Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice demands discipline, patience and sharp instincts. Its bosses are unforgiving, each requiring a unique approach. Below is a structured guide on how to defeat every major boss, using tactics that favour precision over brute force. This guide assumes you have a grasp of the core mechanics including deflecting, posture breaking and stealth.
Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa
Gyoubu charges into the fight on horseback, making him an intimidating presence early on. Use the Grappling Hook to stay close and avoid letting him reset.
Strategy:
- Grapple in as soon as he passes.
- Deflect his halberd strikes rather than dodging.
- Firecrackers briefly stagger his horse, allowing extra hits.
- Stay aggressive to build posture damage.
Lady Butterfly
A test of pure deflection and rhythm. Her illusions can overwhelm unprepared players.
Strategy:
- Focus on deflecting rather than dodging.
- In phase two, use Snap Seeds to dispel her illusions.
- Stay mid-range to bait out predictable combos.
- Use shuriken to interrupt her aerial attacks.
Genichiro Ashina
A milestone fight in terms of difficulty and pacing. Genichiro’s fast-paced, multi-phase encounter demands mastery of parries and spacing.
Strategy:
- Learn to deflect his bow shots and multi-hit combos.
- Stay close to prevent him from resetting.
- In the Lightning of Tomoe phase, jump and counter lightning mid-air to turn it against him.
Guardian Ape
An unpredictable and brutal opponent with two phases that contrast heavily.
Phase One:
- Bait his leaping slam and punish.
- Firecrackers help interrupt his wild combos.
- Stay behind him where possible.
Phase Two:
- After decapitation, he fights headless while wielding a sword.
- Deflect his wide swings and avoid Terror status by keeping distance during his scream.
- Divine Confetti boosts damage significantly.
Folding Screen Monkeys
A puzzle boss that rewards stealth over aggression.
Strategy:
- Each monkey represents a different sensory challenge.
- Use Gachiin’s Sugar to sneak.
- Shut the lights to trap the hearing monkey.
- Ring the bell to herd them into position.
Corrupted Monk (Illusion)
Faced at Mibu Village, this illusion version is easier than her real form.
Strategy:
- Aggression pays off. Attack between her combos.
- Use Divine Confetti for extra damage.
- Jump over wide sweeps instead of deflecting.
True Corrupted Monk
The real version at Fountainhead Palace has three health bars and a far more aggressive pattern.
Strategy:
- Deflect consistently and punish with quick strikes.
- Phase two introduces shadow clones. Use Snap Seeds.
- Final phase requires posture damage and baiting heavy swings.
Great Shinobi Owl
A deceptive and fast-paced fighter with delayed attacks and punishing throws.
Strategy:
- Stay close and deflect often.
- Watch for his poison and smoke bomb tactics.
- Use Antidote Powder for status build-up.
- Don’t be greedy with hits. Reset after each combo.
Owl (Father)
Much harder than the Ashina Castle version, found in Hirata Estate (Purification ending).
Strategy:
- Constant pressure is risky. Learn his timings.
- Mikiri Counter his lunges.
- Jump over firecrackers and punish behind him.
- Deflect his owl spirit attacks with timing.
Emma, the Gentle Blade & Isshin Ashina
Two back-to-back duels. Emma is precise, Isshin is punishing.
Emma:
- Keep close. Deflect and counter quickly.
- She leaves herself open after thrusts.
Isshin:
- Deflect flurries, especially during phase three.
- Use Mikiri Counter liberally.
- Patience is key. Back off during his fiery swipes.
Demon of Hatred
More akin to a Soulsborne boss than a Sekiro one. High damage and wide AoE attacks.
Strategy:
- Stay close to bait his stomp and punish from behind.
- Use pillars for protection in phase two.
- Firecrackers can interrupt some charges.
- Use Headless’ Spiritfall or Lazulite Axe for chip posture.
Sword Saint Isshin
The final test. Four phases, each more aggressive than the last.
Genichiro Phase:
- Treat it as a warm-up. Deflect and finish quickly.
Isshin Phases:
- Phase one: Classic sword duels. Stick close and deflect.
- Phase two: Gains a spear and gun. Mikiri Counter becomes vital.
- Phase three: Lightning attacks enter. Jump and return the favour with a lightning reversal.
- Keep posture pressure high. Damage takes a backseat to control.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Sekiro’s bosses are designed to teach rather than simply challenge. Learning to read animations, mastering timing and remaining calm under pressure will carry you further than any item or trick. Each fight rewards understanding over grinding. Once that lesson sinks in, no boss is truly unbeatable.
Keep your blade ready and your mind sharper. Sekiro rewards those who persist.
