What is the difference between blocking and parrying in Valheim?

Blocking and parrying are two essential defensive mechanics in Valheim, each serving a unique purpose in combat. Blocking is the simpler of the two and involves raising your shield or weapon to absorb incoming damage. To block, you simply hold down the right mouse button (or the equivalent button on a controller). This reduces the damage you take based on your shield''s or weapon''s block power. For example, a Wood Shield has a block power of 20, meaning it can absorb up to 20 points of damage before the remaining damage affects your health. Blocking is a reliable way to mitigate damage, especially when you''re unsure of an enemy''s attack timing.\n\nParrying, on the other hand, is a more advanced technique that requires precise timing. To parry, you must raise your shield or weapon just as an enemy''s attack is about to land. If timed correctly, the enemy will be staggered, leaving them vulnerable to a counterattack. Parrying not only negates damage but also increases the damage you deal during the stagger window. For instance, a successful parry with a Bronze Buckler (which has a parry bonus of 2x) will stagger the enemy and allow you to deal double damage with your next attack. This makes parrying a high-risk, high-reward strategy.\n\nOne key difference between blocking and parrying is the stamina cost. Blocking consumes stamina based on the damage absorbed, while parrying requires a significant upfront stamina cost, regardless of the attack''s strength. This means that if you fail to parry, you could be left vulnerable with low stamina, making it crucial to practice timing. For new players, blocking is a safer option, but as you gain experience, mastering parrying can significantly improve your combat efficiency.\n\nIn terms of equipment, shields are the best tools for both blocking and parrying. Shields like the Round Shield or Tower Shield offer high block power, making them ideal for absorbing heavy hits. However, smaller shields like the Buckler are better suited for parrying due to their higher parry bonus. Crafting these shields requires materials like wood, bronze, or iron, depending on the biome you''re in. For example, the Bronze Buckler requires bronze bars, which are crafted from copper and tin found in the Black Forest biome.\n\nA practical example of using these mechanics is fighting a Troll in the Black Forest. Trolls deal massive damage with their attacks, making blocking a safer option for new players. However, experienced players can parry a Troll''s swing, staggering it and allowing for a powerful counterattack with a weapon like the Bronze Sword. This strategy not only conserves health but also speeds up the fight significantly.\n\nTo improve your parrying skills, practice against weaker enemies like Greylings or Necks in the Meadows biome. These enemies have predictable attack patterns, making them ideal for honing your timing. Additionally, always keep an eye on your stamina bar, as running out of stamina during a fight can leave you defenseless.\n\nIn summary, blocking is a straightforward way to reduce damage, while parrying is a skill-based technique that rewards precise timing with increased damage output. Both mechanics are crucial for surviving Valheim''s challenging combat, and mastering them will make you a more effective Viking. Start with blocking to build confidence, then gradually incorporate parrying into your combat strategy for maximum efficiency.