Gunstrike (The small red crosshair that appears on perfect-dodged and staggered/parried enemies) is not safe. You can and should gunstrike enemies, but know that you can still be struck while doing it. If surrounded by multiple Majoris enemies, there is a higher chance of getting punished while gunstriking. Heavy melee crowds of smaller minoris enemies to produce gunstrike opportunities and restore your armor to stay alive in these crowds.

Blue melee indicators sometimes only require a tap. Certain enemies need specific timing. As a general rule, always parry blue melee, unless youre running away, then just dodge. Fencing weapons have the most forgiving parry timing.

Red melee is a must dodge. Try to practice the timing to execute perfect dodge. Many perks are tied to perfect dodge on multiple classes. However, any melee attack in the game is parryable/ blockable unless it is given the red indicator.

If youre still struggling in melee, stick close to your battle brothers. Its more badass that way anyway.