Parry rework

[L3velDr4in]

One on one works great. Problem is most of the game is not one on one. Even if you try to pull single enemy with bow, sooner than later another mob will spawn and join.

Would be great if parry got updated to work with multiple enemies. The stun could e.g. affect multiple enemies (but be shorter), or 1 sec i-frames after parry. Thoughts?

[Faceplant]

You can parry multiple enemies, but the timing has to be right. Either they have to attack at essentially the same time, or they have to be spaced apart enough so you have time to to get in another parry. The problem with the latter is you might spend all your time and stamina parrying and not have time/stamina to attack.

What are you fighting that you need/want to parry, and with what? I could give many pointers, but the comments you make about pulling an enemy in with a bow and a combat taking long enough for mobs to spawn make me think they would not apply to your combat style.

In generally, I would say that if you're facing multiple enemies that you HAVE to parry, then you probably want to retreat.

I would also say that you don't need to draw them in, they will come at you, you just have to control which ones and when they come at you. I find the best way to do that is to use your movement to pull them where you want them and play them like a chess match.

[knighttemplar1960]

Dodge works on all of them. If you are using an aetgir or a sword for your weapon, you can hit all of them in a single swing with no loss of damage dealt to the enemy after you execute your dodge. When you have them whittled down to 1-2 enemies you can parry, or parry block with no issues.

[L3velDr4in]

Originally posted by Faceplant8:

In generally, I would say that if you're facing multiple enemies that you HAVE to parry, then you probably want to retreat.

I don't HAVE to parry, I want to. I'm a parry freak that loves royal-guarding in every game that allows it. Valheim however is half and half on this. On one hand parry works great vs single enemy (both cc and dmg wise) but is actively discouraged vs multiple enemies. The push back moves the parried enemy behind his friends and you closing the gap is a signal for other enemies to attack. Just to be clear I do understand it's a me issue, but wouldn't a tighter combat system benefit us all?

Originally posted by knighttemplar1960:

Dodge works on all of them. If you are using an aetgir or a sword for your weapon, you can hit all of them in a single swing with no loss of damage dealt to the enemy after you execute your dodge. When you have them whittled down to 1-2 enemies you can parry, or parry block with no issues.

This logic only proves my point. If I need to have the way of fighting that works without parrying then I can do that with the last "1-2 enemies" as well. Parry becomes a gimmick at this point.

[knighttemplar1960]

Originally posted by L3velDr4in:

Originally posted by knighttemplar1960:

Dodge works on all of them. If you are using an aetgir or a sword for your weapon, you can hit all of them in a single swing with no loss of damage dealt to the enemy after you execute your dodge. When you have them whittled down to 1-2 enemies you can parry, or parry block with no issues.

This logic only proves my point. If I need to have the way of fighting that works without parrying then I can do that with the last "1-2 enemies" as well. Parry becomes a gimmick at this point.

Its a you issue. You have 4 types of defense in the game. Avoidance (even has dance right in the word), dodge, parry, and block. You can use them in any combination you want depending on experience, skill, and if the enemies are all ranged, all melee, or a mix.

One of my favorite moves in the bronze age black forest at night is to wait until the greydwarves wind up and then step aside so they miss, parry block the brute with my bronze buckler, slice all 3 or 4 with my bronze sword, repeat. I'll take a few small rocks and a couple shaman halitosis attacks but after a few rounds all that is left is the injured brute and the shaman. A few more swings and the brute is gone and all I have to do is finish off the shaman. Easy mode.

How boring would it be if parry worked on every thing?

[bbyhighness]

I think it makes sense that we should choose different tactics for different fights. You can parry multiple enemies, but it usually makes the fight really slow and more difficult than it has to be. It's like with resistences. You can fight an enemy with a weapon they're resistant to, but it's going to take longer and might be more difficult.

I understand that you love parrying. It feels really satisfying and it's extremely cool when done right. But I also like the fact that not every option is ideal for every fight in Valheim. It keeps you on your toes and makes you make choices and consider priorities.

Parry is an option that gives you an advantage in certain situations and can mean a big difference in damage when fighting powerful enemies. Other options give you advantages in other situations but are weaknesses in others and I think the point of the combat system in the game is that you have different strategies and use them accordingly depending on the fight you're in.

I think I know where you're coming from. I'm extremely fond of stealth for example and use it in pretty much every game I can. But it doesn't always work for everything and there are missions and situations that are not stealth friendly and I need to count on that. It doesn't mean it's something that should be fixed. Very often it makes perfect sense and I just need to deal with it.