Quick Blocking Explanation

Basic blocking information to help you get through the game.

How To: Blocking

The root of blocking is really simple and probably doesn't need explaining. In case you need a refresher, you can press and hold one of your four characters' buttons (The interface displays them as A B X Y) or LB to have all characters block at the same time.

If you paid attention during the tutorial, you'll also know that you can time the block button press to an enemy's attack to mitigate the damage even more with a Clean Block; however, this only blocks the first damage an enemy deals... or so I thought. Some enemies will use flurry attacks or hit multiple times, and the solution is actually quite simple: after your first block, you just press the block button(s) again with each subsequent attack. If it's a rapid-fire flurry attack I've found it usually works well enough to pseudo-mash the button after the first hit to get all the other ticks.

I also recommend playing it safe on new enemies you find to figure out how their attacks work, then when you recognize the timing of at least one attack you can start trying to get the Clean Block. I also prefer trying to be earlier than later because the punishment for being too early is less than being too late and taking full damage. Figure out what works best for you and with time you'll get more and more accustomed to this blocking system.

Full Damage Block

Another useful fact is that executing a Clean Block with 1 health left will fully negate damage taken.



While I wouldn't recommend walking around with 1 HP, this is still helpful information for when you're in a pinch. If you're low on health, it's better to risk a Clean Block you aren't good with for a chance to survive. Clean Blocks save lives!

Suggestions?

Let me know if this helped or if you have anything to add! Coincidentally I learned a bit about blocking just by writing this guide.

From Comments:

If your Defense Level is at 3 or above, your characters will heal health instead.

[Omero Guajakeño]

Alright, it just poped up during a battle, thanks a lot.

[SoK |]

Simply perform 108 Clean Blocks to get the achievement. This doesn't need to be done in a single battle and the number goes up each time you perform a Clean Block.

[Omero Guajakeño]

how do I get Indr's Pride achievment?

[SoK |]

Awesome, thanks for the clarification

[NEET]

Your characters will start healing health on clean block at Defense level 3 or above. The higher the level, the more healing it will provide.

[♡ ディズィー ♡]

I had him at +10 charges something attack him and I performed a clean block and he got healed for 19 health (shown by green text that shows when say Ginsing heals you) but it might be from upgrades to my party Defense as I skipped the dialogue with the upgrade npc. I’ll load up an earlier save prior to my Defense upgrades and check what they say.

[SoK |]

Could you clarify on Dhar regaining health? I've done clean blocks with Dhar and he takes damage instead of healing.

[♡ ディズィー ♡]

A clean block on Dhar will give him health back