Onscreen instructions are sometimes taken for granted by many players. "Block" and "Parry" pop-ups could be two of them, perhaps because during battles you won't have much time to think of what to do so most likely you are only attacking. To help you ensure your edge, here's a guide on how to take advantage of "Block" and "Parry" in Final Fantasy XV.
Final Fantasy XV - How To Block And Parry
As you engage Noctis in battles, most likely you are just either pressing or holding the attack button. Offensive play style is never wrong at all, unless you forget using defensive. If you are banking more on attacks forgetting you defensive skills, greater odds bring you to lose. Thus, defense boosts Noctis and his squad's chances of winning battles.
Better way, if not the best, to cover yourself from damages is to parry enemy attacks. You only need to be guarded with what the screen says and forget what your instinct is telling you. When "Block" appears, immediately press square (PlayStation 4) or X (Xbox One) to hit your timing. Once perfectly done, "Parry" will appear which means you have to immediately counter attack by holding down circle (PlayStation 4) or B (Xbox One).
Take note that "Parry" pops up on screen once in a while when the enemy attacks you so you have to pay close attention on the screen. There are cases that when the enemy attacks you are already pressing the square or X button. This is also a good way not to deal with damage from the enemy by avoiding its attacks completely if you have magic points (MP).
On top of that, performing the "Block" and "Parry" sequence helps a lot when using a greatsword or other large weapons and battling against a pack of enemies. Primarily, blocking the enemy and parrying the enemy will guarantee you a good blow not just on one target enemy but the rest of the pack as well.
Parrying sometimes can be done at random and unexpected moments. To prepare yourself, it pays to always place you fingers close to the square or X button for immediate and open access.
