Dark and Darker - How to Master the Longsword Riposte for Devastating Counterattacks

In Dark and Darker, survival hinges on timing, precision, and Dank and Darker Gold reading your opponent. Nowhere is this truer than when wielding the longsword — a versatile, deadly weapon that rewards careful defensive play and punishes reckless attackers. At the heart of advanced longsword technique is the Riposte: a lightning-fast, hard-hitting counterattack that follows a successful parry. Mastering this move turns you from an ordinary swordsman into a dueling menace. In this guide, we’ll break down how the Riposte works, how to set it up, and when to use it to dominate PvP duels and PvE encounters alike.

What Is a Riposte?

A Riposte is a special follow-up attack available to longsword users immediately after executing a successful parry. When you parry an enemy’s strike with perfect timing, you temporarily stagger them and create an opening for a counterblow. If you execute the Riposte quickly enough, you unleash a swift, high-damage thrust or slash that deals more damage than a standard swing — often catching opponents off-guard before they can recover.

In Dark and Darker, the Riposte is more than a flashy move; it’s a key part of defensive swordplay, allowing you to turn an enemy’s aggression into their downfall.

Unlocking and Equipping the Longsword

Before you can master the Riposte, you’ll need a longsword in your loadout. The longsword is typically available to fighter classes, and sometimes to specialized subclasses or hybrid builds. It may require a certain level or gold investment, so check your vendor or loot it from dungeons.

Make sure you have the longsword equipped in your primary weapon slot, and consider pairing it with a round shield for added parry reliability if your build allows.

How to Parry Successfully

The Riposte depends entirely on landing a clean parry first. Here’s how to parry well:

Watch Enemy Patterns:

Whether you’re facing an undead warrior, a goblin brute, or another player, study their swing timing. Many enemies have clear wind-ups that signal when to block.

Perfect Timing:

Don’t hold block forever — that’s a shield block, not a parry. For a true parry, you must raise your weapon’s guard at the last moment before the enemy’s attack connects. A well-timed parry will deflect the strike and briefly stagger your opponent.

Mind Your Stamina:

Parrying costs stamina. Manage your stamina pool so you have enough left to swing a Riposte immediately afterward.

Practice Against PvE Enemies:

Before jumping into PvP duels, practice your parry timing against predictable PvE mobs. Skeleton warriors and bandits make excellent training dummies.

Executing the Riposte

Once you land a parry, you have a brief window — often just a second or two — to input the Riposte. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Input the Follow-Up Attack Quickly:

After a successful parry, immediately press your heavy attack button. Some builds allow a quick light attack Riposte instead, but the heavy version generally deals more damage.

Aim Precisely:

The Riposte can miss if your opponent sidesteps or backpedals. Use your movement to stay close and ensure your blade lands true.

Chain Attacks if Needed:

Against tougher foes, a single Riposte may not finish the fight. Be ready to follow up with normal swings or reposition if they recover.

When to Use the Riposte

1. In PvP Duels

The Riposte shines brightest against other players. Many duelists swing aggressively, hoping to break your guard. A calm parry and well-timed Riposte can punish them for overextending — often turning the tide in a single strike.

2. Against Bosses or Elites

Some powerful dungeon bosses or elite mobs have telegraphed attacks that can be parried for big openings. The Riposte lets you deal burst damage without risking your health in drawn-out exchanges.

3. To Control Aggressive Mobs

If you’re being swarmed, parrying and Riposting one target can thin the group and create breathing room to reposition or drink a potion.

Tips to Master the Riposte

Learn Enemy Animations:

Each enemy has unique tells. Memorize them to know when to parry and when to dodge instead.

Don’t Spam Parry:

Holding block drains stamina and leaves you vulnerable. Use the parry as an intentional counter, not a panic button.

Position Yourself:

Fight in open spaces where you can sidestep and retreat if needed. Tight corridors limit your swing and parry windows.

Use Riposte Perks or Buffs:

Some builds or gear provide bonuses to Riposte damage or stamina recovery. Prioritize these if you’re building a dedicated longsword duelist.

Practice, Practice, Practice:

Riposting is all about muscle memory and timing. Run low-risk dungeon runs to drill your parry and counter combos.

Advanced Riposte Strategies

Bait and Punish:

In PvP, bait an enemy into a reckless swing by feigning an opening. Step back slightly, let them commit, and parry at the last moment for an easy Riposte.

Chain with Dodges:

If you miss your Riposte or your enemy dodges it, be ready to roll or sidestep to avoid their counterattack.

Combine with Shield Bash:

If your build allows, use a shield bash to stagger an opponent, then chain into a Riposte for massive damage.

Final Thoughts

The longsword Riposte in Dark and Darker is a high-risk, high-reward move that separates patient, skilled fighters from reckless button-mashers. Master the timing, commit to your parries, and buy Dank and Darker Gold punish overconfident enemies with decisive counterattacks. With enough practice, your Riposte will become a signature move — one that makes foes think twice before throwing a careless strike your way.

Sharpen your blade, steady your stance, and embrace the dance of offense and defense. The Riposte is your weapon of retribution — make every strike count.

Good luck in the darkness, swordsman.