Master the Secrets of Elden Ring: Unleash the Perfect Guard Counter

Elden Ring introduces a wide range of combat mechanics to enhance the excitement of melee fighting and defensive gameplay. Unlike traditional defensive strategies, the game encourages players to actively engage in action. Similar to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, where constant offense is a viable tactic, Elden Ring offers the Guard Counter mechanic to facilitate staying in the fight. This mechanic, while resembling a Perfect Parry from Sekiro, does not require such precise timing. It enriches the gameplay experience for defensive-oriented players by providing a tool to punish overly aggressive adversaries, rather than merely relying on hiding behind a shield and occasionally dealing damage.

Updated July 28th, 2023: Guard Counter in Elden Ring offers players a valuable skill to effectively defeat tougher adversaries. By utilizing shields as their primary defense mechanism in the game, players can employ the Guard Counter maneuver to proficiently deal damage while also withstanding enemy attacks. To assist both new and returning players in mastering the art of Guard Counter in Elden Ring, we have enhanced our guide by incorporating a video snippet that demonstrates the technique in action, providing a visual aid for those encountering difficulties.

Guard Counters Make Shields And Melee Builds More Viable

A Guard Counter is a powerful attack that can be executed after successfully defending with a Shield. It inflicts significantly more damage to the opponent's posture compared to a regular Heavy Attack. Even weaker enemies can be stunned with a well-timed Guard Counter. It effectively disrupts foes who tend to cast spells immediately after attacking, such as the Godskin Apostle. However, its true advantage lies in creating opportunities for Critical Hits.

When the concealed posture meter is broken, the enemy becomes stunned and usually reveals a specific weak point where players can execute a devastating Critical Hit. Given that Guard Counters deal substantial damage to this meter, incorporating them into your regular melee combat strategy is highly recommended.

Guard Counter Tips

Melee builds in other FromSoftware games rely on utilizing hit-and-run tactics to gradually wear down opponents. This dynamic not only encourages players to stay engaged in combat but also provides an additional layer of strategy for those wielding shields in close quarters.

Use Shields with a higher Guard Boost value to optimize your Stamina reduction, and consider utilizing the Barricade Shield Ash of War to further enhance Blocking effectiveness, ensuring ample Stamina for your comeback. Guard Counters can only be executed if there is remaining Stamina after blocking, hence it is crucial to lower your Shield in between enemy attacks to expedite Stamina recovery.

How To Guard Counter In Elden Ring

To successfully execute a Guard Counter, locate a nearby enemy who initiates close-range attacks. The Godrick Soldiers in the early Limgrave area serve as ideal test subjects to familiarize yourself with this game mechanic. Nevertheless, any adversary who inflicts blockable damage can activate the Guard Counter. For example, a Glintstone Pebble thrown from a short distance can still be blocked, triggering a Guard Counter just as a physical strike would.

To execute the Guard Counter technique, initiate by activating your Shield using the left shoulder button (L1) in anticipation of an incoming strike. Once the attack connects with your Shield, causing your Stamina bar to decrease, swiftly press the right trigger (R2). If performed accurately, you will hear a distinctive sound cue and witness your character swiftly retaliate with a remarkable animation, inflicting significant damage to both the opponent's HP and concealed posture gauge.

Elden Ring is currently accessible on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as Xbox One and Series X|S platforms.