In the treacherous Abyssal Woods of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, a new challenge awaits: the Winter Lanterns. Are you ready to master the art of parrying these formidable foes? These enigmatic enemies, also known as Aging Untouchables, have quickly become one of the most daunting obstacles for players exploring the new content. Unlike many other adversaries in the Lands Between, Winter Lanterns possess a unique invulnerability that can only be overcome through precise parrying. This blog post will guide you through the intricacies of defeating these elusive creatures, providing you with the knowledge and strategies needed to progress through the DLC with confidence.

Background and Context

Historical Context

The introduction of Winter Lanterns in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC marks a significant evolution in FromSoftware's approach to enemy design. While parrying has been a cornerstone mechanic in Soulsborne games since Demon's Souls, never before has it been so intrinsically linked to an enemy's vulnerability. This design choice harkens back to the studio's philosophy of rewarding player skill and perseverance, while also pushing the boundaries of what players expect from combat encounters.

Current Relevance

As players delve deeper into the Abyssal Woods, the presence of Winter Lanterns has become a hot topic within the Elden Ring community. Forums, social media platforms, and YouTube channels are buzzing with discussions, strategies, and shared frustrations regarding these formidable foes. The community's focus on developing effective tactics to overcome Winter Lanterns highlights the significant impact these enemies have on the overall DLC experience.

Winter Lanterns: Key Concepts

Description and Mechanics

Winter Lanterns, or Aging Untouchables, are ethereal beings that float ominously through the mist-shrouded areas of the Abyssal Woods. Their appearance is both haunting and beautiful, with a glowing, lantern-like head perched atop a tattered, spectral body. What sets these enemies apart is their complete invulnerability to all forms of damage until they are successfully parried.

Attack Patterns and Animations

Understanding the Winter Lantern's attack patterns is crucial for successful parrying. These enemies primarily use a grab-attack spell, which is telegraphed by the raising of their right arm. The key to parrying lies in recognizing this animation and timing your parry precisely as the arm begins to move downward.

The Art of Parrying

Importance of Precise Timing

Parrying Winter Lanterns requires exceptionally precise timing. The window for a successful parry is notably smaller compared to other enemies in Elden Ring, making this technique particularly challenging to master. As one expert player noted, "You have to parry the Winter Lanterns before you can actually do any damage to them. So simple But also of course not simple. If you're not used to parrying in Elden Ring, getting the timing right can be tricky, especially because it's all about watching for that perfect moment."

Recommended Shields and Equipment

While various shields can be used for parrying, the community has overwhelmingly favored the Buckler shield for its superior parrying capabilities. The Buckler's unique parry animation and slightly larger parry window make it an ideal choice for tackling Winter Lanterns. Other viable options include the Gilded Iron Shield and the Man-Serpent's Shield, both of which offer decent parrying capabilities while providing more robust defense.

Community Trends and Strategies

The Elden Ring community has rallied around the challenge presented by Winter Lanterns, sharing tips, strategies, and support across various platforms. The popularity of the Buckler shield method has skyrocketed, with many players citing it as the most reliable approach to defeating these enemies. Community-created guides and video tutorials have become invaluable resources for those struggling with the parrying mechanic.

Impact on Player Experience

The introduction of Winter Lanterns has had a profound impact on the player experience in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. For many, these enemies represent a significant skill check, potentially halting progress and causing frustration. However, the sense of accomplishment upon successfully parrying and defeating a Winter Lantern is equally profound, embodying the core appeal of FromSoftware's challenging game design.

Comparison of Shield Types for Parrying

Shield Type	Parry Ease	Availability	Weight
Buckler	High	Early game, purchasable from Gostoc	Light
Gilded Iron Shield	Medium	Mid-game, standard shield with parry	Medium
Man-Serpent's Shield	Medium	Mid-game, standard shield with parry	Medium

Controversies and Debates

The introduction of Winter Lanterns has not been without controversy. Some players have reported inconsistencies with parry timing, leading to debates about whether the mechanic is functioning as intended. Others argue that the difficulty spike associated with these enemies is too steep, potentially alienating less experienced players. These discussions highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing difficulty and accessibility in FromSoftware games.

How To: Mastering Alternative Parrying Techniques

While the Buckler shield remains the most popular choice for parrying Winter Lanterns, skilled players have developed alternative techniques to tackle these formidable foes. Here are some advanced methods to consider:

1. Using Weapon Skills with Parry Abilities: Some weapons, such as the Parrying Dagger, come with built-in parry skills. While these typically have smaller parry windows than shields, they can be effective when mastered.
2. Parrying with Bare Hands or Fists: For the truly daring, it's possible to parry Winter Lanterns without a shield or weapon. This method requires impeccable timing and is not recommended for beginners.
3. Timing Parries with Environmental Hazards: Advanced players have found success in using environmental elements to their advantage. For example, timing a parry as the Winter Lantern moves over a cliff edge can result in an instant defeat.

Common Mistakes in Alternative Parrying Methods:

• Mistiming the parry due to unfamiliarity with the weapon or fist parry animation
• Underestimating the reduced parry window of alternative methods
• Focusing too much on the environment and missing the crucial attack animation

Adapting Parry Timing to Different Winter Lantern Attack Variations: While the grab-attack spell is the most common, Winter Lanterns may have slight variations in their attack patterns. Pay close attention to any subtle differences and adjust your timing accordingly.

FAQ Section

Challenges and Solutions

Inconsistent Parry Windows

Many players report struggling with the seemingly inconsistent parry windows when facing Winter Lanterns. To overcome this:

• Practice with less dangerous enemies to hone your parrying skills
• Use visual cues, such as the Winter Lantern's arm movement, rather than relying solely on timing
• Consider using the Buckler shield, which offers a slightly more forgiving parry window

Equipment Limitations

For players who haven't acquired the recommended shields:

• Farm runes to purchase the Buckler shield from Gostoc in Stormveil Castle
• Experiment with different medium shields that offer parry skills
• Adapt your strategy to work with the equipment you have available

Multiple Winter Lanterns in One Area

Dealing with multiple Winter Lanterns can be overwhelming. Try these strategies:

• Use stealth and the environment to separate enemies
• Employ ranged attacks or spells to draw individual Winter Lanterns away from groups
• Master crowd control techniques to manage multiple enemies simultaneously

Ethical Considerations and Best Practices

While mastering the art of parrying Winter Lanterns, it's important to consider the broader context of fair play and community support:

1. Fair Play and Avoiding Exploits: Stick to intended gameplay mechanics. While glitches or exploits might offer easier victories, they diminish the intended experience and sense of accomplishment.
2. Sharing Accurate Information: When contributing to community discussions or guides, ensure the information you share is accurate and verified. Misinformation can lead to frustration for other players.
3. Supporting New Players: Remember that everyone starts somewhere. Offer encouragement and constructive advice to newer players struggling with Winter Lanterns, rather than dismissing their difficulties.

Success Stories

The challenge posed by Winter Lanterns has led to some inspiring success stories within the Elden Ring community:

1. From Struggle to Mastery: One community member, known as TarnishedChamp on Reddit, shared their journey from struggling for hours against a single Winter Lantern to effortlessly parrying multiple enemies in succession. Their persistence and dedication to practicing the timing inspired many others to keep trying.
2. Speed Runner's Innovation: Twitch streamer EldenLord92 developed an innovative strategy combining parrying with specific Ash of War skills, allowing for incredibly fast Winter Lantern takedowns. This technique has since been adopted by many in the speed-running community.

Tools, Equipment, and Resources

To aid in your quest to master parrying Winter Lanterns, consider the following resources:

Recommended Shields and Acquisition Methods

1. Buckler Shield: Available for purchase from Gostoc in Stormveil Castle or by trading his Bell Bearing with the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.
li>Gilded Iron Shield: Found in various locations throughout the game, including as a drop from certain enemies in Limgrave.
2. Man-Serpent's Shield: Dropped by Man-Serpent enemies in Mt. Gelmir and Volcano Manor.

Talismans That Enhance Parrying Ability

While no talisman directly improves parrying, these can be helpful:

1. Curved Sword Talisman: Increases critical hit damage, useful after a successful parry.
2. Assassin's Crimson Dagger: Restores HP upon performing a critical hit, providing sustainability in prolonged encounters.

Community-Created Guides and Video Tutorials

1. Elden Ring Subreddit: A hub for community discussions, strategies, and support.
2. FextraLife Elden Ring Wiki: Comprehensive information on all aspects of the game, including detailed enemy data.
3. YouTube Channel: "Elden Ring Strategies" by GameBreakerGod - Offers in-depth tutorials on parrying techniques.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of parrying Winter Lanterns in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is no small feat. It requires patience, practice, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. However, the sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully defeating these formidable foes is unparalleled.

Remember, the key to success lies in precise timing, the right equipment, and a willingness to learn from each attempt. Don't be discouraged by initial failures – every Tarnished who has triumphed over Winter Lanterns started where you are now.

As you continue your journey through the Abyssal Woods, keep practicing your parrying technique, experiment with different strategies, and don't hesitate to seek support from the vibrant Elden Ring community. The challenge posed by Winter Lanterns is not just an obstacle to overcome, but an opportunity to hone your skills and deepen your mastery of the game.

May the guidance of grace be with you, Tarnished, as you face the Winter Lanterns and all the challenges that await in the Shadow of the Erdtree.

Additional Resources

To further enhance your Elden Ring experience and master the art of parrying Winter Lanterns, consider exploring these additional resources:

1. Official Elden Ring Community Forums: Engage with fellow players, share strategies, and stay updated on official announcements.
2. YouTube Channels Specializing in Elden Ring Strategies:
   • VaatiVidya: Known for in-depth lore explanations and gameplay analysis.
   • FightinCowboy: Offers detailed walkthroughs and boss guides.
   • Iron Pineapple: Features unique builds and challenge runs.
3. Comprehensive Guides on Shadow of the Erdtree DLC:
   • IGN's Shadow of the Erdtree Guide
   • Eurogamer's Elden Ring DLC Walkthrough

Remember, the journey to mastering Winter Lanterns is as rewarding as the destination. Embrace the challenge, learn from each encounter, and soon you'll be parrying these formidable foes with the grace of a true Elden Lord.