Mastering the Art of Parrying in Avowed: A Comprehensive Guide
Parrying enemy attacks is incredibly satisfying in action games, and Avowed is no exception. This guide details how to unlock and effectively utilize the parry mechanic.
Unlocking the Parry Ability:

The parry ability isn't available from the start; you must unlock it. Navigate to the "Abilities" menu, then select the "Ranger" tab. The Parry ability is located in the top middle column. To unlock it, allocate an Ability point to any of the three core ability trees. Once this is done, Parry becomes available.
Parry has three ranks, each with increasing effectiveness:
Rank |
Player Level Requirement |
Description |
1 |
N/A (1 Point Spent) |
Unlocks the Parry ability. |
2 |
Player Level 5 |
25% increased parry efficiency; greater enemy stun. |
3 |
Player Level 8 |
50% increased parry efficiency; greater enemy stun. |
At player level 10, the "Arrow Deflection" ability unlocks, allowing you to parry projectiles.
Executing a Parry:
Screenshot taken moments before player’s death by bears.
Parrying requires precise timing. Block immediately before an enemy attack connects. A metallic clang sound and a visual cue indicate a successful parry, stunning the enemy. Timing varies slightly between enemies, so practice is key. It's less demanding than in games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
Limitations of Parrying:
Not all attacks are parryable. Attacks indicated by a red circle must be dodged. Furthermore, only certain weapons can be used to parry: single-handed, two-handed weapons (not in your off-hand), and shields (in your off-hand). Ranged weapons (guns, wands, bows) and grimoires cannot parry.
Benefits of Parrying:
Parrying stuns attackers, creating openings for significant damage. It's a highly effective defensive and offensive technique for melee characters. However, it's less beneficial for ranged builds. Fortunately, respeccing in Avowed is easy, allowing you to adjust your abilities as needed.
Avowed is available now.