Whether you're a returning veteran or a seasoned new player, I have a few tips to keep in mind. These are fierce fights, and after eight hours of playing the game (and replaying the original, just to remind myself how different this new one is), I think I can offer you some spoiler-free advice to make your life easier one. little.
I highly recommend going through the full tutorial at the start of the game. When interacting with the glowing light, you'll be able to launch tutorial menus that don't appear normally - get all the in-depth info you can. In many ways this game is actually a lot more complicated than your standard Dark Souls, so understanding the many layered systems is extremely important.
#1: The blocking is incredibly good. unlike,, or, blocking is a very useful skill. Better to block constantly. When you block, you block from all directions - and you will absorb 100% of the damage unless you run out of stamina (ki). Dodging is always important, but against most enemies blocking is a very good strategy.
# 2: The only exception is Unblockable Burst attacks. Elite enemies glow red and attempt a burst attack; use a burst counter to stun them and deal extreme damage to Anima. The best way to fight tough enemies is to unleash blazing attacks, counter, and then use a Hookshot / Finishing Strike.
# 3: Killing special enemies will unlock their spiritual core. This gives you a magical attack - these usually deal bonus anima damage or drain stamina / ki on human enemies, but there are a lot of different Spirit Cores you'll find on your journey. That's why you'll want to hunt any special demons you meet! You could get a single core.
# 4: Spirit Guardian's abilities like Burst Counter and Demon Enki's Spear Throw don't just damage the anima - they damage your opponent's maximum animeter. It's incredibly useful for extremely tough opponents. You can crop them with pawns and magic attacks, then go kill.
# 5: Equipping better equipment is important, but making sure that you are not overloaded with the weight of the equipment is even more important. There is an easy way to tell if you are putting on too much weight. If the gear weight stats menu is green, you can equip it and keep your maximum movement speed. Green is good. Yellow is bad.
# 6: You don't have to kill all the demons you meet. The giant bull demon in the cursed village is completely optional. Usually, you can make your life easier by facing off against these titanic threats - they will (for the most part) remain dead forever. But, you can save them for later.
#seven: You will also find red ghosts in areas marked with a glowing Cursed Sword when online. Interact to summon the ghost - these are tough opponents who are more likely to lose quality loot. Once you've unlocked a shortcut, give these guys a try. They are completely optional and appear where players have died.
# 8: The more you die, the more blue lights will appear. These are "Benevolent Tombs," and they cost special items that cost Ochoku Cups to activate. Benevolent Tombs allow you to summon friendly AI partners. If you're struggling and just need to get to the next shortcut / shrine, then these are pretty handy.
# 9: Yokai Realms are strange black / white circles that demons will appear as you fight. These "realms" allow demons to recharge their anima. Purifying a Yokai kingdom is not only useful in combat, it also replenishes your anima. You will need as much of this purple meter as possible.
#ten: Use Ki Pulse in a Dark Realm - here your Ki recharges ridiculously slowly, and Yokai Realms will actively drain your Ki. To wipe out a dark realm, defeat the great enemy in a strange haze. These guys will stay dead and not come back if you return to a shrine. An enemy that appears like a mist? They're gone for good once you take them out.
# 11: Before a battle against a big boss, fight the enemies to recharge your Yokai Shift meter. It's an incredibly powerful rage mode that makes you temporarily invulnerable. Great for beating overwhelming opponents or just getting through areas you struggle with. You can always farm enemies to recharge it when you need it most.
# 12: And finally… don't forget to save! The game does not automatically save your progress like Dark Souls or other FromSoft action RPGs.
