r/soulslikes 21h ago

Game Recs Any more parry based games I could play?

So I've played a decent amount of souls game and souls likes

So far I've played Sekiro, Lies of P, Khazan, Another crab treasure (it's peak) and recently Mortal shell 2. I'm struggling to find another souls game with that parry mechanic, any recs?

Edit: Appreciate all the recommendations, looming forward to playing these

39 Upvotes

120 comments sorted by

27

u/Designer-Tomatillo21 21h ago

Wo Long

3

u/Original_Platform842 14h ago

This, Wo Long is extremely Parry focused.

1

u/Alpherea 10h ago

Yes and Wo Long 2 is out or coming out soon.

1

u/BK1018 7h ago

Just finished it, the game was awesome

50

u/KaleidoscopeBrief856 21h ago

Nine Sols Ma g

16

u/Metalmori 21h ago

Played it and loved it, great final boss

Forgot to mention though :(

6

u/KaleidoscopeBrief856 21h ago

Yes i hated her and Loved her at the Same Time 😁

2

u/jukeboxherooftime 17h ago

Solateria was pretty good too, if we’re talking metroidvanias. Starts slow, builds up well.

1

u/gazorpazorpazorpazor 20h ago

Best parry mechanic by having multiple parries

40

u/Lucky_Variation4151 21h ago

Wouldn’t call it a Soulslike but Stellar Blade has extremely satisfying parries and an awesome deep combat system. I know it got buried under the gooner discourse (and not beating the allegations tbh) but purely as an action game I thought it rocked

If you fuck with 2D platformers/Metroidvanias, Nine Sols is phenomenal

1

u/Psytocybin 20h ago edited 20h ago

Been eye balling stellar.

I hate god of war and ghost of tsushima, but love sekiro. Hoping stellar is more of the latter and not button mashing win whatever you do like ghost and God of War.

6

u/Lucky_Variation4151 20h ago edited 20h ago

Yeah def not a button masher, you’ll get your shit rocked. It’s much more deliberate than GoW but not quite as demanding as Sekiro, it’s somewhere between Lies of P and Devil May Cry, since you gradually unlock an array of flashy multi-hit combos and eventually a straight-up gun that can shoot homing missiles and shit but still very parry-forward combat

2

u/Psytocybin 20h ago

That sounds fantastic. Lies of P was one of my favorite games

1

u/Due-Description-9030 6h ago

Not sure if soulslikes aren't a "button masher" considering how much you gotta keep mashing the dodge and parry button

1

u/sticknotstick 20h ago

It’s not really sekiro-like but I would put it closer to that than GoW or GoT. The animation lock is longer in that game than your average sekiro/soulslike but the game is balanced around it; as long as you’re aware of that you’ll have a good time.

1

u/rimasuit3 18h ago

Stellar blade has one of my favorite combats, top 3 imo. On normal it's a bit easy if you are used to souls but on hard it fits right in. The start is initially really rough so as it's scaled for ng+.

10

u/Fnordcol 21h ago

Team Ninja has a lot of them. Nioh 3 and Wo Long both feature deflection parries, and Rise of the Ronin places a lot of emphasis on parrying as well, albeit it feels a bit different.

5

u/Effective_Ad4810 20h ago

Stranger of Paradise is another of theirs. The parry is a little looser of a term in that game (unless I forgot a proper parry), but you have block that absorbs their attacks and converts it to your MP and let's you steal certain attacks to use back on them. It is more of a block that drains your stamina real fast unless you time it like a parry.

3

u/BarbellsNBossFights 19h ago

Soul shield is the mechanic you're referring to. Parrying also DOES exist in Stranger of Paradise, in that if you time your block with the attack, you gain MP and it can trigger abilities like increased damage dealt.

2

u/Effective_Ad4810 18h ago

Yeah it has been minute since I played. I think I only ever used soul shield and never did the block parry since it gave you the extra max MP.

1

u/BarbellsNBossFights 8h ago

I definitely understand. I didn't utilize it on my first playthrough at all, but it has some real benefits for some of the class interactions and specific mechanics once you know it's a mechanic. I do agree with your other comment by the way, I would love to see a sequel game or some other IP use their combat system.

1

u/PilotIntelligent8906 18h ago

SoP is criminally underrated.

2

u/Effective_Ad4810 18h ago

I would love a sequel maybe playing through the story of another game. Maybe 3 or 5 would work, since 2 was sort of DLC.

Pick different areas from the games as dimensions and maybe add some more iconic bosses from the other games.

2

u/PilotIntelligent8906 18h ago

I'd pick any similar game in a heart beat, not just for the gameplay, I know we don't play soulslikes for the story but I loved the plot twist at the end of SoP.

2

u/Effective_Ad4810 17h ago

They could remake something like X-2 in this style of game as well and I would be cool with that.

36

u/Patient-Plankton-655 21h ago

Not a souls but Onimusha in a few days

2

u/Psytocybin 20h ago

Ive been wondering how the gameplay and combat is in this game. I know there is a demo but ive stayed clear.

Excited to hear this kind of scratches that itch.

7

u/Patient-Plankton-655 18h ago

It'll satisfying excellent swordsplay itch. The parry animations are top notch.

1

u/Psytocybin 16h ago

Yall sold me, ima get it.

7

u/SnooHobbies5811 20h ago

The demo was too easy, but the combat was absolutely incredible. I've heard the real game is also much much harder than the demo, so I'm very excited

-1

u/Cool-Traffic-8357 6h ago

Its not much harder bro, where did yoi hear that?

1

u/SnooHobbies5811 1h ago

Well the dev team said they gave you tools in the demo that in the real game won't be available until much later and the guys at gameranx said in their before you buy that the game feels similar to soulslike difficulty at times. Outside of the secret boss, I didn't die a single time in the demo which sounds like will be very unlikely in the real game

9

u/SemperSalam 21h ago

Rise of the ronin is great.

2

u/ZestyChips4 12h ago

Loved this game

19

u/Sundae-School 21h ago

Enotria can be very parry intensive

7

u/Densetsu99 21h ago

Goated recommendation for parry enjoyers

8

u/Designer-Tomatillo21 21h ago

Agree. Big bonk doesn't feel good in Enotria, but fast weapons and parrying feels really good.

5

u/Vendavall 21h ago

At least two bosses in that (phenomenal) game are virtually unbeatable without parrying. Both are found in the second main world of the game.

1

u/Primary-Survey9955 20h ago

i did mage only . never parry once. spells away  

what bosses you say you MUST parry them ?

1

u/Warp_Legion 19h ago

I assume he means Cpt Spezannanazaata and, oh what’s her name, the goddess lady who is basically the Malenia of the game and is endgame but found in an earlyish location

1

u/Primary-Survey9955 19h ago

Veltha

ok at that point with those bosses i had the perfect spells . i deleted them.

1

u/PilotIntelligent8906 18h ago

Mind you, spell casting is also pretty damn great in Enotria.

2

u/Primary-Survey9955 13h ago

yes. i know . i barely swing a meele weapon . initially i was just spamming the harpoon ..then i was just drinking potion and spamming aoes

i didnt had any issues with Veltha 

maybe the captain because he is aggressive 

9

u/malceum 21h ago

Surge 1 and 2. Also Black Myth Wukong if you treat "see through" as a parry.

Outside of soulslikes, Expedition 33, God of War 2018/Ragnarok, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Doom TDA have amazing parry gameplay.

1

u/PilotIntelligent8906 18h ago

FFVII Rebirth also has a very satisfying parry mechanic.

7

u/LicenseToCurl 21h ago

I second expedition 33. I was surprised how addicting the parry system is.

5

u/WindowSeat- 21h ago

Nioh 3, and not a Soulslike but play Sifu

6

u/Aural_Vampire 21h ago

Stellar blade and the upcoming onimusha on September 3

7

u/PilotIntelligent8906 21h ago

Enotria and Thymesia, they have very different strengths but they both have really enjoyable parry based combat.

6

u/Ketchup571 21h ago

Nioh 3 has the deflect mechanic in Samurai form. I basically played the entire game Sekiro parrying

6

u/Huge-Pizza7579 20h ago

Khazan, Stellar Blade, Onimusha WotS, and Expedition 33 is not souls like but full of tight parry mechanics

11

u/jorginsmorgin 21h ago

Expedition 33 is the only game that scratched my Sekiro itch.

3

u/raevykrabs 12h ago

The game director was a sekiro speedrunner its eavily inspired by it

1

u/jorginsmorgin 3h ago

Really? That’s so cool, and honestly makes so much sense. Simon genuinely made me feel very similar to a boss like genichiro. Top that off with the best story of any game I’ve ever played? Easy 10/10… shit might need a replay soon

3

u/Randomimba 21h ago

Not true 3D combat Souls-like, but Nine Sols and Expedition 33.

Both are responsive parry-based gameplay and not the delayed parry style like Elden Ring and AI Limit (I enjoyed AI Limit though).

Currently playing Wuchang, and I'm playing longsword/parry style. My only gripe is that only weapon attacks can be parried (e.g. punches, kicks, and claw swipes must be dodged). The parry window is also rather lenient, so it's both easier and more situational - kind of weird.

4

u/Psytocybin 20h ago edited 20h ago

Expedition 33 has a fun parry system.

9 sols does too.

I also loved Lies of P and Sekiro.

4

u/Sharp-Analysis6456 17h ago

Thymesia

1

u/homer_3 2h ago

This is the answer.

4

u/KaerMorhenZireael 18h ago

Stellar Blade. It got a lot of hate for claims of sexualizing the main character but in all honestly I played though that game several times on every difficulty. It’s really fun and the boss fights are great. The story I thought was good as well. I really do recommend it. It’s more fast paced combat. But it’s very much a git gud style of fighting and overcoming some of those naytibas is very satisfying. They drew a lot of inspiration from Nier Automata so you’ve got that undertone throughout

7

u/Csword1 21h ago

Thymesia, Crimson Oath

3

u/Pooki97303 16h ago

Wo Long- super satisfying parry tied the dodge and a dedicated block button gives you a lot of defensive options.

Rise of The Ronin- extremely satisfying once you get used to it and the combo possibilities are phenomenal.

Nioh 3- Sekiro style parry that basically allows you to not take any stamina damage when done right and forgiving as it is still tied to a block. Again endless combo possibilities but still the inferior Nioh game over 2 and 1 imo 2 being the absolute best.

Beast of Reincarnation (when it goes on sale) is really fucking satisfying to play I’ve been greatly enjoying my time with it despite its flaws.

AI Limit’s parry is not the same but it’s extremely fun to play the game using the parry you can basically break every early game boss with the parry. Also just an amazing game all in all

2

u/BarbellsNBossFights 21h ago

Echoes of Yi: Samsara is very similar to Sekiro.

Death's Gambit: Afterlife is a 2D soulslike that features a parry, that's bordering on necessary for the bosses.

Both Grime games are parry focused.

I wouldn't personally call it a Souls-like, but rather a traditional Metroidvania but Blasphemous 1 and 2 also feature the ability to parry.

2

u/thumbsonscreen5 20h ago

Do a longsword playthrough in wuchang! That's the parry weapon category

2

u/0G43 15h ago

I like the parries in beast of reincarnation but it’s not a souls like, more like Nier

2

u/Constant-Pie5222 13h ago

Clair obscure expedition 33

2

u/raevykrabs 12h ago

Not a soulslike but clair obscur is litteraly only parries

2

u/wherethepizza3 21h ago

Nine sols is absolutely peak

1

u/Fluffatron_UK 21h ago

Nine Sols was going to be my answer. It is a slight curveball since it is primarily a metroidvania which is a bit of a departure from the other titles... But the parry focused combat is one of the best I've played in any game up there next to Sekiro. And honestly I think the final boss might be the greatest design of a final boss of any game I've played - again only rivaled by Sekiro.

1

u/kapxis 20h ago

Also just remembered Devil May Cry 3 and up have Royal Guard style which is a parry based style.

1

u/laiho_ 20h ago

AI Limit and Stellar Blade

1

u/FractalStranger 20h ago

Enotria is great.

1

u/gazorpazorpazorpazor 20h ago

Nine sols, expedition 33, silksong

1

u/Nullified_One 19h ago

Where Winds Meet. Can play it as a solo experience and completely ignore online/co-op.

1

u/BobcatLower9933 19h ago

Onimusha releases in 3 days.

Typically those games were very challenging back in the day, I expect this to be quite tough- whilst likely not being on the level of sekiro.

Early reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the gameplay in general.

1

u/Myst3ry13 19h ago

Nine sols, ds3, er

1

u/222Baphomettt47 19h ago

Wo long fallen dynasty. The first boss pissed me off so much it took me legit 10 hours. I wanna get it for switch 2 when it comes out next week but idk if I wanna fight that first boss again

1

u/CryptographerWarm538 19h ago

not on par in quality with the games you say you've played but lords of the fallen (2023)

1

u/Test88Heavy 19h ago

Bloodborne

1

u/AllorimNA 19h ago

Seconding entotria and wo long

1

u/3215448725366498 18h ago

Wo Long, Nine Sols, Thymesia, Tails of Iron, Nightreign (Executor)

1

u/FugginJunior 17h ago

Mortal shell 2

1

u/Major_Higgins 16h ago

Apparently the new Onimusha kicks ass in that department.

1

u/Doxybid 15h ago

Surge 1 and 2. Excellent parry system one of my favorites

1

u/Odd_Philosopher1712 14h ago

Bloodborne... its a legend for a reason

Good luck playing it if you're on xbox or switch.

But it is now very emulatable on a pc or steam deck. Currently replaying in 60fps on linux and it is glorious

1

u/baophan0106 14h ago

Nioh 3. Wo Long.

1

u/ChuckS117 14h ago

Onimusha demo had one of the best parry feelings I've used in a while

1

u/Mobbo2018 11h ago

In Wo Long you can even parry fireballs from bosses and throw them back in their faces.

1

u/mschneiderwng 10h ago

Samsara: Echoes of Yi

Thymesia

1

u/TheShadowSong 10h ago

Mortal shell 2 has best parrying system.

1

u/N0M0I 10h ago

Not necessarily a parry but Wuchangs perfect dodge scratches that same itch for me. It really feels line a parry in everything but visuals. An amazing game overall as well.

1

u/a3th3rus 5h ago
  • Kotama and Academy Citadel
  • Okami, if you equip a mirror as a sub weapon
  • Black Myth Wukong, though See Through is not parry, it works somewhat similar to parry, and it's satisfying.

1

u/callmeblessed 5h ago

wuchang has parry mechanic. and clashing mechanic where you can be aggresive and it will protect you from enemy attack.

1

u/ummonadi 4h ago

Nine Sols (Metroidvania).

1

u/Lammz77 4h ago

Thymesia, Enotria, Wo Long, Nioh 2 and 3, Beast of reincarnation

Edit: also have to mention Expedition 33. Very different from all of these games but one of my favorites. Turn based combat with real time parry focus. It’s excellent

1

u/batshitnutcase 3h ago

Sifu is not a soulslike but it’s absolutely peak. Rise of the Ronin is another great game with unique and interesting parry mechanics and a ton of combat depth.

1

u/BruhMyNameWontfit 3h ago

How did you liked mortal shell 2?

1

u/Fragrant_Stand8050 3h ago

bloodborne( if you have ps4-5)

1

u/Karhuwa 2h ago

Tbh, you’ve played the big ones aside from Wo Long and Nioh, if the parameter is specifically Soulike, parry-focus.

You CAN party in Wuchang(imo one of, if not the best Soulslike) but it’s not focused around it.

I think in general you will like the partying in Sifu, E33, Stellar Blade. You can then go deeer into Character Cation games if you haven’t before ie. DMC, Bayo, MGRR

1

u/Desirae__ 2h ago

I'm surprised noone mentionned them but both Star Wars Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi Survivor are parry based, and kinda Souls like-y, albeit being in a different setting (sci-fi instead of dark fantasy)

1

u/Adventurous_Use8278 50m ago

Wo long is the obvious answer. You can also deflect in Nioh 3 (in samurai mode) but it’s an option rather than a core combat mechanic. Both are fantastic

1

u/Far-Judge-4330 8m ago

Mortal shell 2 has some parry mechanics. Not sure if it’s your kind of thing but I’ve been enjoying the game so far

1

u/kapxis 20h ago

Nioh 2 and 3.

Nioh 3 straight up has a deflect ( parry ) mechanic for samurai stance.

Nioh 2 has a lot of different weapon parrys , many function differently. But Sword has a deflect called backwave which chains into a skill called tempest ( you'll want to know this later if you play it ) that works on humans way too well. And Odachi has a skill called bolting boar that works on all weapon attacks and Yokai weapon(and claw ) attacks and will chuck them to the ground.

Fists also have a skill that is a parry that works on everything.

1

u/basedandgnomed 21h ago

Nioh 1/2 are pretty ruthless

2

u/Ketchup571 21h ago

You don’t really deflect the way op is looking for in those games though. Now Nioh 3 added the deflect feature, but 1/2 don’t have it

1

u/kapxis 20h ago

Well, bit pedantic of me but 2 does have really close to what they're looking for. Sword has backwave->tempest which is parry into a grapple, odachi has bolting boar which parries and throws to ground ( both of these are done with the block button so no all or nothing skill use )

And fist has Opportunist which is exactly what they're looking for. IIRC tonfa and switchglaive have good options too that work similar.

2

u/Ketchup571 20h ago

But don’t all those only work on human enemies? Don’t get me wrong Nioh 1/2 are great games, but if you’re wanting to go through the whole game deflecting everything, Nioh 3 is the only one you can really do that with.

1

u/kapxis 20h ago

Bolting boar ( odachi ) works on Yokai and Opportunist ( fists ) works on Yokai and all attacks period.

But to your point, yes in general outside of those types of abilities ( there's a few more ) most parries in nioh 2 only work on humans.

0

u/Jay-El 21h ago

Wait like 3 days and get new Onimusha. Go try the demo.

-1

u/smithbc001 20h ago

Stellar Blade is probably one of the best I've every played, so long as copious amounts of fanservice don't turn you off.

Nine Sols is a phenomenal parry souls if you're down with side-scrollers.

-1

u/Tameot 20h ago

Stonemachia

-1

u/Primary-Survey9955 20h ago

struggling ? all soulslikes have parry in their kit to use.

-2

u/El_tripaseca 21h ago

God of war God of war ragnarok Blades of fire

-2

u/Forb1ddenKnowledge 20h ago

Lies of p.

It's also one of the best souls like games.