Elden Ring Weapons: 23 Optimized for Parry and Riposte Focus
Mastering parry and riposte mechanics in Elden Ring can turn the tide of many challenging encounters, allowing you to punish enemy mistakes with devastating counterattacks. But to truly capitalize on this playstyle, having the right weapon is crucial. Some weapons naturally complement a parry-focused build with fast recovery frames, quick attack animations, and movesets that chain seamlessly into ripostes. If you’re aiming to perfect your timing and maximize your damage output, here are 23 Elden Ring weapons optimized for parry and riposte strategies.
1. BucklerThe quintessential parry shield, the Buckler offers one of the fastest parry windows in the game. Pair it with a fast dagger or straight sword for quick riposte follow-ups.
2. Small Leather ShieldAnother excellent parry shield with a good timing window, perfect for aggressive counterattack builds.
3. EstocA thrusting sword with rapid strikes that combo fluidly after a successful riposte.
4. RapierSimilar to the Estoc, rapiers excel in swift thrusts, making them ideal for landing quick ripostes.
5. Parrying DaggerLightweight and fast, this dagger enhances your ability to parry and quickly punish with ripostes.
6. Straight SwordA classic choice, straight swords have well-balanced speed and damage, with animations that flow smoothly into ripostes.
7. ScimitarThe Scimitar’s speed and combo potential make it a solid choice for players who rely on counterattacks.
8. TwinbladeWith its fast and sweeping attacks, the Twinblade can chain combos well after ripostes, applying pressure immediately.
9. UchigatanaThe Uchigatana offers fast slashes and thrusts, allowing for flexible riposte follow-ups.
10. FalchionThis weapon’s speed and reach help maintain offensive momentum after a riposte.
11. KatarDual-wielding Katars provides rapid attacks that are perfect for maximizing riposte damage.
12. WhipThough unconventional, certain whips have quick recovery frames and can be surprisingly effective when timed correctly after a parry.
13. Short SwordLightweight and quick, short swords allow for fast riposte attacks that keep enemies on the defensive.
14. DaggerClassic daggers offer some of the fastest attack speeds, ideal for punishing openings created by parries.
15. Estoc with Buckler ComboA popular setup that combines a fast parry shield with a thrusting sword optimized for riposte damage.
16. Hand AxeSurprisingly nimble, the Hand Axe has quick attacks that chain nicely after ripostes.
17. Light CrossbowWhile not a melee weapon, it can be used to bait enemies into attacks, allowing you to parry and counter with your main weapon.
18. Katana (various types)Many katanas offer movesets with quick slashes and thrusts perfect for parry and riposte-centric builds.
19. ShortspearFast thrust attacks make the shortspear a great tool for punishing enemies after a parry.
20. ScytheThough a bit heavier, some scythes have surprisingly fast recovery, allowing ripostes when used skillfully.
21. Twin DaggersDual-wielding daggers can maximize riposte follow-ups with their rapid attack speed.
22. Falchion paired with Small Leather ShieldA balanced combination for aggressive parry and riposte tactics.
23. Estoc paired with Parrying DaggerMixing a fast thrusting sword with a parrying dagger can give you both offensive and defensive versatility.
For players who want to build around these weapons, gathering enough resources can sometimes be a grind. If you find yourself needing to buy Elden Ring runes or looking to stock up on cheap Elden Ring items to support your build, consider farming in areas that offer good rune yields while keeping an eye out for gear upgrades.
Ultimately, parry and riposte require timing and precision, but with the right weapon, the payoff is incredibly satisfying. Experiment with these weapons to find the one that suits your playstyle best, and you’ll soon find yourself turning the tables on even the toughest foes. If you’ve discovered other weapons that work well with parry builds, feel free to share your insights in the community!