Gakuran Weaving & Defense

How to dodge and parry in Gakuran: Q-dodge i-frames, parry timing on F, beating unblockable M2 heavies, and turning defence into a punish.

Defence is where Gakuran duels are decided. Blocking alone just trades posture; the players who win dodge the unblockable heavies and parry the predictable hits, then punish. This page covers the timing for both and how to turn defence into damage. Community-reported — confirm your binds on the controls page and verify in-game.

Dodging (Q) and i-frames

Dodge with Q for a short step that grants invincibility frames — for a brief window you can't be hit. It currently costs no stamina, so it's your go-to answer to an unblockable M2: dodge through it, then punish the recovery. The catch is the recovery on your own dodge — spam it and a patient opponent catches you between dodges. Dodge with a purpose, not on a timer.

Parrying (perfect block)

A parry is block (F) tapped at the exact moment an attack lands while you're facing the attacker. Unlike a normal block, a parry costs you nothing — no damage, no chip, no posture — and it stuns the attacker, opening a free combo. The window is reported to be fairly generous but demands you read the swing. It's the single highest-value skill in the game; drill it in low-stakes fights first.

Block vs. parry vs. dodge

Use the right tool: hold block (F) only briefly to absorb light pressure (it drains posture and lets chip through); parry when you can read the hit for a free punish; dodge (Q) when a heavy is coming, since M2 can't be blocked at all. Turtling on block until your posture empties gets you guard-broken and stunned — the worst outcome.

Turning defence into damage

A parry or dodge is only worth it if you punish. The instant you parry (they're stunned) or slip a swing with a dodge (they're in recovery), start your M1 chain. The window is short — don't admire the dodge. Defence without a follow-up just resets the fight.

Common defensive mistakes

• Blocking a heavy. M2 is unblockable — dodge it or parry it, don't hold guard.
• Dodging on a timer. Dodging on cooldown instead of on reaction gets read and punished.
• Not punishing. A clean parry or dodge with no follow-up wastes the whole advantage.
• Holding block too long. Posture drains and chip adds up; an empty bar is a guard break and a 2-second stun.

Part of the Gakuran combat guide. Then learn the routes on combos & extensions.