Duke Missions: Parry Strategy
Source: HarryWho [196532], thread t=16393821. Karma 2,525.
The Problem
After completing enough Duke missions the targets get harder: 50%+ more stats than you, equipped with the best melee weapons (Diamond Bladed Knife, Macana, Dual Scimitars). Two critical hits to head/throat = your 25E gone.
The Solution: Parry Weapon Bonus
Parry bonus: 56% chance to block incoming melee attack per turn. Triggers when the enemy uses a melee weapon in the same turn regardless of their stats or weapon stats.
Parry is on slashing weapons only (Japanese blades, Kodachi, Katana, Kama, etc.). With the Ancient Japanese History education (+10% Japanese blade damage), the parry weapon also hits harder.
Yellow Parry (56% proc) is sufficient for almost all Duke mission targets.
Parry Loadout
| Slot | Item |
|---|---|
| Melee | Parry Japanese blade (Kodachi recommended) |
| Primary | Eviscerate Shotgun (Benelli M1 or Sawed Off) — adds +17% damage on every other hit |
| Helmet | Riot Helmet (protects head from crits) |
| Body | Riot Body (protects throat and heart from crits) |
| Temp | Tear Gas or Pepper Spray (increase hit chance — NOT Flash/Smoke, as Parry already handles the melee) |
Why This Works
With Parry blocking ~56% of melee turns and Riot armour protecting crit zones, tough Duke targets effectively deal half the damage. Combined with Eviscerate adding bonus damage after every blocked hit, you win fights that should be impossible at your stat level.
Ranked War Value
Finding your Duke mission targets in Ranked Wars works too. Label tough Duke targets as enemies, learn their patterns, then hit them in war with the Parry loadout. Aim for:
- Fair Fight Number 3.0: Best respect per hit (8-12 respect range)
- Don't waste energy on hits that only give 2-5 respect
- Hitting hospitalized players at 20% or less health with a HEG = can beat players with way higher stats
Parry vs Other Bonuses
- Parry doesn't care about your Speed or Dexterity — it blocks melee regardless of your stats
- More valuable than Plunder in most situations (Plunder needs high accuracy/damage weapons to shine)
- Some factions recommend young players buy a Parry before a Revitalize weapon (better energy savings)
Related
- Weapons and Armor (tos)
- Battle Stats and Builds (Vladar)
- War Education Guide (Apo)
- Fight Better Than Top 100 (mug)