How to Parry in Phantom Blade Zero

Parry timing is a common sticking point in Steam forum threads, with Stone Hand and Hua among the bosses named. Faster reactions aren't the only answer. Start by reading the flash and learning which button that attack needs.

Block, parry or dodge?

Block vs parry

• Block: hold L1. It's safe, but it drains your Sha-Chi. If the gauge runs out, you can be staggered and left open.
• Parry: tap L1 just before the hit lands. Pre-launch guides say a good parry costs you no Sha-Chi and drains a lot from the attacker.

If you're stuck, stop holding block. A boss that never stops attacking will drain your gauge, so the goal is to answer each flash and spend the rest of the time on offense.

What Ghoststep does

A well-timed parry against a blue flash, or a well-timed dodge against a red one, triggers Ghoststep. It moves Soul behind the enemy and gives you a short window for a counter. Save your strongest combo for that window.

Sha-Chi in one minute

You and most enemies each have a Sha-Chi gauge.

• Your attacks are free. PC Gamer notes that regular attacks don't cost anything, and they still wear down the enemy's Sha-Chi.
• Break theirs, then spend yours. Once an enemy's Sha-Chi breaks, spend your own on Sha-Chi combos for real damage.
• Swap weapons to recover. Pre-launch guides say swapping main weapons refills your Sha-Chi, and one notes that the swap has a cooldown.
• Use Power Surge. Landing hits fills Sha-Chi Essence, and a full bar lets you unleash a Power Surge (L2) that interrupts the enemy.

A simple way to practice

1. Pick a regular enemy and don't attack. Just watch for flashes.
2. Answer each one: tap L1 on blue, R1 on red.
3. Once that feels natural, add one counter after each Ghoststep.
4. Now take it to a boss, and accept that you'll lose the first few tries while you learn its timing.

Previews give the same advice: practice on regular enemies first.

When you can't beat a boss yet

Some early fights aren't meant to be won straight away. Two have come up in player discussion:

• The Aberrant Three-Faced Puppet is optional and gives you nothing you need early. PC Gamer says to come back with upgraded gear.
• The Gold-Masked One at the first Long Pillar is optional at this point. Players on the Steam forums describe him as much harder than other early fights, with a huge health bar. Come back later if you need to.

Before you retry a hard fight, upgrade your main weapon. PC Gamer points out that you can buy extra materials from vendors, and upgrades also unlock new skills. Polish your accessories too, and finish any Memory Flower you're close to completing.

Does difficulty change parrying?

Yes. PC Gamer's interview with the combat director, reported by GamerFuzion, says the parry window is two frames shorter on Hellwalker, and that enemies bait parries with feints. If parrying is what's stopping you, there's no shame in switching down. See difficulty modes, and make a backup save first.

Boss by boss, see the boss guide. For combo options, see weapons.