How to Parry and Riposte in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Image Credits: Warhorse Studios
Fighting in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 isn’t just about swinging your sword wildly and hoping for the best. If you don’t learn how to parry, you’ll burn through stamina and get hit a lot. Parrying is better than blocking because it doesn’t drain stamina and stops enemy attacks before they can combo you into the ground.
What is Parrying?
Parrying is a well-timed block that deflects an enemy’s attack without losing stamina. If you just hold the block button, you’ll stop attacks, but it drains stamina and won’t stop enemies from attacking again. A perfect parry will stop their attack completely and give you an opening to strike back.
How to Parry (Perfect Block)
Parrying requires great timing. Here’s how to do it:
Lock onto your enemy so you can see their attack directions.
Wait for their attack instead of holding block.
Press the block button at the right time. A shield icon will appear right before their attack lands—press block at that moment:
L1 on PlayStation
Q on PC
LB on Xbox
If you time it right, you’ll parry the attack. If you press block too early or too late, you’ll still get hit.
Why Parrying is Better Than Blocking
Blocking drains stamina. If you just hold block, you’ll run out of energy fast.
Parrying stops enemy combos. A perfect parry interrupts their attack flow.
Parrying sets up a counterattack. A good parry leaves your enemy open for a riposte.
How to Riposte (Counterattack After a Parry)
Once you parry, don’t just stand there—strike back!
Look for the crossed swords icon right after a parry.
Press the attack button quickly to land a riposte.
Make sure your attack comes from an open direction (don’t hit where they’re already blocking).
Ripostes are great for landing quick hits, but they use stamina and can be parried by enemies too, so don’t overdo it.
Common Parrying Mistakes
Pressing block too early or too late. If you mess up the timing, you’ll take damage.
Holding block instead of parrying. This just drains stamina and lets enemies keep attacking.
Always trying to riposte. Ripostes are great, but they use stamina. If you’re low on stamina, just parry and wait for a better chance to strike.
Parry or Dodge?
Parrying is safer because it keeps you in place and doesn’t use stamina.
Dodging helps against multiple enemies or big swings but drains stamina.
Use both. Learn parrying first, then mix in dodges when needed.
Final Blurb
Parrying is one of the most important skills in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. It lets you defend without losing stamina and sets up powerful counterattacks. At first, you’ll probably mess up the timing, but keep practicing—soon, you’ll be deflecting attacks like a true knight instead of getting smacked around like a lost peasant.
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