Quick summary
- Version 0.11 added a UI icon for Combos and attacks with increased Block damage.
- The Block bar's displayed numeric value was fixed in the same patch.
- Boss block-breaking attacks have been parryable since version 0.8.
- Act 2 Captain Health and Block were adjusted in version 0.11, so demo-era break timings are unreliable.
- Enemies are no longer invulnerable while evading, according to version 0.8.
Read the current combat UI first
| Mechanic | Current verified fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Increased Block damage | Relevant Combos and attacks now have an icon | Version 0.11.57863 |
| Block-bar number | The displayed numeric value was fixed | Version 0.11.57863 |
| Boss block-breaking attacks | Can be parried | Version 0.8.57278 |
| Evading enemies | Are no longer invulnerable during the evade | Version 0.8.57278 |
| Act 2 Captains | Health and Block values were adjusted for five Captain types | Version 0.11.57863 |
A repeatable Block-pressure loop
- 1
Find the increased Block-damage icon
Inspect the current Hero's Combos and attacks. Version 0.11 added the icon specifically to make stronger Block pressure visible. - 2
Pressure the Block bar
Use the marked action when the target is guarding. Read the live bar rather than counting hits from another patch, difficulty or party size. - 3
React to the enemy cue
Parry or dodge based on the current animation and your confirmed binding. Boss block-breaking attacks can be parried under the current official rule. - 4
Convert the opening
When the defensive state breaks, use the safe damage window your current Hero and run can actually support. - 5
Recheck after every patch
Version 0.11 changed Act 2 Captain Health and Block. Fixed hit counts from older recordings are not stable benchmarks.
Block-breaking does not mean unparryable
The most important official correction is simple: version 0.8 made boss block-breaking attacks parryable. The patch does not publish a universal frame window, input delay allowance or complete boss-move list.
For that reason, this guide separates two questions:
- Can the attack be parried? Boss block-breaking attacks can under the current official rule.
- When should this exact animation be parried? That requires a current cue capture for the boss, Hero, device and gameplay state.
Use the Controls guide to confirm the live defensive bind, then the Gilles guide or Banshee guide for encounter context.
Armored and evading targets
Ruadh's official reveal says his hammer can smash through shields and shatter armor. That supports his broad role, but it does not establish that Block and armor are the same bar or that every hammer move applies equal pressure.
Version 0.8 separately states that enemies are no longer invulnerable while evading. You may continue to land an attack during an evade, but the patch note does not guarantee that every slow attack will track or connect.
Can block-breaking boss attacks be parried in Tears of Metal?
How do I break an enemy's Block bar?
Are enemies invulnerable while dodging?
Sources
- Paper Cult's version 0.11.57863 announcement
- Paper Cult's version 0.8.57278 announcement
- Official Ruadh reveal hosted by IGN