Saros Parry: Unlocking and Optimization

Alexandre Jollier May 6, 2026 at 5:40 PM

In brief

Saros' parry is an essential mechanic that lets you deflect red Nova-type projectiles. Unlocked in the Impure Marshes by completing a tower and interacting with a device, it's activated by pressing R1 at the right moment. Mastering this mechanic is crucial to optimizing your defense against the game's various projectile types.

The parry system in Saros lets you send certain projectiles back by pressing a button. In this article, we'll look at how to unlock and optimize this mechanic.

Unlocking the parry

To gain access to the parry, you need to head to the Impure Marshes, the fourth biome of the game. At a certain point you'll run into a familiar face, Alab, who confirms he has something to offer you, but he first needs to activate a device to build a bridge. Follow the only accessible path, down below, until you discover a tower that you'll have to resolve to climb.

Eliminate all the creatures blocking your progress, and once you're at the top, go interact with the device you'll find there, then take the portal that will bring you back to the camp where Alab is. Interact with him again and with the bridge device, and he'll reward you with the parry.

Using the parry

Before gaining access to the parry mechanic, you were stuck against Nova-type projectiles (the red ones), with fleeing or a shield that degrades very quickly as your only options. You can now push them back with the parry.

To perform a parry, press R1 at the right moment just before a red projectile hits you, striking before it strikes you. You can train with turrets that fire projectiles at a high rate, or by using enemies that throw several projectiles slowly to practice.

Strategies

From now on, you have an answer for every projectile:

Shield: against blue projectiles.
Dash: dodge yellow projectiles.
Parry: push back red projectiles.

To make your parry even more effective, it will be essential to understand and master the Carcosian Modifiers, which allow you to adjust the difficulty and thus customize the game's gameplay, while making it more manageable during the early stages of your learning. Some of these modifiers make the parry easier, which can only help you if you're just starting out.

Which defensive mechanic do you find hardest to master?

Frequently asked questions

Where does the parry unlock in Saros?

The parry unlocks in the Impure Marshes, the game's fourth biome. You need to climb a tower, eliminate the creatures blocking your path, interact with the device at the top, then head back to see Alab at camp to receive the reward.

How do you execute a parry correctly?

Press R1 just before a red projectile (Nova type) hits you. Timing is crucial: you need to hit before the projectile hits you in order to successfully deflect it.

What are the three types of defenses available?

The shield for blue projectiles, the dash to avoid yellow projectiles, and the parry to deflect red projectiles. These three mechanics combined form your complete defensive arsenal.

How can I improve my parrying skills?

Practice against turrets that fire at a high rate, or enemies that slowly launch multiple projectiles. Also use the Carcosian Modifiers to adjust the difficulty and make your progression easier.

Key takeaways

The parry unlocks in the Impure Marshes by climbing a tower and activating the device on the bridge.
Press R1 just before a red projectile hits you to execute a successful parry.
Combine the parry with the shield (blue projectiles) and the dash (yellow projectiles) for optimal defense.
Use the Carcosian Modifiers to adjust the difficulty and make it easier to learn the parry.