Hey guys! So, you're looking to conquer the Severance Gauntlet in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, huh? Awesome! This is one of the coolest, most challenging aspects of the game, and I'm stoked to help you out. We're going to dive deep, using the wisdom of the Sekiro Reddit community and my own experience to get you through it. Think of this as your one-stop shop for everything you need to know: strategies, tips, boss breakdowns, and even some helpful advice to keep your sanity intact. Let's face it, the Severance Gauntlet can be brutal. But with the right knowledge and a little bit of perseverance, you'll be slicing and dicing your way through these encounters in no time. Get ready to learn, adapt, and become a true Shinobi! This guide is designed to be your best friend when you are stuck and need something to look for. Are you ready to dive into the challenge? Let's get started!

Understanding the Severance Gauntlet

Alright, before we get our hands dirty (or bloody, as the case may be), let's talk basics. The Severance Gauntlet in Sekiro isn't just a series of boss fights; it's a test of skill, resilience, and your ability to adapt. Think of it as the ultimate proving ground. The Gauntlet challenges players to defeat a series of bosses, often with limitations. These challenges typically have one or more of the following: a limit on how many healing gourds you can use, the inability to use resurrection, and the removal of certain prosthetic tools or combat arts. The goal? To conquer a pre-determined series of challenging encounters without resting. There are three of these gauntlets in total, each unlocked by defeating certain bosses in the main game. Each gauntlet also rewards players with a unique combat art upon completion, which is a pretty sweet deal. This is more than just a boss rush; it's a carefully curated test of your mastery of the game's mechanics. You're not just fighting bosses; you're fighting yourself—your habits, your reflexes, and your knowledge of the game. So, get ready to face some seriously tough opponents, and more importantly, get ready to learn and grow as a player. The Sekiro Reddit community is a great resource. You'll find tons of discussions, strategies, and tips shared by other players. The collective knowledge is vast, and you can learn a lot by simply browsing through the discussions.

Why the Gauntlet Matters

Why should you care about the Severance Gauntlet? Well, beyond the bragging rights and the satisfaction of overcoming a difficult challenge, there are some pretty compelling reasons to dive in. First off, each completed gauntlet grants you a unique combat art. These are powerful abilities that can seriously change how you approach combat. Secondly, it is a fun challenge for those who finished the game and want to play something more difficult. Lastly, the gauntlet is a fantastic way to sharpen your skills. By facing these bosses in rapid succession, you'll be forced to master your parrying, dodging, and offensive techniques. You'll learn the attack patterns of each boss inside and out and become a more effective player. The Gauntlet will push you to your limits, forcing you to develop new strategies and improve your reaction time. In the end, the Severance Gauntlet is more than just a set of boss fights; it's a rewarding experience that will test your skills, give you new powerful combat arts, and make you a better Sekiro player. So, are you ready to face the challenge?

Reddit's Secrets to Conquering the Gauntlet

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. What are the best strategies, tips, and tricks that the Reddit community swears by? We've scoured the forums, read the threads, and gathered the collective wisdom to help you dominate the Severance Gauntlet. From general advice to boss-specific strategies, here's what the Sekiro Reddit community recommends:

General Tips and Strategies

• Master Deflection: This is the core mechanic of Sekiro, and it's even more crucial in the Gauntlet. Learn to time your parries perfectly. Sound cues and visual cues are your best friends. Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to take time to drill and practice deflecting an attack. This is particularly important for the boss, who typically have hard-hitting attacks. The timing might be difficult at first, but keep practicing, and it will become second nature.
• Use Your Prosthetic Tools: Don't neglect your tools! They can be game-changers. The Shuriken, Firecracker, and Axe are particularly effective against many bosses. Experiment and find out which tools work best for each encounter. The best use of prosthetic tools is when your enemy is at a disadvantage, like when they are exposed or in the middle of a flurry of attacks.
• Manage Your Posture: Watch your posture and your opponent's. A broken posture means a death blow opportunity. Learn when to be aggressive and when to back off. Your primary goal is to break the posture of your enemies. By deflecting their attacks and hitting them with attacks of your own, you'll slowly fill their posture bar. Once full, you can execute a death blow. However, be careful! Your posture can also be broken. Pay attention to your enemy's attacks and learn how to avoid the deadly attacks. Keep yourself in a safe area, and avoid attacking when your posture bar is full.
• Learn the Attack Patterns: Every boss has predictable attack patterns. Observe and memorize these patterns to deflect or dodge effectively. Reddit threads are full of detailed breakdowns of each boss's moveset, so use them to your advantage.
• Optimize your Build: Depending on the gauntlet, you may have restrictions. However, make sure you choose the right combat arts and skills for the encounters. Prioritize skills that enhance your deflection, posture damage, and mobility.
• Consumables are Key: Use your healing gourds wisely, and don't forget to use items like Pellets and Ako's Sugar to give you an edge. You will have a limit on how many healing gourds you can use. So, you must make use of this well. These consumables can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Also, your enemy will most likely be able to recover posture faster in the Gauntlet mode. That means you should take a more aggressive playstyle.
• Patience is a Virtue: Don't get discouraged! The Gauntlet is tough, but with persistence and the right strategies, you can overcome it. Take breaks when needed, and don't be afraid to try different approaches.

Reddit's Favorite Combat Arts

Reddit users often have preferences for combat arts. The most popular ones are: Ichimonji, Ashina Cross, and Spiral Cloud Passage. Experiment to find the arts that fit your play style. These combat arts are the most effective against most enemies in the Gauntlet.

Boss-Specific Strategies: A Reddit Breakdown

Let's move on to the actual bosses. Each boss in the Severance Gauntlet presents a unique challenge, and Reddit is full of strategies. Here's a breakdown of some of the toughest encounters, along with tips and tricks from the community:

First Gauntlet: The Strength

• Recommended Bosses: The first gauntlet is one of the most difficult and the best place to practice. Focus on perfecting your deflection skills. Make sure you know what each boss does.
• Strategies: Learn the timing of the attacks and their weaknesses. Watch videos or read Reddit posts on how to defeat them. Practice makes perfect. Don't worry if you die; it's part of the process.

Second Gauntlet: The Strength

• Recommended Bosses: The second gauntlet adds more bosses. The strategies are similar to the first one, but the main change is that you need to be faster.
• Strategies: Make sure you know what each boss does. The second gauntlet is the most challenging. Watch videos or read Reddit posts on how to defeat them. Practice makes perfect. Don't worry if you die; it's part of the process.

Third Gauntlet: The Strength

• Recommended Bosses: The third gauntlet adds more bosses. The strategies are similar to the first two, but the main change is that you need to be faster and better at what you do.
• Strategies: Make sure you know what each boss does. This one is tough and is the last test. Watch videos or read Reddit posts on how to defeat them. Practice makes perfect. Don't worry if you die; it's part of the process.

Surviving the Severance Gauntlet: Mental Game

Alright, we've covered the combat, but what about the mental aspect? The Severance Gauntlet can be a stressful experience. Here's how to keep your cool and stay focused, according to the Reddit community:

Managing Frustration

• Take Breaks: Don't push yourself too hard. Take a break when you feel frustrated. Come back to it with a fresh perspective.
• Don't Compare Yourself: Everyone struggles. Don't compare your progress to others. The important thing is to improve at your own pace.
• Focus on the Learning Process: Every death is a learning opportunity. Analyze what went wrong and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Building Confidence

• Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress. Every boss defeated is a win.
• Watch Videos: Watch videos of others succeeding. This can inspire you and provide new insights.
• Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your ability to improve and overcome the challenge.

Conclusion: Slicing Your Way to Victory

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to conquering the Severance Gauntlet in Sekiro, packed with wisdom from the Sekiro Reddit community. Remember that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your victories. With the right strategies, a little patience, and a dash of Shinobi spirit, you'll be slicing your way through the Gauntlet in no time. Good luck, and happy gaming! If you have any questions or want to share your own tips, feel free to head over to the Sekiro subreddit!

Disclaimer: This guide is based on information and strategies gathered from the Sekiro Reddit community and the author's personal experience. Individual results may vary. Remember that the best approach depends on your play style and preferences.