How to parry in Crimson Desert

Combat is one of the most key components of Crimson Desert, and I would even argue it's probably its best feature, aside from the huge open world that you get to fight in. From swords to daggers to massive shields or your own fists, Crimson Desert really lets you take it out on the folks of Pywel whichever way you see fit. Of course, no combat system would be perfect without a proper parry mechanic, and Crimson Desert really rewards you for using it, as many powerful enemies such as bosses can be truly put in their place through chaining proper parries. So, here's how you can do it. Crimson Desert parry, explained Parrying can be unlocked by upgrading the Keen Senses skill group at least once. Screenshot by Destructoid To be able to parry in Crimson Desert, you will first need to unlock it. You do so by earning an Abyss Artifact and then spending it on the Keen Senses skill group under the Spirit tree. Opening Keen Senses, you will find Parry in the top right, and it is the first passive ability you get from upgrading Keen Senses, while upgrading it further will also allow you to Counter enemy attacks. Once you do have Parry unlocked, all you need to learn is timing. If an enemy strikes at you, you need to wait until they're just about to hit you and then hit the Block button on your respective platform. You'll know if you succeeded if your character blocks it in slow motion with a green effect surrounding them. Furthermore, whether intentional or not, you can parry enemies attacking you but apply the parry effect on the enemy you're aiming at, potentially helping you take down and single out powerful mobs by using the less strong ones' attacks against them. That could end up being patched, though, but it is what I experienced during my time reviewing the game. Parries can be performed using any weapon, but shields seem to be the easiest and most effective at this. Greatswords, axes, or spears are nonetheless useful and can still parry, but I found the extra protection provided by shields on top of their exceptional parry potential to be the most effective. The post How to parry in Crimson Desert appeared first on Destructoid.

Mar 21, 2026 - 04:47

Combat is one of the most key components of Crimson Desert, and I would even argue it's probably its best feature, aside from the huge open world that you get to fight in. From swords to daggers to massive shields or your own fists, Crimson Desert really lets you take it out on the folks of Pywel whichever way you see fit.

Of course, no combat system would be perfect without a proper parry mechanic, and Crimson Desert really rewards you for using it, as many powerful enemies such as bosses can be truly put in their place through chaining proper parries.

So, here's how you can do it.

Crimson Desert parry, explained

Parrying can be unlocked by upgrading the Keen Senses skill group at least once. Screenshot by Destructoid To be able to parry in Crimson Desert, you will first need to unlock it. You do so by earning an Abyss Artifact and then spending it on the Keen Senses skill group under the Spirit tree. Opening Keen Senses, you will find Parry in the top right, and it is the first passive ability you get from upgrading Keen Senses, while upgrading it further will also allow you to Counter enemy attacks.

Once you do have Parry unlocked, all you need to learn is timing. If an enemy strikes at you, you need to wait until they're just about to hit you and then hit the Block button on your respective platform. You'll know if you succeeded if your character blocks it in slow motion with a green effect surrounding them.

Furthermore, whether intentional or not, you can parry enemies attacking you but apply the parry effect on the enemy you're aiming at, potentially helping you take down and single out powerful mobs by using the less strong ones' attacks against them.

That could end up being patched, though, but it is what I experienced during my time reviewing the game.

Parries can be performed using any weapon, but shields seem to be the easiest and most effective at this. Greatswords, axes, or spears are nonetheless useful and can still parry, but I found the extra protection provided by shields on top of their exceptional parry potential to be the most effective.

The post How to parry in Crimson Desert appeared first on Destructoid.

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