Nine Sols Tai-Chi Kick Parry Explained

The mechanics you learn throughout Nine Sols are crucial to your survival, and while the basic parry mechanic is already complex, the game takes it further by introducing the Tai Chi Kick parry, or just Tai Chi Kick. This move adds another layer to parrying, making it a deeper mechanic to master in battle, and it can be challenging to figure out how it fits into the regular combat loop at first.

Fortunately, you don't have to figure it out independently, as this guide is here to assist. We'll break down exactly what the Tai Chi Kick does in Nine Sols, how it's used in combat, and how it helps in platforming and unlocking new secrets throughout the world.

Nine Sols Tai-Chi Kick Parry Explained

As you progress through the game, you'll eventually need to head to the Power Reservoir. While exploring this area, you'll come across a root node that seems slightly off, almost malfunctioning. Entering it will transport you to meet Lear once again, where he will teach you the Tai Chi Kick.

The Tai Chi Kick works by allowing Yi to initiate an in-air kick when you press the parry button while airborne. This kick has two main effects. The first is that when timed correctly, it lets you hop off green orbs scattered throughout the world, using them as platforms to reach new areas. The second effect is that it enables you to parry enemies who use attacks while glowing green.

For instance, some Guardian Statues perform an attack where they glow green. If you jump and perform a Tai Chi Kick on them while they’re glowing, it will stagger them, allowing you to hack them. Even bosses like General Yingzhao have attacks that are otherwise unparryable, but when they glow green, you can jump over their attack and hit them with a Tai Chi Kick to stagger them.

It's important to note that enemies will still use regular non-parry attacks, so you must stay alert for that green glow before you can successfully Tai Chi Kick them. Fortunately, similar to a normal parry, the Tai Chi Kick deflects and staggers enemies regardless of which direction you're facing, so you can even use it to deflect attacks from behind if things get tough.

Overall, the Tai Chi Kick, like any other mechanic in Nine Sols, requires practice to master. But once you do, it will give you an extra edge over your enemies, making it well worth the effort to learn. Now that you have a full understanding of the mechanic go forth with your newfound Tai Chi knowledge in Nine Sols.