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Sometimes, just having the best offense is not always going to make the biggest difference in Team Ninja’sRise of the Ronin. To face all challenges, it makes more sense to have both capable offensive capabilities and a masterful defensive game. The key to the latter is to become adept at usingCounterspark, the game’s parrying mechanic, in battle.
Against the hardest bosses and difficult foes, it becomes imperative that Counterspark is used frequently and effectively, as it both gives players a boost and affects opponents negatively. For those struggling to come to terms with it, here’s a guide onhow to parry effectivelywith Counterspark inRise of the Ronin.
Understanding Counterspark/Parrying in Rise of the Ronin
Counterspark can be initiated bypressing Triangle, and it will only besuccessful if players do it when the enemy’s attack connects. Deflecting attacks this waytemporarily panics enemies, which allows you to dish out some pain of your own. The better timing you have with Counterspark, the more effective it will be.
When enemies execute combos,consecutive Countersparks must be used to defend yourself effectivelyin what is called aCounterspark Chain. Successful deflections of all attacks in a combo willcause the enemy to panic for an extended period of time, and even if you miss some, the damage taken is also reduced.
Counterspark Compatibility
In addition, thevarious combat styleswill affect your effectivenessas well. Making use of an effective combat style can cause an enemy to stagger significantly, making it an easier fight. As a rule of thumb:
How to Counterspark Parry in Rise of the Ronin
There are a few elements to remember when it comes to Counterspark inRise of the Ronin,whether you areplaying solo or with others.
Taking Your Time
Timing is everything, and it pays off toread the enemies' attack patternsbefore diving straight in. This way, you will be able to discern the rhythmic nature of their attacks and time your Countersparks accordingly. This is extremely important when facing bosses, as they tend to usemore combosthan individual attacks, meaning players have toparry multiple times in quick successionto avoid damage entirely and cause Ki damage.
Don’t Give Up
Even if the enemy manages to hurt you using one or two attacks, there is stilltime to recoveras long as you have Ki. This means that even inmid-combo, you arestill able to use Countersparkto block the attacks. If the final attack is parried, it will still count as asuccessful Counterspark Chain. This will buy you more time to recover and prepare for the next wave.
Martial Arts
The enemy is also fond ofusing martial artsinRise of the Ronin, as noted by the murderous red aura. Only aperfectly timed Countersparkcan result in a deflection, and whilesome can be blocked by guarding, the chances are, you will need to master the timing to escape danger. It is much wiser tododge the first couple of martial arts attemptsjust to see the timing before attempting to use Counterspark.
Weapon Peculiarity
Depending on yourchoice of weapons, theCounterspark animation will also differ. Some, like the paired swords, have a larger window due to their animation, but missing a counterspark will immediately make you vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Be sure to test out the weapons you want to use to get the timing down, which will only make facing more dangerous enemies easier.
