Why Parrying in Video Games Just Does Not Work for Me

May 29, 2026 - 19:10

Let me be clear from the start: I know I am in the minority here. Parrying is widely celebrated as one of the most satisfying mechanics in modern action games. From Sekiro to Ghost of Tsushima to the latest God of War entries, timing a perfect block and turning an enemy's attack against them is supposed to feel like a rush. But for me, it is the opposite. I genuinely do not enjoy it.

The problem starts with the timing window. Most games demand a near-perfect button press within a fraction of a second. Miss it, and you eat the full force of the attack. Succeed, and you get a brief moment of invincibility and a counterattack. The risk-reward ratio is supposed to feel empowering, but it often feels punishing to me. I find myself staring at enemy wind-up animations, waiting for that one tell, and then pressing the button too early or too late. The frustration builds quickly.

There is also the issue of flow. Parrying stops combat dead in its tracks. Instead of a fluid exchange of blows, you get a pause, a flash, and then a canned animation. I prefer dodging, weaving, and chaining attacks together. Parrying feels like a test of memorization rather than improvisation. It turns fights into a rhythm game where one wrong note means starting over.

I understand why others love it. The satisfaction of reading an opponent and turning their strength against them is a classic power fantasy. But for me, it just feels like a chore. I would rather roll, block with a shield, or simply outmaneuver my enemies. Parrying will always be the mechanic I skip when given the choice.