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11 Overview
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33 Counter is a defense skill in Crimson Desert, available to Kliff and Damiane. It belongs to the Spirit (Green) branch of the skill tree. Counter allows the player to attack at the exact moment an enemy strike is about to land, simultaneously blocking the incoming hit and dealing damage back to the attacker. It is the most advanced defensive technique in the Keen Senses progression chain, requiring Level 3 to unlock.
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66 Skill Details
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88 DetailInfoCharactersKliff, DamianeSkill TreeSpirit (Green)CategoryDefenseSpirit CostNo resource costHow to UnlockKeen Senses Lv 3InputAttack right before being hitHow to Unlock (Kliff)Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 3 or observe the skill in actionHow to Unlock (Damiane)Raise Keen Senses to Lv. 3PrerequisitesKeen Senses Lv. 3 (requires 3 Abyss Artifacts)
99 Keen Senses Progression Chain
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1111 Counter is the third and final upgrade in the Keen Senses skill tree. Each level requires one Abyss Artifact to unlock, and the abilities unlock in a fixed order:
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1313 LevelAbilityControlsEffectKeen Senses Lv. 1ParryGuard button (L1/LB) just before hitBlock incoming attack with zero damage; staggers attackerKeen Senses Lv. 2Dodge (Backstep)Dodge button just before hitStep out of attack range; avoids damage completelyKeen Senses Lv. 3CounterAttack button just before hitBlock the hit and deal damage simultaneously; staggers attacker
1414 How Counter Works
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1616 To execute a Counter, press the attack button at the exact moment an enemy strike is about to connect. If timed correctly, the character blocks the incoming damage and simultaneously strikes the attacker, dealing direct damage and adding to the enemy's stagger meter. A successful Counter leaves the enemy vulnerable for a brief window, allowing follow-up attacks.
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1818 Counter has the tightest timing window of all three Keen Senses abilities. Unlike Parry (which defaults to a standard block on mistiming) and Dodge (which still gives some evasion frames), a failed Counter leaves the player fully exposed to the incoming attack with no fallback protection.
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2020 Combat Tips
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2222 Counter is the highest-risk, highest-reward defensive option. The damage output from a successful Counter is significantly higher than what a Parry follow-up provides.Practice Counter timing against predictable enemies like common bandits before attempting it against bosses. Boss attack animations are faster and less forgiving.Counter fills the stagger meter more aggressively than Parry. Against bosses, successful Counters can stagger the boss faster, opening windows for devastating combo strings.Because a failed Counter leaves you fully exposed, consider using Parry or Dodge against unfamiliar enemy attack patterns. Switch to Counter only once you have learned the timing.Counter works with any weapon, including when fighting unarmed. You do not need a shield equipped.In group fights, Counter is risky because other enemies can hit you during the animation. Use it primarily in one-on-one situations or when isolated from the mob.Counter pairs well with Turning Slash as a follow-up. After a successful Counter staggers the enemy, immediately chain into Turning Slash for heavy damage.
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2424 Counter vs Parry
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2626 AspectParryCounterControl InputGuard button (L1/LB)Attack buttonTiming WindowModerateTightOn SuccessNegates damage; brief stagger on enemyNegates damage AND deals damage; stronger staggerOn FailureDefaults to standard block (reduced damage)Full damage taken; no fallbackStagger ContributionModerateHighBest Used AgainstFast combo strings; unfamiliar enemiesSingle heavy attacks; predictable patterns
2727 See Also
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2929 Keen SensesParrySkillsCombat SystemStagger System