Screenshot by Gamepur

How to Guard Counter in Elden Ring

Block then fight back hard.

To Guard Counter in Elden Ring, you need to press R2/RT/Shift+LMB immediately after successfully blocking an enemy attack. To block an enemy attack, you need to have a suitable armament in your left hand (ideally a shield, and not any bow) and press L1/LB/RMB just as an enemy attacks you. A Guard Counter attack is highly likely to break an enemy’s stance, which basically puts them in a kind of brief stun state, during which they are much more susceptible to critical hits, which are usually one-hit kills.

Recommended Videos

Related: How to change the time of day in Elden Ring

You first learn how to Guard Counter during the battle against the Soldier of Godrick while still exploring the Stranded Graveyard at the start of the game. This is basically the first boss fight you can realistically win, and is essentially a training battle specifically geared towards learning Guard Counters. The Soldier of Godrick is a large, powerful enemy, but you should be able to see its attacks coming a mile off, making it easy to block and Guard Counter.

Screenshot by Gamepur

If you need to refresh your memory of the lessons you learned fighting the Soldier of Godrick, then you can find the tutorial tips in the Info section of your Inventory, along with tips on guarding and on stance-breaking.


Gamepur is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article All Armor Bonuses in Elden Ring, Explained
Elden Ring Armor Set Bonuses
Read Article The Best Early Game Daggers to Use in Elden Ring
Elden Ring Daggers
Read Article How to Solve the Fallen Snow Marks Something Unseen Puzzle in Elden Ring
Read Article Elden Ring Fans Split on When They Want Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
elden ring shadow of the erdtree conversation
Read Article Will Elden Ring Ever Be Available On The Switch? [What To Know]
Will Elden Ring come to the Nintendo Switch
Related Content
Read Article All Armor Bonuses in Elden Ring, Explained
Elden Ring Armor Set Bonuses
Read Article The Best Early Game Daggers to Use in Elden Ring
Elden Ring Daggers
Read Article How to Solve the Fallen Snow Marks Something Unseen Puzzle in Elden Ring
Read Article Elden Ring Fans Split on When They Want Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
elden ring shadow of the erdtree conversation
Read Article Will Elden Ring Ever Be Available On The Switch? [What To Know]
Will Elden Ring come to the Nintendo Switch
Author
Gavin Mackenzie
Gavin Mackenzie has been playing video games since the early 80s, and writing about them professionally since the late 90s. Having been a writer and editor on various British magazines including PLAY, GamesTM, and X360, he's now a freelance guides specialist at Gamepur.