Final Fantasy 16 parry guide – How to parry explained

Final Fantasy XVI has changed the overall look of the franchise, from an overhauled art style to a new combat system. Deviating from turn-based battles, this Final Fantasy introduces many new combat-related mechanics to go with it. Parrying is one of the basic actions you can do in the game, but the moment I initiated my first combat in the game, I noticed it hadn't been explained adequately. This guide will explain the parrying mechanic in Final Fantasy XVI.

Final Fantasy XVI Parrying guide

To parry in FF16, you must wait for the opponent to attack you and then press the melee attack button yourself just a moment before the opponent lands his attack. This mechanic will be tricky to get down, especially in the earlier levels of the game, because you have to learn the opponent's attack patterns.

The gameplay has been changed radically in Final Fantasy 16 due to the abandonment of the turn-based system, turning the game into a live-action RPG. Due to the nature of this new combat system, it's only natural to implement ways to avoid enemy attacks besides dodging. Parrying enemy blows effectively stops any incoming damage, breaking their combo and opening up for your own attacks, albeit at the risk of taking damage if you miss the timing.

Related: Final Fantasy 16 motion blur – Can you turn it off?

What kind of blocks are there in Final Fantasy XVI?

There are three kinds of parries in FFXVI:

• Regular Parry: You can perform this kind of Parry by timing your own attack right when the enemy attacks you.
•  Lunge Parry: This Parry goes a step beyond a regular parry, both in risk and reward. Once unlocked, you can perform it by pressing the jump button and melee attack button.
•  Swift Recovery: It's not a Parry as such, but a Switft Recovery move can also trigger a Parry since it is, by its nature, an attack.

Are you looking for more articles on Final Fantasy XVI? You're in the right place! Check out Are Chocobos in Final Fantasy 16? and What are Eikons in Final Fantasy 16?, here on Pro Game Guides.