Sekiro Boss Guide: Conquer All Main Bosses
Hey guys! Ready to dive into the intense world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? One of the biggest challenges in this game is, without a doubt, its incredible boss fights. These aren't your run-of-the-mill baddies; they're formidable opponents that will test your skills, patience, and ability to adapt. So, let’s break down all the main bosses you’ll encounter on your journey through Ashina and how to beat them. Get ready – it's gonna be a wild ride!
Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa
Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa, often one of the first major roadblocks players encounter in Sekiro, is more than just a brute force challenge; he's an introduction to the game's combat rhythm. This mounted warrior, riding his fearsome steed, is designed to teach you essential skills like deflecting perilous attacks and using the grappling hook to close the distance. When facing Gyoubu, the key is to stay aggressive without being reckless. Use your grappling hook to quickly traverse the battlefield, latching onto Gyoubu's position to deliver impactful blows and disrupt his attacks. Mastering the timing of your deflections is crucial here. Successfully deflecting his attacks will not only prevent damage but also fill his posture gauge, leading to an eventual posture break that allows you to inflict significant health damage. Furthermore, pay close attention to the perilous attacks signaled by the red kanji. These attacks are opportunities for either a well-timed Mikiri Counter or a jump to avoid sweeps, both of which can significantly stagger Gyoubu and open him up for further assaults. Don't be intimidated by his size or initial aggression; instead, view Gyoubu as a challenging tutorial meant to refine your combat instincts and prepare you for even greater trials ahead. Remember, patience and persistence are vital. Observe his patterns, learn his tells, and adapt your strategy accordingly. With practice and determination, you'll overcome Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa and continue your journey deeper into Ashina.
Lady Butterfly
Lady Butterfly serves as an early test of your ability to handle illusions and high-mobility enemies in Sekiro. She’s not just about brute strength; she requires you to use your brain and your agility. This fight unfolds in two distinct phases, each demanding a unique approach. In the first phase, focus on deflecting her kunai attacks and closing the distance to land a few hits. Be aggressive but mindful of her perilous attacks, which often involve sweeps that you can jump over to deal posture damage. Don’t get greedy with your attacks; prioritize defense and posture management. The second phase is where things get tricky. Lady Butterfly summons illusions that can overwhelm you if you're not careful. These illusions can be dispelled with a well-timed shuriken throw, or you can simply run and evade until they dissipate. However, be wary, as she can also transform these illusions into butterflies that home in on you. Sprinting away is usually the best strategy here. Moreover, she gains access to new perilous attacks, including a dangerous aerial attack. Be prepared to dodge or deflect these to avoid heavy damage. Throughout both phases, maintaining pressure is key. Don’t allow Lady Butterfly to dictate the pace of the fight. Instead, stay aggressive, deflect her attacks, and capitalize on openings to whittle down her health and posture. Using items like Snap Seeds can also help dispel her illusions quickly. Ultimately, defeating Lady Butterfly requires a combination of skillful deflections, strategic aggression, and clever use of your resources. Once you master her patterns and learn how to handle her illusions, you’ll be able to emerge victorious and continue your journey.
Genichiro Ashina
Genichiro Ashina is the quintessential skill check in Sekiro, forcing you to master the core mechanics of combat or face repeated defeat. He's fast, aggressive, and relentless, demanding precision and adaptability. The battle against Genichiro occurs in multiple phases, each escalating in difficulty and requiring a refined approach. In the first phase, focus on aggressive deflections. Genichiro's attacks are designed to break your posture quickly, so mastering the timing of your deflections is crucial. Don't be afraid to attack between his combos to pressure his posture. The Mikiri Counter is your best friend here, especially against his thrust attacks, which can stagger him significantly and open him up for follow-up assaults. The second phase introduces new perilous attacks, including a perilous sweep that you can jump over to inflict posture damage. Continue to apply pressure with aggressive deflections and strategic attacks. Watch out for his bow attacks; deflecting them is essential to avoid being staggered. When he leaps into the air for a downward strike, be prepared to dodge or deflect it to avoid heavy damage. The final phase is where things get truly intense. Genichiro transforms into Tomoe, Way of the Lightning, gaining access to lightning-based attacks. The key to defeating him in this phase is to use his lightning against him. When he charges his lightning attack, jump into the air and receive the lightning, then immediately redirect it back at him. This will deal massive damage and stun him, allowing you to finish him off. Throughout the entire fight, staying calm and focused is essential. Genichiro is designed to test your resolve, but with practice and patience, you can overcome him and prove yourself worthy of the challenges ahead.
Folding Screen Monkeys
The Folding Screen Monkeys offer a unique departure from Sekiro's typical combat encounters, presenting a puzzle-like challenge that tests your observation and strategic thinking. Instead of direct combat, you must use your wits and the environment to capture the four spectral monkeys, each possessing unique abilities. The first monkey, the See No Evil monkey, can be captured by approaching it from behind while it's not looking. The Hear No Evil monkey can be found in a building with a bell; ring the bell to stun it temporarily. The Speak No Evil monkey can be located by following its footprints and ambushing it in a dark room. The Do No Evil monkey is the most elusive, requiring you to extinguish all the lights in the main hall to reveal its location. Throughout this encounter, the key is to pay attention to the environment and use the various tools and techniques at your disposal. Stealth is crucial, as alerting the monkeys will make them harder to catch. Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches and strategies. The Folding Screen Monkeys are designed to be a fun and engaging break from the intense combat of the rest of the game, so enjoy the challenge and embrace the opportunity to think outside the box. Successfully capturing all four monkeys will not only reward you with valuable items but also demonstrate your resourcefulness and adaptability as a shinobi.
Guardian Ape
The Guardian Ape is one of the most memorable and challenging bosses in Sekiro, known for its unpredictable attacks and relentless aggression. This fight unfolds in two distinct phases, each requiring a unique approach. In the first phase, the Guardian Ape is a wild, beastly creature, capable of inflicting massive damage with its powerful attacks. The key to surviving this phase is to stay mobile and create distance when necessary. Watch out for its perilous grab attack, which can instantly kill you if you're not careful. Deflecting its attacks is possible but risky, as its posture recovers quickly. Instead, focus on dodging and creating openings to land a few hits. Firecrackers can be incredibly effective in stunning the Ape and creating opportunities for follow-up attacks. The second phase begins when the Guardian Ape rises again, this time wielding a sword. This phase is significantly different, requiring you to adopt a more aggressive, posture-focused strategy. The Ape's attacks are now slower and more telegraphed, making them easier to deflect. Deflecting its sword attacks will quickly fill its posture gauge, leading to an eventual posture break. The perilous scream attack is a prime opportunity to inflict massive damage. When the Ape begins to scream, quickly run away to avoid being stunned. After the scream, it will collapse, allowing you to deal significant damage. Throughout both phases, patience and perseverance are essential. The Guardian Ape is a formidable opponent, but with practice and determination, you can overcome it and continue your journey. Mastering the timing of your deflections and learning how to exploit its weaknesses will be key to your success.
Great Shinobi Owl
The Great Shinobi Owl is a pivotal boss in Sekiro, testing your ability to read enemy patterns and adapt to a wide range of attacks. This fight is less about brute force and more about precision and timing. The Owl is a master of deception, using a variety of tricks and techniques to throw you off balance. He’s not just strong; he's also cunning. Throughout the fight, he’ll use smoke bombs, firecrackers, and poison to disrupt your rhythm and create openings for his attacks. The key to defeating him is to stay patient and observe his movements carefully. Don't get greedy with your attacks; instead, focus on deflecting his strikes and creating small openings to land a few hits. The Mikiri Counter is invaluable here, especially against his thrust attacks. Be wary of his perilous sweep attack, which can be easily dodged by jumping. In the second phase, the Owl gains access to new attacks, including a poison pool that can severely limit your movement. Avoid stepping in the poison at all costs, as it can quickly deplete your health. He also becomes more aggressive, so you'll need to be even more precise with your deflections and dodges. Throughout both phases, maintaining your posture is crucial. The Owl is adept at breaking your posture quickly, so focus on deflecting his attacks perfectly to avoid being staggered. Using items like Ako's Sugar can help boost your attack power, allowing you to deal more damage during your openings. Ultimately, defeating the Great Shinobi Owl requires a combination of skillful deflections, strategic aggression, and careful observation. Once you master his patterns and learn how to anticipate his attacks, you’ll be able to emerge victorious and continue your journey.
Divine Dragon
The Divine Dragon is a visually stunning and narratively significant boss in Sekiro, offering a unique and somewhat cinematic encounter. Unlike the other bosses in the game, the Divine Dragon fight is less about mastering complex combat techniques and more about understanding the environment and using the tools at your disposal. The fight unfolds in multiple phases, each with its own set of challenges. In the first phase, you'll face off against a series of smaller dragons that emerge from the trees. Deflecting their attacks is key to surviving this phase. Use your sword to deflect their strikes and create openings to land a few hits. The second phase is where the true battle begins. The Divine Dragon descends from the sky, and you must use the lightning that strikes the arena to your advantage. Grapple onto the branches that appear in the air and wait for a lightning strike. When the lightning is about to hit, jump and redirect it towards the Dragon. This will deal massive damage and eventually bring it down. Throughout the fight, staying mobile and aware of your surroundings is essential. The Dragon's attacks can be devastating, so avoid getting hit at all costs. Don't be afraid to use your healing gourds and other items to stay alive. The Divine Dragon is a test of your patience and adaptability, but with careful planning and execution, you can emerge victorious and continue your journey.
So there you have it, guys! A rundown of the main bosses in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Each fight is a unique challenge that will test your skills and push you to your limits. Remember to stay patient, learn from your mistakes, and never give up. Good luck, and may the best shinobi win!
