InGod of War, parrying is not an instantly applicable skill for players to use. Rather, players must make their way throughGod of Warto increase their skills before they have the option of unlocking the parrying ability. With it, players can unleash a powerful shield attack, which can be very useful when fighting dangerous foes.

There are many challenging encounters, likeGod of War’s Valkyries, that force players to use a variety of skills and equipment to best their opponents. Parrying is a skill that, once unlocked, can be used to counter and redirect powerful attacks. If players learn how to parry effectively, they can become incredibly dangerous as Kratos.

God of War Kratos fighting

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How to Parry inGod of War

Parrying inGod of Warcan be unlocked via the Shield Combat skill tree. When players progress far enough, they will be able to acquire the Countering Strike ability. This skill makesGod of War’s Kratos even more powerful, as both close-range bosses and enemies at great distances can be taken care of with relative ease. Indeed, once the Countering Strike skill has been unlocked, players will only need to perform a last-moment block and then press “R1.” This will trigger a sort of shield blast that Kratos can direct toward enemies to inflict serious damage.

As players use the ability, they will notice thatGod of Wartakes a far different approach to parrying than other games do.InAssassin’s Creedtitles, for example, parrying is much easier and the gameplay mechanic can be used often an in rapid succession.God of War’s parrying does not preserve players when they use the skill, which means they have to be conscious of damage and consider timing as well, making it much more difficult. Fortunately, after a little practice, the Countering Strike skill can be successfully used to devastate enemy combatants.

Indeed, the combat inGod of Waris part of what has made the game, and the franchise, so popular. And, in fact, there hasn’t been a better time to get involved inGod of War’s epic gameplay. WithGod of War: Ragnarokon the horizon, now is the time for players to jump in to theGod of Warfranchise and experience the awesome gameplay that the games present to players. As Kratos' journey continues, players around the world will continue to enjoy the mythological universe that has been conjured up for dedicated fans of the Sony-exclusive franchise.

God of Waris available now on PS4 and PS5.