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Last updated: April 8, 2026
Key Facts
- Parrying in Bloodborne is achieved by firing a firearm at an enemy during their attack wind-up.
- The Blood-Starved Beast is a notoriously aggressive early-game boss in Bloodborne.
- Successful parries stagger the Blood-Starved Beast, opening it up for a visceral attack.
- Timing is paramount for parrying, with a small window of opportunity for each attack.
- The pistol or blunderbuss are commonly used for parrying in Bloodborne.
Overview
The question "Can you parry BSB?" is a common query among players of the action role-playing game Bloodborne. BSB is the widely used abbreviation for the Blood-Starved Beast, a formidable boss encountered relatively early in the game. Parrying, in the context of Bloodborne, is a high-risk, high-reward defensive mechanic that allows players to interrupt an enemy's attack with a well-timed firearm shot. Successfully landing a parry staggers the enemy, creating an opening for a devastating follow-up attack known as a visceral attack. Mastering this technique is often considered essential for overcoming some of Bloodborne's most challenging encounters.
The Blood-Starved Beast, in particular, presents a unique challenge due to its rapid, multi-hit attacks and aggressive nature. Its relentless assault can quickly overwhelm unprepared hunters. However, the beast also has distinct attack animations with specific timings that, with practice and precision, can be exploited for parries. Learning to read its movements and react accordingly is key to not only surviving but also efficiently defeating this iconic boss.
How It Works: The Art of the Parry
- The Mechanism: To parry in Bloodborne, players must equip a firearm in their left-hand slot and press the L2 button (or the corresponding button on other platforms) at the precise moment an enemy begins an attack animation. This isn't about blocking; it's about interrupting. A successful parry will emit a distinct sound effect and visually stagger the enemy, typically causing them to recoil or fall to their knees.
- The Timing Window: Each enemy attack has a specific parry window. This window is the brief period during the enemy's wind-up animation when a firearm shot will register as a parry. For the Blood-Starved Beast, these windows occur during specific lunges, swipes, and charging attacks. Missing this window means taking damage or at best dodging the attack.
- The Visceral Attack Payoff: A successful parry is only half the battle. Once the enemy is staggered, the player has a limited time to move in close and press the R1 button (or equivalent) to perform a visceral attack. This is a powerful, cinematic animation that deals massive damage, often significantly shortening boss fights. For the Blood-Starved Beast, a visceral attack can drain a substantial portion of its health bar.
- Weapon Choice for Parrying: While any firearm can technically parry, some are more effective than others. The basic Hunter Pistol and the Blunderbuss are the most commonly recommended for parrying due to their quick firing speed and relatively straightforward shot patterns. The time it takes for the firearm to discharge and the projectile to hit is crucial for matching the enemy's attack timing.
Key Comparisons: Parry vs. Dodge
| Feature | Parry | Dodge |
|---|---|---|
| Initiation | Timed firearm shot (L2) | Timed dodge roll (Circle) |
| Outcome on Success | Staggers enemy, allows visceral attack | Evades damage, repositions player |
| Risk | High; mistiming results in taking damage | Moderate; mistiming can lead to partial damage or unfavorable positioning |
| Reward | High damage via visceral attack, can shorten fights significantly | Survival, tactical repositioning for counter-attacks |
| Learning Curve | Steeper, requires precise timing and enemy knowledge | More forgiving, generally easier to learn and apply |
Why It Matters: Parrying the Blood-Starved Beast
- Efficiency: The Blood-Starved Beast has three distinct phases, with its aggression and attack patterns escalating. Effectively parrying its attacks, especially during its more predictable openings, can bypass much of the damage it would otherwise inflict and significantly speed up the fight. This efficiency is crucial for players aiming for faster completion times or those who find prolonged fights against this boss particularly draining.
- Damage Mitigation: The Blood-Starved Beast hits hard. Its multi-hit combos can quickly deplete a player's health bar, especially if they are not well-armored or have low vitality. Parrying offers a way to completely negate damage from specific attacks, turning potentially lethal moments into opportunities for offense. This is a cornerstone of defensive play in Bloodborne, allowing players to survive encounters they might otherwise struggle with.
- Mastery and Skill Progression: Learning to parry the Blood-Starved Beast is often seen as a rite of passage for new Bloodborne players. It forces them to engage deeply with the game's combat mechanics, encouraging observation, timing, and calculated risk-taking. Successfully parrying this boss signifies a significant step in a player's journey towards mastering the game's challenging combat system, instilling confidence for future boss encounters.
In conclusion, the answer to "Can you parry BSB?" is a resounding yes, and not only can you, but learning to do so is highly beneficial. The Blood-Starved Beast, despite its ferocity, is susceptible to well-timed firearm shots. Mastering this parry mechanic is a testament to a player's understanding of Bloodborne's intricate combat, turning a potentially frustrating boss into a demonstration of skill and precision. It's a fundamental technique that separates novice hunters from seasoned veterans in the gothic world of Yharnam.
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Sources
- Bloodborne - WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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