacks, particularly forward momentum attacks, can be used to parry incoming melee attacks if timed correctly.
- Concentration (Level 2): When Vergil has at least Concentration level 2 built up, simply holding the lock-on button will cause him to block incoming projectiles. This isn't a melee parry, but it serves a defensive purpose against ranged attacks.
- Lunar Phase (Beowulf): This spinning kick attack (usually performed with lock-on + forward + melee) has many active frames and is considered a good move for parrying due to its duration.
- Stinger (Yamato/Mirage Edge): Vergil's Stinger move can also be used to parry some attacks if timed correctly as he rushes forward.
- World of V (Initial Stab): The initial stabbing motion of Vergil's "World of V" attack (if you have the DLC) can parry certain attacks.
Conclusions
Finally, understanding when enemies attack and the timing of their attacks is essential for successful parries. The Void training mode is an excellent place to practice parrying against different enemies without the risk of taking damage. You can set up specific enemy encounters and practice their attack timings.
Pay attention to the enemy's animations and any accompanying sound effects that might indicate an incoming attack.
Be aware that not every enemy attack in the game can be parried with a standard melee attack. Some attacks might require specific counters or the use of Royal Guard (for Dante).
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