Players looking to go on the offensive in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty are in for a nasty surprise. In no reality can players deal more damage than enemies can dish out. That kind of tactic won't just fail against bosses, it'll wear down the protagonist well before that point.

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This is to say that gamers are going to have to master defense and convert it into offense if they want to beat Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. This means guarding (blocking), deflecting (parrying), and dodging attacks. Becoming unhittable and suddenly those scary bosses no longer stand a chance.

How To Guard/Block

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty Blocking Against An Opponent
  • Hold the L1 bumper.

Guarding and blocking will wholely negate the damage from most attacks in the game from minions. Bosses and mini-bosses will still deal sometimes damage to blocking players, but the amount is greatly reduced. Those who have invested in the right virtues will find they can block for longer without accumulating negative spirit energy.

Be warned that even successful blocks will cost spirit. If the bar goes all the way to the left, the character will be momentarily stunned which could be a disaster in a boss fight. On the plus side, unlike with many games, there isn't an immediate negative consequence for holding the block button even when attacks aren't coming in.

This kind of defense is advantageous over the other two because no good timing is required. However, certain attacks highlighted in red will pierce any block attempt, they must be either dodged or deflected.

How To Deflect/Parry

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty Deflecting A Boss Special Attack
  • Press the B/Circle button right before impact.

The bulk of the veteran gamers will be mastering the deflect or the parry. This is a highly timed defensive tactic; done too early and the player is set up to receive a big hit. Done too late and, for obvious reasons, the player will get hit, forcing players far into a run to seek out a save location.

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Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty has a somewhat unique system for players to utilize. Gamers do not have to let go of the block button (L1) to deflect. In the event of an incoming attack, the best practice is to be actively blocking, then deflecting when the blow arrives.

How To Dodge

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty Dodging An Opponent Bite Attack
  • Move the left thumbstick in any direction.
  • Press the B/Circle button.

Some attacks, especially ranged ones, should be dodged instead of deflected. Timing out an arrow hit is tough and, even when successful, it does not immediately counter the opponent as it does with melee enemies. So prepare to dodge in these instances.

The button is technically the same one as the deflect. The only difference is that a stagnant character will deflect and a moving character will dodge. If timed correctly, the character will dodge and deflect at the same time, moving and countering the attack. This counter can be capitalized by heavy weapons if players can switch melee arms quickly.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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