Board Thread:Dark Souls II/@comment-26058888-20150218174842/@comment-16047389-20150219150456

Parrying in PvE is rather simple, as the AI uses predictable attack patterns that aren't hampered in the ambiguity of a questionable connection speed.

Parrying in PvP is about 50% skill, 50% luck. Since connection speeds can't be fully accounted for, alot of people will just parry at random during close quarters combat, hoping that at least one will be successful, as the penalties for messing up a parry aren't that harsh.

Assuming the lag between you and your opponent isn't significant, there are basically three things you can do to increase your chances of parrying successfully:

Prediction: A bad player is will use the same patterns and moves over and over. Simply by watching a player for long enough, you may discover that they attack in certain ways (such as consistently using running attacks, rolling attacks, etc). You can use this to predict an oncoming attack, and better set up a parry.

Second Attack: 99% of Dark Souls players queue a second attack before the first one's animation is even done (if they assume their attack will be successful). If someone is attacking you with a greatsword, expect the second hit and set up a parry right after the end of their first attack.

Luring: Although the most difficult of the three methods, you can attempt to bait an opponent into attacking you. This is difficult to do, because it involves not just being able to predict the opponent's next action, but more specifically being able to predict their reaction. A failed lure might even end up giving the opponent the oppurtunity they need to run behind you and get a free backstab.

However you attempt to parry, bear in mind that each weapon and shield type have their own sets of active and inactive parry frames. Generally, the rule is to parry 0.5 seconds before the attack, but different shields or weapons may allow an early or later window of oppurtunity. Also bear in mind, that certain attacks cannot be parried (generally the heavier ultra weapons when two-handed).

Parrying successfully in PvP is an uncertain science at best, and roulette at worst. It's dependant on your own skill, your opponent's skill, and any outside factors such as connection issues and the game's ability to compensate for it. The best thing you can do to increase your chances of success in an optimal setting, is to just practice. I recommend finding another player you know and sparring against them using unupgraded weapons and warmth pyromancies.