In Resident Evil Requiem, Leon Kennedy uses a tomahawk in close combat. Together with new weapons, a parrying mechanic has also appeared – the main hero now can block some attacks with a hammer. In this guide, we will explain how the parrying mechanic works, why some players have difficulty with this mechanic, and how to learn to catch the timings.
Table of contents
How Parry Works in the Game
To parry, the player must press the block/parry button right before the enemy attacks. This allows you to stun them and gain a slight advantage. This game mechanic is very important: it allows you to stun zombies faster in certain cases and save ammo, as well as minimize damage from some attacks that can even be fatal to the main character.
Save
Why Parrying Can Be Difficult
The parrying mechanic doesn’t appear at the end of the game, but the game doesn’t tell about it until the fight with the Tyrant. Essentially, gamers learn about it almost at the very end of the playthrough. And even when a hint appears, you can’t understand which enemies you can use parrying against, and whether it works with ordinary infected.
Another difficulty that players encounter is catching the timing of the enemy’s attacks, which is very difficult in some cases. Sometimes the attack is read ahead of time, and in most cases, the enemy simply inflicts damage without any hint of an attack.
Save
Which Attacks Can Be Parried
As we have already noted, the game does not mention this. However, you can parry most attacks in the game, except for shots from firearms, special boss attacks, explosions, and attacks on platforms. Here is a list of attacks that can and should be parried when playing:
Any close-range melee attacks – regardless of whether you’re wielding a weapon or not;
Grapples;
Shoots from RPGs (yes, Leon can deflect a projectile heading into him);
Attacks from plants, spiders, and other enemies in the game;
Flying objects at you (e.g., a bottle);
Most of the contact attacks from bosses – even if the enemy is much larger than Leon (the protagonist and himself are almost zombies, so there’s logic in this).
Save
How to Best Parry
To learn to time your parries correctly, we’ve prepared a series of useful tips:
When parrying, you should focus on the opponent’s movement, not their swing. You need to parry precisely in the moment the opponent’s attack movement is completed, not before. You need to catch it as precisely as possible when the opponent is closest to Leon’s attack – otherwise, the parry won’t be counted;
The best indicator is an attack immediately after a swing. As soon as the opponent starts the final movement towards Leon, you need to press the button;
Save
Always keep your axe sharpened, otherwise parrying may not work;
Moders have already made a mod available to players on PC that makes parrying easier. You can read more about the mod here here;
Closer to the end of the game and after fighting the officer, you can obtain a new axe for Leon – “Mortal Edge.” This tomahawk increases parrying chances against attacks, although it has less damage than the protagonist’s main weapon.
