Getting Started with Sekiro
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands apart from other FromSoftware titles with its emphasis on precision swordplay and posture-based combat. Set in a reimagined Sengoku-era Japan, the game demands quick reflexes, strategic aggression, and mastery of its unique mechanics. This guide provides key advice to help newcomers navigate its challenging early stages.
Core Combat Mechanics
Posture Over Health
Unlike traditional stamina systems, Sekiro revolves around posture management:
- Breaking an enemy’s posture enables a lethal deathblow
- Your own posture recovers faster when holding block
- Lowering an enemy’s health slows their posture recovery
Perfect Deflection is Essential
- Blocking at the last moment before an attack lands deflects it, dealing posture damage
- Successful deflections create openings for counterattacks
- Continuous deflection builds an enemy’s posture meter
Stealth as a Weapon
- Use tall grass and elevated positions to isolate enemies
- Stealth deathblows remove foes before engagements begin
- Breaking line of sight resets enemy awareness
Early Combat Training
Fundamental Techniques
- Visit Hanbei the Undying at the Dilapidated Temple to practice without penalty
- Learn enemy attack rhythms rather than button mashing
- Time deflects precisely rather than relying on dodges
Prosthetic Tool Usage
- Shuriken: Interrupts attacks and punishes airborne enemies
- Firecracker: Stuns beasts and creates attack openings
- Loaded Axe: Breaks shields and deals heavy posture damage
Skill Progression Priority
Essential Early Abilities
- Mikiri Counter (Shinobi Arts): Counters thrust attacks with massive posture damage
- Whirlwind Slash (Ashina Arts): Effective crowd control move
- Suppress Presence (Shinobi Arts): Enhances stealth effectiveness
Recommended Early Game Route
Optimal Progression Path
- Ashina Outskirts – Learn basic mechanics against standard enemies
- Hirata Estate (via Young Lord’s Bell Charm) – Acquire Flame Vent and extra Gourd Seed
- Defeat General Naomori Kawarada – First mini-boss to test fundamentals
- Gyoubu Oniwa – First major boss requiring mastered deflection
If an area feels overwhelming, explore elsewhere before returning.
Boss Fight Strategy
Effective Approaches
- Study attack patterns before committing to counters
- Use appropriate consumables: Ako’s Sugar boosts attack, Divine Confetti helps against apparitions
- Remain calm – most bosses have predictable phases
When Stuck
- Revisit earlier areas to collect missed upgrades
- Farm experience to unlock crucial skills
- Experiment with different prosthetic tools
Character Advancement
Key Upgrades
- Prayer Beads (from mini-bosses): Increase health and posture at Sculptor’s Idols
- Gourd Seeds: Expand healing capacity when given to Emma
- Esoteric Texts: Unlock new skill trees through story progression
Thorough exploration reveals many hidden upgrades.
Survival Tips
Resource Management
- Use consumables rather than hoarding them
- Purchase coin purses to protect sen from loss on death
- Farm backup resources in safer areas when needed
Alternative Tactics
- Disengage from losing battles to reset encounters
- Use grappling hooks to reposition during fights
- Bait enemies into isolated confrontations
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Ineffective Habits
- Excessive dodging (less effective than in Souls games)
- Ignoring posture mechanics in favor of health damage
- Rushing into areas without proper preparation
Sekiro requires adapting to its specific combat philosophy rather than applying techniques from other action games.
Sekiro’s difficulty stems from its demand for precision and adaptation. Each defeat provides an opportunity to refine techniques and strategies. With persistence and proper application of these fundamentals, even the most daunting challenges become conquerable. The game rewards mastery like few others – stay focused, learn from mistakes, and the path to victory will become clear.
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