Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty’s Deflect mechanic is very similar to parries in other Soulsborne or action games, but it does have unique benefits and quirks that make Deflect different from traditional parry systems. Today, we’ll be going over how Deflect works in this Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Deflect guide, including the different types of Deflect and how you can learn to master this crucial gameplay mechanic.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Deflect Guide
What is Deflect in Wo Long?
In Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Deflect is a move that lets you deflect an enemy attack at the last second. Doing so will allow you to dodge the incoming move and often leave the opponent open for a return attack. Deflecting requires precise timing, as you’ll need to use it right before the enemy is about to land an attack.
Successfully using Deflect also lowers the enemy’s Spirit and reduces the lower end of the Spirit Gauge. When the lower end of the Spirit Gauge is reduced, it becomes a lot easier to fully lower the Gauge and give you an opening to land a Fatal Strike, a high damage-dealing move that can only be used on defenseless enemies.
Because of all these benefits, Deflect is a move that you must master early on in order to be able to face some of the game’s more challenging fights.
Types of Deflect
There are two types of Deflect that you can use during a fight. The first is the basic Deflect, which simply allows you to dodge an incoming attack. You execute this by pressing the Deflect button once, and you can input a direction of your choice while doing so.
The second type of Deflect is the Deflect Counterattack. This not only allows you to dodge an attack but also land a counterattack in the process. You also switch your equipped melee weapon when using this move.
Knowing how to use both types of Deflect can be very useful over the course of a boss fight, but you may have an easier time with basic Deflects as they’re simpler to pull off.
When to Deflect
Now that you know how Deflect works, you may be wondering: when do you actually press the Deflect button? The simple answer is that enemies have different types of attacks, and this means that the timing of your Deflect will differ from enemy to enemy. Some attacks have little to no wind-up, meaning that you need to Deflect as soon as you see the beginning of the attack animation. On the other hand, some attacks are also very slow, which can throw you off and cause you to Deflect early, leaving you vulnerable to the actual hit.
Because of this, learning Deflect all boils down to fighting enemies and learning their attack patterns. Generally, you’ll want to press Deflect right before you think the attack is going to hit you. When fighting a boss for the first time, it’s okay to take a hit or two to figure out how long the attack takes before it lands. Just be sure to remember the timing the next time you challenge the boss so that you will be able to dodge it without issue.
Sometimes, it can be very difficult to wait out a Deflect, especially against Critical Blows, since the tells are extremely obvious with the red glow. You will need to restrain yourself and hold until the last second, as using Deflect a second too early can result in your death.
The harsh truth about Deflect is that it’s really a matter of skill and knowledge. You not only need to learn the enemy’s moves but also have the ability to time the Deflects just right. For those who haven’t used parry mechanics in games before, this can be pretty tough, but for better or worse, the game basically forces you to learn the mechanic in order to progress.
Closing Thoughts
While parries in other games simply reward you with a counterattack window, Deflects in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty make it much easier to land Fatal Strikes and deal significant damage. Learning how to Deflect may take time, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll be able to take down enemies in style.
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