How to Master Parries in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Dodge vs Parry Explained
Want to master parrying in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Here’s how to sharpen your timing, when to dodge instead, and how to land devastating counterattacks.
How to Get Better at Parrying in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Even though Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG, it throws a fun twist into the mix: you’re not just sitting there watching enemies attack—you can actively dodge or parry to avoid damage. And if you nail the timing on a parry? You can unleash some devastating counterattacks.
Mastering the timing can feel rough at first, but don’t worry—this guide’s got you covered with some simple tips to help you sharpen your skills and make those parries feel second nature.
Parrying Basics
If you’re new to the game, parrying might feel a little unforgiving at first. Here’s how it works:
- Press the parry button (E on PC, R1/RB on consoles) right as the enemy’s attack connects.
- Mistime it, and you eat the full damage—which can really hurt.
- Land it perfectly, and you not only block the hit, but start building extra AP and unlock the chance to counterattack.
Learn Through Dodging First
If you’re just starting out, dodging is your best friend. Dodging is way more forgiving because:
- The dodge animation is super quick.
- You can tap the dodge button multiple times during an enemy’s attack animation, giving you several chances to evade even if your timing is off.
Bonus: As you dodge, you’ll occasionally see Perfect Dodge pop up on the screen. That’s your secret sauce—the timing for a Perfect Dodge is very close to a successful parry.
By dodging first, you can safely learn enemy attack rhythms without getting punished. Then once you feel comfortable with their patterns, you can start working parries into your defense.
(Just remember: dodging doesn’t restore AP like parrying does.)
Transitioning from Dodge to Parry
Once you can consistently dodge an enemy’s attacks, it’s time to shift gears:
- Aim to hit the parry button just a few frames before the attack lands.
- For multi-hit combos, you’ll need to parry each individual hit.
Do it right, and you’ll trigger a brutal counterattack that can chunk bosses fast.
Also, some Pictos like Healing Parry or Empowering Parry make parrying even more rewarding by healing you or boosting your stats when you succeed.
Should You Dodge or Parry?
Honestly? Both are important, and each has its place depending on the situation and your build:
- Early game: Focus more on dodging to stay safe while you’re still learning patterns.
- Later game: Lean more into parrying once you have the rhythm down—counterattacks and AP gains from parrying are game-changers.
BUT!
Some gear setups and Pictos can favor dodging over parrying. For example:
- The Dodger Picto gives you +1 AP every time you dodge successfully.
- If you stack dodge-focused gear, it might be better to fully commit to dodging with that character instead of risking parries.
Bottom line:
If you’re not 100% confident you’ll land the parry, it’s usually safer to dodge and live to fight another round.
Tips
- Be patient.
Every enemy has a different rhythm, and learning it is part of the fun. - Perfect Dodge = Perfect Parry timing.
Use those Perfect Dodge moments as your guide. - Practice makes perfect.
Don’t get frustrated if you miss a few early on—once parrying clicks, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s combat feels incredibly satisfying.
And there you have it!
Stick with it, and soon you’ll be parrying like a pro, making even the biggest bosses feel like punching bags. 🛡️⚡
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