Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the latest grueling action RPG from the creators of Dark Souls – FromSoftware. The game as one would expect is extremely difficult, especially for Souls veterans, as you will need to unlearn everything from previous games.
*Warning minor boss spoilers ahead*
In this list we’ll be showing you the top ways to die in the game, and how to avoid this fate. One thing to note immediately is that there is no difficulty curve in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, it’s hard from the offset, but persevere and you are rewarded with one of the most fleshed-out, interesting stories that From have ever told.
Succeeding isn’t a case of just getting good either. There’s no summoning, and bosses will pummel you into oblivion until you learn their move set and what they are weak to, so try combining items with the prosthetic arm and counter for nice posture damage. Rolling is out, deflecting (and running away) is in, and this can be harder to grasp than it sounds. So never feel as though you are cheating against a boss; as the saying goes in Ashina, you achieve victory by any means necessary.
Chained Ogre – Batista Bomb
Prepare to face the first real challenge in Sekiro. This rage-inducing, controller breaker of a “mini-boss” has red eyes and a temper to match. Even if you manage to survive his unblockable grab attack (good luck) prepare to be yeeted off of the nearby cliff. Grapple hooks at the ready.
Pro tip: Eavesdropping on the samurai before the fight offers valuable intel – fire works wonders on the Ogre. If fire isn’t an option, try to run away and backstab for an easy lifebar and then just try to dodge.
Headless – Terrified to death
As the name suggests yes they are headless, and yes they are terrifying. Their attacks also build up a bar which can kill you instantly, all while you are reduced to walking pace… nice.
Oh and there’s multiple to find along your journey too, and you can only really damage them (and other apparition enemies) with divine confetti or a Lazulite weapon. Happy hunting!
Bonus death: The Guardian Ape also unleashes a devastating terror attack and can be quite resilient, treat these enemies with care.
Great Serpent – Gotta go fast
Just look at this enemy. The sheer presence of the Great Serpent alone can freeze players with dread, but fear not, there are only two of them…
The best strategy for dealing with the Great Serpent is to not engage the beast at all. Stealth and the occasional sprint is needed to avoid the creature’s critical strikes, just play through the story and never stop running.
Nightjar kite ninja – aka WOO guy
Okay, so not a boss but one which will definitely catch a lot of people out on their first playthrough (see below). This Nightjar ninja, known as WOO guy, can kill you in one hit if you aren’t careful.
The one and only tip here is to clear out the enemies first, listen for the “WOO” and get the hell out of there.
Genichiro Ashina – The cheat
Genichiro, grandson of Isshin Ashina, defeats you early on in the game. He then refuses to die himself, popping back up for round two at Ashina Castle.
Genichiro embodies the Ashina “victory at any cost” ideology, going as far as to partake in the false Dragon’s Blood in his quest for immortality – and to ‘save’ his dying land.
Pro tip: Genichiro is a deadly enemy, however using his cheating tactics against him will help you to win the fight. In his final phase when he uses lightning against you, jump to absorb it and throw it back in his face with R1/RB.
Be aggressive, play smart
Though it is a masterpiece in its own right with beautiful level design akin to that of Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice will still put off new players with its difficulty. Nevertheless, there is no other feeling like sticking with it and finally beating these larger than life enemies. There is a true sense of accomplishment here, much in the same way as other FromSoftware games.
For those truly struggling with parts of the game I would recommend the YouTube channel Tyrannicon, who offers helpful (and hilarious) guides on the best ways to “cheese” bosses.
Hopefully now you are more prepared for what lies in wait throughout the lands of feudal Japan, and are able to strike swiftly like a true shinobi.
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