How to Parry in Hollow Knight Silksong

Parrying is one of the most advanced and rewarding combat techniques in Hollow Knight: Silksong. While not strictly mandatory, mastering this high-skill maneuver will dramatically elevate your gameplay, turning relentless boss assaults into opportunities for devastating counterattacks. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about deflecting attacks with Hornet's needle.

Why Mastering the Parry is Essential

Going beyond simply blocking damage, a successful parry is a strategic game-changer. It creates a crucial moment of pause, or "hitstop," that breaks an enemy's offensive momentum. This brief window allows you to reset your position, avoid follow-up attacks, and immediately launch your own counter-offensive. In boss battles against swift foes like Lace, the parry transforms from a defensive trick into an essential tool for controlling the pace of the fight.

Executing the Perfect Parry: Timing and Technique

The core principle of a parry is an intentional, well-timed clash of weapons. To perform it:

Watch the Enemy, Not Yourself: Success depends entirely on reading enemy telegraphs. Focus on their wind-up animations.

Initiate Your Swing: Just before the enemy's strike lands, execute a basic attack with Hornet's needle.

Listen for the Confirm: A successful parry is signaled by a sharp "ping" sound effect, a distinctive white flash, and a satisfying freeze-frame effect as the weapons connect.

Crucially, you cannot simply spam the attack button. The parry requires deliberate timing during the active frames of your swing. Button mashing will leave you vulnerable during the downtime between Hornet's animations.

What Can and Cannot Be Parried?

Understanding the limits of this technique is key to using it effectively.

• You CAN Parry: Most attacks from wielded weapons like swords, spears, axes, and evensome thrown projectiles. If an enemy uses a tool, you can likely deflect it.
• YouCANNOT Parry: Crushing blows, body slams, energy blasts, or any attackthat doesn't involve a distinct weapon. For example, the Bell Beast'sbody crush is unblockable in this way.

Choosing the Best Crest for Parrying

Hornet's Crests significantly alter her attack animations, which in turn changes the parry rhythm. Each has unique advantages:

• Hunter Crest (Default): Offers a balanced moveset, providing a reliable foundation for learning the parry timing.
• Wanderer Crest: Features a faster attack animation. This speed creates a larger windowfor error, making it more forgiving for parry attempts. It also excelsat downward "pogo" parries.
• Reaper Crest: Slower but with superior range. The extended reach allows you to parryfrom a safer distance and makes deliberate parries easier to space.

Pro Tip: The Longclaw tool can increase your weapon's reach, further enhancing the parry potential of every Crest.

There is no single "best" Crest for parrying; it depends on your personalplaystyle. Experiment to find which rhythm—fast and forgiving (Wanderer) or long and deliberate (Reaper)—suits you best.

Advanced Parry Strategies

Once you've mastered the basics, integrate these advanced tactics:

• Pogo Parrying: Use a downward slash in the air to parry attacks coming from below. The Wanderer and Reaper Crests are ideal for this as their down-attacks are straight vertical slashes.
• Bait and Punish: Use a parry to intentionally interrupt a boss's multi-hit combo,creating a guaranteed opening for a Silk-binding move or a full combo of your own.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Head to a less dangerous area with standard enemies and practiceparrying their attacks consistently. This is the best way to internalize different enemy timings.

Mastering the parry in Hollow Knight: Silksong is the hallmark of a true warrior. It requires patience and practice but pays off with unparalleledcontrol over any battle. Equip your chosen Crest, study your foes, andturn their greatest strengths against them.

---

Other Articles Related

Where To Find Giant Drapemite in Hollow Knight Silksong
Searching for the elusive Giant Drapemite in Hollow Knight: Silksong? Discoverits exact location and learn the best strategies to defeat thisdangerous foe.
How to unlock Needolin in Hollow Knight Silksong
Unlock Needolin in Hollow Knight Silksong! Discover the secret location andsteps to find this mysterious NPC, including any required items orquests.
How to beat Lost Lace in Hollow Knight Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong - How to beat Lost Lace. A complete bossguide covering attack patterns, telegraphed moves, optimal Silkbindabilities, and charm builds to overcome this challenging opponent.
How to defeat First Sinner in Hollow Knight Silksong
Struggling with the First Sinner? Learn the essential strategies,attack patterns, and the best tools to defeat this early Silksong bossand claim your victory.
How to repair the Ruined Tool in Hollow Knight Silksong
Discover how to repair the Ruined Tool in Silksong with our guide. Unlock secrets and enhance your gameplay today!
How To Beat Crawfather in Hollow Knight Silksong
Unlock victory over the Crawfather in Silksong! Explore our guide for strategies and tips to ensure your success againstthis tough opponent.
How To Beat The Unravelled in Hollow Knight Silksong
Struggling with the Unravelled in Silksong? Our expert guide offersessential strategies and insights to help you defeat this formidable foe with ease.
How To Beat Crust King Khann in Hollow Knight Silksong
Master the challenge of Crust King Khann in Silksong with our guide. Discover strategies, tips, and techniques to secure your victory.
How To Get Farsight in Hollow Knight Silksong
Discover how to find and unlock the Farsight ability in HollowKnight: Silksong. Learn its location, uses for long-range exploration,and strategic combat advantages.
How To Beat Pinstress in Hollow Knight Silksong
Master the fight againstPinstress in Hollow Knight Silksong. Learn her attack patterns, the best strategies to dodge her needle volleys, and how to counter-attack for a decisive victory.
How To Get Thread Storm Skill In Silksong
Learn the exact steps to unlock the Thread Storm skill in HollowKnight: Silksong. Find the location, requirements, and how to masterthis powerful needle art.
How To Break Bellhart Curse in Silksong
Guide on how to break the Bellhart Curse in Hollow Knight:Silksong. Learn the steps, find the key items, and free Hornet from theeternal bindings of Pharloom.
How to Prevent Rosary Loss in Silksong - Recover Dropped Currency
effective strategies to prevent rosary loss in Silksong. Keep your treasures safe and enhance your gaming
How to Unlock Old Hollow Knight Pogo Downwards Slash in Silksong
the thrilling mechanics of Silksong with the Old Hollow Knight's Pogo Downwards Slash. Unleash powerful moves and master your gameplay!
How to Get Cap Breakers in NBA 2K26
Level up your MyPLAYER faster with our guide on how to get Cap Breakers inNBA 2K26. Learn the fastest methods to earn VC, maximize MyPOINTS, andunlock all your attribute caps.