There’s nothing quite as exhilarating in an action game as the moment you perfectly parry an enemy’s attack, turning their aggressive momentum into your opportunity for a satisfying counterstrike. If mastering this technique in *Avowed* is what you're aiming for, here's your comprehensive guide on how to parry in the game.

How to Unlock Parry in Avowed

To start parrying in *Avowed*, you first need to unlock the ability. Don't expect it to be available from the get-go; you'll need to work for it. Navigate to the "Abilities" screen in the menu, and select the "Ranger" tab. You'll find the Parry ability in the top of the middle column. To unlock it, you must first allocate an Ability point to any of the three core trees. Once that's done, you're ready to invest in Parry.

Parry comes in three ranks, each offering enhanced benefits as you progress. Below is a breakdown of each rank:

At level 10, you can unlock "Arrow Deflection," a related ability that lets you parry arrows and other projectiles.

How to Parry Attacks in Avowed

Parrying Isn’t Always an Option

Keep in mind that not all attacks can be parried. If you see a red circle, you'll need to dodge instead. Also, not every weapon can parry. Single-handed and two-handed weapons generally can, but only if they're not in your off-hand. If you're using a shield in your off-hand, you can parry with that. However, ranged weapons such as guns, wands, and bows, as well as grimoires, cannot parry. So, take the saying "the pen is mightier than the sword" with a grain of salt here.

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

Parrying in *Avowed* is a powerful tool for melee fighters. It stuns your attacker, causing them to stagger, which gives you a window to deal significant damage. This technique not only helps you avoid taking damage but also increases your offensive potential. However, whether you should invest in parrying depends on your character build. It's most beneficial for melee characters who engage enemies up close. If your build focuses on ranged attacks, parrying might not be the best choice for you. The good news is that respecing in *Avowed* is easy and affordable, so you can always adjust your skills later if you change your mind.

And that’s how to master the art of parrying in *Avowed*. Happy gaming!

Avowed is available now.