How to Avoid Damage from Royal Guards and Similar Shield Enemies in Dead Cells

In Dead Cells, dealing with shielded enemies like Royal Guards and Protectors requires skillful tactics including parrying and rolling. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these challenges effectively.

1. Master the Art of Parrying
Parry Their Attacks:
The Royal Guard’s shielded charge attack is a primary threat. To parry this attack, you must tap the shield button just before the attack connects. While this action negates the damage, keep in mind that the Royal Guard will continue its forward push. To avoid being shoved after a parry, follow up immediately with a dodge roll to reposition yourself safely.

2. Utilize Dodge Rolls
Roll Through Their Charge:
Timing is crucial when facing a Royal Guard. You can successfully roll through their charge attack if you time your dodge roll correctly. This maneuver not only helps you evade damage but also positions you advantageously to counterattack.

3. Exploit Their Vulnerabilities
Attack from Behind:
Many shield enemies, like the Shieldbearer, are sluggish and have limited turning capabilities. After rolling behind the enemy, you can launch attacks without facing their shield, which only protects them from frontal assaults. Observing their movements helps you identify the best moments to strike.

4. Effective Shield Usage
Use Shields Wisely:
Shields in Dead Cells are versatile tools for both blocking and parrying. Tap the shield button at the exact moment an attack is executed to parry, allowing for a complete negation of damage. In contrast, holding the shield serves merely to block, reducing but not eliminating damage. Prioritizing parrying is essential for optimal defense against these foes.

5. Recognize Attack Cues
Monitor Enemy Attack Patterns:
Pay close attention to the visual cues when enemies prepare to strike. Look for wind-up animations or exclamation marks above their heads, indicating when to time your parries or rolls. With Royal Guards and Protectors, the window to successfully parry or roll typically occurs right when they initiate their charge or shield bash.

6. Avoid Miscalculations
Stay Clear of Reflected Attacks:
It’s critical to remember that certain shield enemies can reflect ranged attacks and bomb effects. Engaging these enemies with projectiles while their shields are up can lead to self-inflicted damage. Opt for melee tactics that focus on parrying and rolling to bypass their defenses.

Summary
To effectively avoid damage from Royal Guards and other shielded enemies in Dead Cells, employ the following strategies:

– Parry their shield charge attacks at the right moment.
– Roll immediately after parrying to evade subsequent shoves.
– Dodge Roll through their charge to avoid damage.
– Attack from behind when possible to exploit their vulnerabilities.
– Prioritize parrying over simple blocking for complete damage negation.
– Observe attack cues for precise timing during combat.
– Avoid ranged attacks when the enemy’s shield is active.

By mastering these techniques, you can significantly improve your survival against shielded enemies in Dead Cells, making your gameplay more strategic and rewarding.