If you’re diving into Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and hoping to master the art of parrying, here’s the twist: there’s no actual ‘parry’ in the traditional sense. Instead, you’ll be doing a lot of Deflecting and Clashing. These two mechanics are the game’s way of letting you counter and mitigate incoming damage, with each one offering distinct advantages depending on your playstyle. Let’s break it all down so you can turn those tense enemy encounters into moments of pure steel-slinging glory.
Deflecting vs Clashing
While most action-RPGs give you a direct parry button, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers mixes it up. Here, Deflecting and Clashing serve as your core counter-attack mechanics. But you’ll need to unlock these abilities through the Impetus Repository first: they’re not just handed to you at the start.
Each weapon type has its own Deflect and Clash variations, and you won’t be able to use these mechanics with spells or martial (fist/kick) attacks. Let’s dig into Deflecting first.
How to deflect in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Deflecting is all about timing. Press your block input the instant an enemy attack lands, and your character will perform a Deflect: completely absorbing the incoming damage. It’s just like catching a fastball with your hand: risky, but effective when done right.
Here’s the catch: Deflecting doesn’t cause damage or stagger enemies. It just keeps you alive and leaves you face-to-face with an often very angry opponent. So once you Deflect, be ready to dodge, counter, or get out quick.
Want to deflect? You’ll need these skills
To unlock Deflect moves, you’ll need Red Mercury Essence. Each weapon line has its own Deflect skill path. Here’s a rundown:
| Weapon | Skill | Effect | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longsword | Sword Counter | Perfect block converts into a Deflect, nullifying damage. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Longsword | Sword Counter Variant 1 | Deflected attacks expose enemy vulnerabilities. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Longsword | Sword Counter Variant 2 | Allows a counterattack post-Deflect. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Steel Edge | Deflecting exposes enemy vulnerability. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Spear | Spear Flurry | Wide arcing swing with Skyborn Might synergy for Clash. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
Important Note:
Avoid using axes, spears, or one-handed swords if you’re focusing on Deflecting. While axes can block, they don’t have unlockable Deflect skills. Blocking itself is similar to Deflecting but only absorbs 85% of incoming damage.
How to clash in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Clashing is your go-to for offense-meets-defense. When you attack right as your opponent strikes, your weapons collide, canceling out a chunk of the incoming damage and even reflecting it back to your foe. And yes, bosses can be damaged by Clashing, unless they’re using martial attacks.
Dual blades are the Clash king. Not only do most of their attacks have Clash potential, but they also grant you additional buffs like Skyborn Might when used correctly. If you’re aggressive and like interrupting enemy momentum, investing in dual blades and their Clash tree is a no-brainer.
Clash skills you’ll need
Just like Deflecting, all Clash-enabled attacks require unlocking via Red Mercury Essence. Here’s a detailed list:
| Weapon | Skill | Effect | Unlock Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longsword | Sword Savant | Clash occurs on the third strike in light attack combo. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Feather Chaser | Successful Clash grants Skyborn Might. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Sudden Strike Variant 1 | Enables Clash and Skyborn Might on Sudden Strike. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Wave Breaker | Heavy and charged Dual Blades attacks gain Clash. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Deadly Shadow | Dash attacks now Clash and trigger Skyborn Might. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Blade Dance Variant 1 | Blade Dance gains Clash and Skyborn Might trigger. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Leaf Slasher | Clash on 4th–6th hits in light attack combo. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Dual Blades | Whirling Flurry Variant 1 | Grants Clash and Skyborn Might on connect. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Axe | Axe & Hook | Charged heavy attack gains Clash properties. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| Axe | Chop & Weave | Light combo’s third strike gets Clash. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
| One-Handed Sword | Swift Lunge Variant 2 | Second attack of Swift Lunge gains Clash. | 1x Red Mercury Essence |
So which is better: Deflect or Clash?
Honestly, it depends on how you prefer to play. Deflecting is safer: great for players who like precision and control. Clashing is raw aggression rewarded. Want to feel like a samurai blocking bullets mid-swing? Go Deflect. Want to crush enemies in their own moment of glory? Clash your way through.
Either way, unlocking and mastering both systems will elevate your combat game in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers tenfold. Equip the right weapon, invest in the correct skills, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Rise above with every feathered swing!