Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Essential Tips for Beginners

From Software’s latest title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice provides a new take to the Souls style of difficult gameplay paired with a unique and well-developed world. Sekiro challenges From Software veterans with a unique and individual style of combat. The first entry in the series to possess the array of mobility options present in Sekiro, the game allows a player new and unique avenue to tackle given challenges. Sekiro roots its combat mechanics to the newly introduced posture mechanic, which is the lifeblood of dying and surviving combat encounters.

Even with its new mechanics in mind, Sekiro is still a From Software game and is still hyper difficult for new players to adjust to. With an action game feel not present in other titles produced by From Software, Sekiro is even faster and more challenging than any other titles under the company’s belt. The following guide will provide some essential tips and tricks to survive the death driven world of Sekiro. After implementing the given tricks, even a novice player will become a lethal and revered samurai in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. 

The Importance of Blocking in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Given the rapid mobility found within Sekiro, players will be more inclined to jump into combat situations and chop away at an enemy’s posture. While this may work for some players, the reality is that every enemy found in the game is more than equipped to kill you. So even though Sekiro prides itself on its action-adventure qualities, players should be cautious when facing a new enemy type.

How does a player implement a healthy balance of caution and aggression? It is simple when first fighting a new enemy type block its combo strings to see any attack pattern. This will give players a chance to understand what makes the new enemy dangerous and when to counter-attack. This level of knowledge is what separates a weak player from an excellent one.

However, be aware of your own posture bar as you implement this strategy, be ready to dodge at a moment’s notice in order to prevent any unnecessary damage. Being cautious when facing even the seemingly easiest threats will ensure a survival rate that is unmatched by aggressive players.

Learning How to Deflect in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Although blocking is an important way to maintain good defense, it is by far the least efficient method. A player who simply blocks all an enemy’s attacks will be in shock as they watch their posture drain to nothing and eat a large amount of damage. So mastering the art of deflecting is crucial to surviving.

Not only is deflecting a strong defensive technique it allows players to chip away at an enemy’s posture. Compared to simple hacking and slashing at an enemy’s guard, deflecting will reduce their posture by a considerable chunk. It is by far the most useful and efficient way to reduce posture in the game.

However, this is not an easy technique to learn. It will require some diligence and practice to truly grasp how to perform a deflect properly. But when mastered, the deflect technique is an unparalleled weapon to add to a Sekiro player’s arsenal.

Practicing Techniques in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

One of the key aspects of growing as a Sekiro player is practicing and mastering the array of techniques in the game. There is a multitude of different offensive and defensive abilities provided to players and mastering each one will develop even a novice player into a lethal samurai warrior.

So what is the best way to practice? Easily the best options are to utilize Hanbei the Undying found near the Dilapidated temple who will assist a player’s training. He provides Sekiro with a variety of training options in order to master a variety of techniques in the game. And as his name implies he makes a useful training partner, due to the fact he is immortal. Make use of Hanbei in order to learn and master deflect timing and any other assortment of moves that you struggle with. And watch as your samurai skills increase exponentially.

Avoiding Perilous Attacks in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Perilous attacks are extremely powerful moves performed by enemies that cannot be blocked. Labeled by a large red Kanji symbol these attacks come in three distinct variations: Stabs, Swings, and Grabs.

Stabs are the only Perilous attacks which can be deflected. These are generally long charging attacks in which an enemy rushes at you with an impaling style maneuver. Be sure to time your block carefully in order to deflect rather than attempt to block the move. If that is too hard to do simply sidestep the attack then counter when possible.

Swing attacks cannot be blocked nor deflected. These wide-swinging slashes can cover a large range of horizontal space and dish out a ton of damage. Thankfully these attacks can be jumped to avoid their high damage. Be sure to time the jump correctly or you will be struck by a powerful slash.

The final perilous attack to be wary of is the power grab style. The most famous of these grabs is the one possessed by the chained ogre mini-boss in which he launches players over the nearby cliffside causing instant death. These attacks cannot be blocked, jumped or deflected and require a precise dodging motion. If mistimed than players will eat the full force of the attack so be sure to memorize the correct timing to evade the powerful move.

Scouting the Area in Sekiros: Shadows Die Twice

One of the most important aspects of Sekiro is the ability to scout out a given area and look for enemies. This provides players with a general sense of understanding as to where enemies are and how to plan their route.

Be sure to make use of the powerful grappling hook ability to reach high places in a given area. This will provide players a perch to establish which areas are highly populated and where to avoid or approach first. This will give players a tactical advantage over any of the powerful enemy types found in Sekiro. 

Using this scouting philosophy will allow players to sneak up on powerful mini-boss characters and perform a sneak takedown on the enemy. This will halve the boss’s health and make the fight easier than normal. Giving even new players to Sekiro a massive tactical advantage over some of the most deadly enemies in the game.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.