What is the best way to parry a Draugr Elite’s heavy attack?

Parrying a Draugr Elite’s heavy attack in Valheim requires precise timing, the right equipment, and an understanding of the game’s combat mechanics. Draugr Elites are formidable enemies found in the Swamp biome, and their heavy attacks deal significant damage if not properly countered. To successfully parry, you need a shield with sufficient block power and a good understanding of the enemy’s attack patterns.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a shield capable of parrying. The Iron Buckler or Banded Shield are excellent choices for mid-game players, as they offer high block power and parry bonuses. The Iron Buckler, in particular, is ideal for parrying due to its 2.5x parry bonus, which significantly increases the damage you deal after a successful parry. Crafting these shields requires Iron, which is obtained by smelting Scrap Iron found in Sunken Crypts within the Swamp biome.\n\nNext, observe the Draugr Elite’s attack patterns. Draugr Elites have two main attacks: a quick swipe and a slower, more powerful heavy attack. The heavy attack is telegraphed by a longer wind-up animation, giving you time to prepare for the parry. Timing is critical—press the block button (right-click by default) just as the Draugr Elite’s weapon is about to hit you. If timed correctly, you will hear a distinct sound effect, and the enemy will be staggered, leaving them vulnerable to a counterattack.\n\nOne common challenge is mistiming the parry, which can result in taking heavy damage or being staggered yourself. To avoid this, practice parrying on weaker enemies like regular Draugr or Greydwarfs to get a feel for the timing. Additionally, ensure your stamina is high before engaging a Draugr Elite, as parrying consumes stamina. Eating stamina-boosting foods like Carrot Soup or Turnip Stew can help maintain your stamina pool during combat.\n\nAnother practical tip is to position yourself strategically. Fight in open areas to avoid getting cornered, and keep your distance until the Draugr Elite begins its heavy attack animation. This gives you ample time to react and execute the parry. If you miss the parry, dodge roll away to avoid taking damage and reset the engagement.\n\nFinally, after a successful parry, follow up with a powerful counterattack. Weapons like the Iron Mace or Iron Sword are effective against Draugr Elites due to their high damage output. Aim for critical hits to maximize damage while the enemy is staggered. Combining parrying with well-timed attacks will make defeating Draugr Elites much more manageable.\n\nIn summary, parrying a Draugr Elite’s heavy attack requires the right shield, precise timing, and strategic positioning. Practice your parry timing on weaker enemies, maintain high stamina, and use high-damage weapons for counterattacks. With these tips, you’ll be able to handle Draugr Elites confidently and efficiently.