Mastering the perfect guard in Lies of P is a game-changing skill, essential for surviving and thriving against its challenging enemies. This Soulslike game borrows some combat mechanics from similar titles, yet introduces unique elements, such as the perfect guard, designed to reward timing and precision. Here’s a complete guide on how to execute this skill to block or parry attacks effectively, minimize health loss, and maximize opportunities to stagger opponents.

Understanding the Guard System

In Lies of Pthe guard system has two primary components: the basic guard and the perfect guard. While the basic guard allows players to block standard attacks, it does still result in some health loss, which then enters what’s known as the “Guard Regain” state. This means players can recover this lost health by attacking enemies shortly after blocking. However, perfect guarding eliminates health loss entirely, allowing players to absorb hits without damage. This is a critical advantage in battles, especially when facing enemies with rapid, hard-hitting combos.

The Timing for a Perfect Guard

The essence of the perfect guard lies in timing. Players must press the guard button right before an enemy’s attack lands, requiring split-second precision. On Xbox, the default guard button is “LB,” and on PlayStation, it’s “L1.” As simple as it sounds, executing this guard is far from easy. Every enemy in Lies of P has unique attack patterns, so you’ll need to learn their tells—especially visual cues like body movement and weapon position—to anticipate the exact moment of impact. To help new players adjust, Lies of P provides a training area near the game’s early stages. Here, you can practice your timing against a training dummy before diving into the heat of combat.

Blocking Powerful Frenzy Attacks

One challenge with the basic guard is that it cannot fully block “Frenzy Attacks,” which are marked by enemies glowing red just before the attack lands. While a standard block would still let some damage through, a perfect guard fully nullifies Frenzy Attacks, allowing players to evade both health and stamina loss. This feature makes perfect guarding essential for mitigating the most dangerous attacks in the game.

Perfect Guard Tips and Tricks

Executing a perfect guard consistently requires practice and an understanding of some core tips:

1. Focus on Enemy Movement: Before an enemy strikes, pay close attention to their shoulder or weapon movements, as this gives you the best clue to gauge their attack timing. For example, if an enemy lifts their weapon high, it may signal a delay before the actual swing, so avoid pressing the guard button too soon.
   
2. Practice with Bosses: Boss fights in Lies of Plike those against the early Parade Master, are ideal for honing your timing. Bosses have varied, but learnable, attack patterns that reward patience and observation. Repeating these encounters will help you react more effectively in other battles.
   
3. Read Attack Patterns: In Lies of Pattacks often come in a sequence or combo. This means that after a first perfect guard, you might have to quickly prepare for follow-up attacks. Practice recognizing multi-attack patterns, as these offer more chances to stagger your opponent and open them up for a counterattack.
   
4. Use the Guard Regain System Strategically: If you’re still adjusting to perfect guarding, basic guarding isn’t without its advantages. Block an attack and then counter with your own attacks to regain some health. This method, combined with perfect guarding, can help keep your health high even during extended encounters.
   

Why Perfect Guard Matters

In Lies of Planding a perfect guard does more than just prevent damage; it also staggers enemies and can sometimes break their weapons, giving you a significant advantage. A staggered enemy is vulnerable to a powerful “Fatal Attack,” which inflicts severe damage and can often turn the tide of a battle. This mechanic is particularly useful in high-stakes boss fights where every advantage counts. Additionally, the perfect guard preserves stamina, letting you maintain an aggressive playstyle without compromising defense.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common mistakes like pressing the guard button too early, which results in a standard guard and leaves you vulnerable to stagger. Likewise, don’t attempt to perfect guard every single attack, especially if you’re still learning an enemy’s pattern. Practice with smaller foes before taking on bosses if you’re still honing your timing.