When “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” was released in 2019, gamers knew they were in for a challenge. The studio, already known for its difficult games like “Dark Souls” and “Bloodborne,” took things to another level with Sekiro. This game strips away many of the familiar mechanics from previous titles, offering a completely new combat system, an unforgiving difficulty curve, and a steep learning curve. From its intricate swordplay to its brutal bosses, Sekiro is not a game for the faint-hearted. But for those who are willing to push through the frustration, Sekiro offers a deeply rewarding experience.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the game doesn’t hold your hand. It pushes you into combat with fast, relentless enemies and expects you to master its mechanics in real time. Death is not just a possibility—it’s an expectation. But with perseverance, a solid understanding of the mechanics, and this guide, you’ll be able to conquer the challenges Sekiro throws your way.
We will explore even deeper into what makes Sekiro one of the most difficult games of all time. We’ll examine the core gameplay mechanics, break down some of the hardest boss fights, explore how to use stealth and exploration to your advantage, and provide a comprehensive strategy for tackling the game’s many challenges. With a clearer understanding of these elements, you’ll be better equipped to transform your struggles into successes.
At first glance, Sekiro may appear to be a typical action game, but its unique systems and mechanics set it apart from others in the genre. To truly understand why this game is so difficult, it’s important to break down the key elements that contribute to its challenge.
The posture system in Sekiro is at the heart of its combat. Instead of relying solely on a health bar, the game introduces a “posture” meter for both the player and enemies. The goal is to break the opponent’s posture to land a deadly Deathblow. However, this is easier said than done. Deflecting enemy attacks, by timing your blocks perfectly, is the fastest way to wear down their posture. But make a mistake in your timing, and your own posture will be damaged. If your posture breaks, you’re left vulnerable to powerful attacks.
Mastering this system requires a deep understanding of each enemy’s attack patterns. The game expects you to stay in combat, deflecting blows rather than simply dodging them. This is a departure from the typical “dodge roll” mechanic seen in other FromSoftware games, making it a challenge for players who are accustomed to more traditional action game styles.
If you’ve heard anything about Sekiro, it’s likely related to its difficult boss fights. Each boss has unique attack patterns, and many of them are relentless in their aggression. Some bosses, like Genichiro Ashina, test your ability to deflect and counter attacks, while others, like the Guardian Ape, throw unexpected curveballs with unorthodox tactics. Boss fights in Sekiro are often multi-phase battles, meaning that defeating the first phase is only the beginning of the challenge.
What makes these fights particularly tough is that they test everything the game has taught you up to that point. You’ll need to have mastered deflecting, dodging, using items, and reading enemy patterns to stand a chance. On top of that, some bosses require specific counters for perilous attacks, which can add another layer of difficulty.
Sekiro doesn’t give you an unlimited supply of healing items, forcing you to be strategic in your use of them. At the start of the game, you only have a limited number of Healing Gourds, which replenish your health. As you progress, you can increase the number of Gourds you carry, but they remain finite during battle. This creates a sense of urgency—each healing item must be used carefully, and you’ll need to decide when to heal and when to hold off, trusting your ability to avoid damage.
Additionally, the game has a “resurrection” mechanic, which allows you to revive after death under certain conditions. But this comes with its own risks. Reviving depletes resources, and if you rely too much on resurrection without learning from your mistakes, you may find yourself in a loop of failure.
While combat is the main focus of Sekiro, stealth plays a significant role in how you approach enemies. Rushing headfirst into a group of foes will often end badly, especially if there are ranged enemies or more powerful opponents nearby. Sekiro allows you to sneak through areas, using cover and the environment to eliminate enemies silently. This not only thins the herd but also gives you an advantage when engaging in direct combat. The game encourages patience, observation, and planning, making it as much about strategy as it is about swordplay.
One of the defining features of Sekiro’s combat system is the introduction of perilous attacks. These are unblockable attacks signaled by a red kanji symbol that appears on the screen. Perilous attacks come in three forms: thrusts, sweeps, and grabs. Each of these requires a different response from the player. Thrusts can be countered with the Mikiri Counter, sweeps must be jumped over, and grabs need to be dodged. Misjudging a perilous attack can lead to significant damage, often resulting in death.
Learning to read and react to perilous attacks is one of the most critical skills in the game. Many enemies, especially bosses, will mix these attacks into their combos, forcing you to stay on your toes and adjust your approach mid-battle.
While Sekiro may seem impossible at first, it is a game that rewards mastery. The more you play, the more you learn. Below are strategies and tips that will help you tackle Sekiro’s toughest challenges and come out on top.
As mentioned earlier, the posture system is key to defeating enemies in Sekiro. Here’s how you can become an expert at managing and breaking posture:
-Timing is Everything: The most important aspect of Sekiro’s combat is timing. It’s not enough to just block attacks; you need to deflect them with precise timing. Spend time learning the rhythm of enemy attacks. Start with weaker enemies to practice your deflections before moving on to tougher opponents.
– Stay Aggressive, But Don’t Overextend: Sekiro encourages aggressive combat, but being reckless can lead to disaster. Stay on the offensive to put pressure on your opponent, but don’t mash buttons blindly. Focus on timing your attacks and deflections carefully.
– Know When to Recover Posture: Holding the guard button without releasing it allows you to recover posture more quickly. If you notice your posture meter filling up, create some distance between you and your enemy, then hold your guard to recover. Be careful, though—if you hold your guard for too long, enemies may land a grab or perilous attack.
Perilous attacks are designed to trip you up, but they can be countered effectively once you know how:
– Thrust Attacks – Use the Mikiri Counter: The Mikiri Counter is an essential move in your arsenal. When you see the red kanji indicating a thrust attack, press the dodge button towards the enemy. This will cause you to step on their weapon, dealing massive posture damage. The timing for this can be tricky, so practice against enemies that use thrusts frequently.
– Sweeping Attacks – Jump Over Them: Sweeping attacks are low and horizontal. Instead of trying to block or dodge them, jump into the air to avoid taking damage. If you jump at the right moment, you can press the jump button again while in the air to stomp on the enemy’s head, which deals posture damage.
– Grab Attacks – Dash Away: Grabs are the most dangerous of the perilous attacks because they can’t be blocked. If you see the red kanji for a grab, your best option is to dash away as quickly as possible. Don’t try to counter or deflect; just get out of the way.
Sekiro’s bosses are some of the toughest in gaming history. Here’s how to handle a few of the most notorious ones:
-Genichiro Ashina: Genichiro is the first major boss and a significant hurdle for many players. His attacks are fast, and he uses a mix of regular and perilous attacks. Focus on deflecting his regular attacks and wait for opportunities to use the Mikiri Counter on his thrusts. When he switches to his lightning form, jump into the air when he uses a lightning attack, then press the attack button to deflect the lightning back at him.
– Lady Butterfly: Lady Butterfly is a fast and agile boss who uses illusions to distract you. Stay close to her to force her into using melee attacks, which you can deflect. When she summons illusions, take them out quickly, or they will overwhelm you. In her second phase, focus on timing your deflections to break her posture.
– Guardian Ape: The Guardian Ape is a unique boss with two distinct phases. In the first phase, keep your distance and bait his attacks, then punish him when he misses.
. After you cut off his head, he becomes even more dangerous in the second phase. Stay aggressive and be ready to dodge his grab attacks, which can deal massive damage.
– Isshin, the Sword Saint: The final boss, Isshin, the Sword Saint, is a true test of everything you’ve learned in Sekiro. He has multiple phases and uses a variety of attacks, including a gun in his later phases. Be patient, learn his attack patterns, and deflect his blows to build posture damage. Don’t be afraid to back off and heal when needed, as Isshin can punish reckless play.
Sekiro isn’t just about combat. Stealth plays a crucial role in how you approach enemies and explore the world:
– Scout the Area First: Before engaging in combat, take some time to scout the area. Use your grappling hook to reach high places and get a better view of your surroundings. Identifying enemy positions will help you plan your approach more effectively.
– Take Out Enemies Silently: Whenever possible, use stealth to eliminate enemies one by one. This reduces the number of enemies you have to face in direct combat and can prevent larger groups from overwhelming you. Approach enemies from behind and perform a stealth Deathblow to kill them instantly.
– Grapple Away in a Pinch: If you find yourself overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to use your grappling hook to escape to higher ground. This can give you a moment to regroup, heal, or reassess your strategy.
Death is inevitable in Sekiro, but it’s also a learning experience. Each time you die, take note of what went wrong. Did you misjudge the timing of a deflection? Did you get hit by a perilous attack because you reacted too slowly? Understanding your mistakes is key to improving. Sekiro rewards patience and persistence, so don’t be afraid to try again after each defeat. The more you play, the better you’ll get.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a game that demands mastery. It tests your reflexes, timing, and decision-making skills at every turn. But for those willing to put in the time and effort, the rewards are immense. Overcoming Sekiro’s challenges offers a sense of accomplishment unlike any other game. It’s not just about beating a tough enemy or finishing a level—it’s about mastering a complex and nuanced combat system and honing your skills to perfection.
While Sekiro may feel impossible at times, remember that every challenge is surmountable. By mastering the posture system, learning to counter perilous attacks, practicing against tough bosses, and using stealth wisely, you’ll eventually find yourself performing Deathblows with ease.
In the end, Sekiro teaches you that perseverance is key. Keep practicing, keep learning, and eventually, you’ll conquer even the toughest challenges Sekiro has to offer. So, take up your sword, embrace the way of the shinobi, and prepare yourself for a journey filled with trials, but ultimately, triumph.
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