What Phantom Blade Zero's Parry System Means for New Players

These tips help new players avoid wasted currency, failed quests, and missed upgrades, making the early hours of Phantom Blade Zero far less punishing.

These tips help new players avoid wasted currency, failed quests, and missed upgrades, making the early hours of Phantom Blade Zero far less punishing.

Key points - Parrying in Phantom Blade Zero is performed by pressing L1 on PS5 just before an enemy attack lands. - Perfect parries against blue-flash attacks deal substantial Guard Break damage and drain enemy Sha-Chi. - Red-flash attacks cannot be parried and must be dodged instead. - Switching weapons with D-Pad Left instantly refills Sha-Chi, with a short then longer cooldown. - Interacting with collectibles and wall writings rewards players with Remnant Dust, the main currency.

Timeline - Early game: Players encounter obstacles requiring a specific Phantom Edge obtained hours later after a boss fight. - Crimson Forest: The 'A Healer's Mercy' quest can be failed if left too long, locking out a reward. - During combat: Screen briefly turns black and white to signal an unblockable attack that must be dodged.

FAQ

Q: Can you parry red-flash attacks in Phantom Blade Zero? A: No. Red-flash attacks can only be dodged. Blue-flash attacks can be parried for substantial Guard Break damage that drains enemy Sha-Chi.

Q: How do you refill Sha-Chi quickly in combat? A: Tap D-Pad Left to switch weapons, which instantly refills Sha-Chi. There's a short cooldown for the first switch and a longer one for the second.

Q: Should you buy upgrade materials with Remnant Dust? A: Generally no. Exploring thoroughly provides plenty of materials, so save your Remnant Dust for other upgrades rather than buying materials at Bells.