Blocking absorbs pressure at the cost of Sha-Chi; a correctly timed parry avoids that cost and damages the enemy’s Sha-Chi. In the October preview build, the difference is whether you hold a defensive guard or time it against the incoming hit. Exact timing windows and final balance values remain unconfirmed.
Comparing the two defenses
| Action | What you are trying to do | Sha-Chi consequence described in previews |
|---|---|---|
| Block | Receive an incoming attack while guarding | Your guard resource drains |
| Parry | Time the guard to meet the incoming strike | Your Sha-Chi is preserved and the enemy loses Sha-Chi |
Compare the defensive interaction and combat meters when practicing.
The practical distinction is resource management. Remaining behind a guard can help you survive an unfamiliar sequence, but repeatedly absorbing attacks can leave your own meter under pressure. Successful parries turn defense into progress against the opponent’s guard.
Learning the transition from block to parry
- Watch a normal enemy’s attack animation rather than committing to a long offensive string.
- Identify when the weapon reaches you.
- Attempt a timed guard on that impact, instead of holding guard throughout the entire wind-up.
- Check the resulting animation and meters to distinguish a successful parry from an ordinary block.
This is a practice sequence, not a claim about a specific controller button or frame count.
Recognizing attacks that need a different response
The color cues matter. October previews describe blue-flash attacks as guardable or parryable, with a special response for the successful parry. Red-flash attacks require a well-timed dodge.
Do not treat the block-versus-parry choice as universal protection against every attack. Read the cue before deciding which defense to practice.
Sources and related reading
Last checked October 23, 2026. Preview observations remain subject to the release build.
Continue with Blue-Flash Parries, Mid-Combo Parries.