In this guide to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice , is listed a series of tricks and tips to help you master the game mechanics. The game mechanics have changed compared to what From Software had accustomed us to, but the difficulty remains more or less the same. Combat and exploration will be the two fundamental points of Sekiro, but you have to follow some very special guidelines if you want to get out of feudal Japan unscathed.
Sekiro Guide | Tips and tricks
Strategies for Combat
Don't jump into the fray
The stealth mechanics of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are new to FromSoftware games. You can sneak into almost any place and stealth mode is activated by pressing the left analog stick. Stealth has two main uses: sneak past your opponents (useful if you don't want to engage in combat) and attack enemies by surprise. The game usually offers freedom in the choice of attack method: you can, for example, sneak up on your opponent from behind and stab him with a katana, attack from above or push him over a precipice.
Normal enemies die after a surprise attack (as long as they are completely unaware of your presence). Unfortunately, this does not apply to all enemies. Stronger opponents and bosses can survive a surprise attack. If the enemy is highlighted by a single red dot, a single attack will kill them. If there are more than these points, then the opponent will be weakened, but will not die. For stronger enemies, the red dots appear in the top left corner of the screen (next to the enemy's name). Always use surprise attacks - even if the enemy doesn't die immediately, as killing them will be easier if they are weakened.
Parrying attacks is vital in combat
Each battle in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice should be approached differently depending on your style of play, but there is one basic rule to know: Parry attacks is the key to success. This is especially true in fights against bosses, but it also applies to fights with common enemies.
To parry an attack, press the Parry button (L1 / LB) just before the attack reaches your character. The margin of error is small, so it's a good idea to practice with weaker opponents. Each correct parry will be signaled by a flash of the collision weapons.
Unbalance the enemy
Carrying attacks with the katana and parry the blows gradually fills the enemy's posture bar, which is displayed at the top of the screen. This information is vital. You should always try to fill this bar, as once done it will stagger the enemy. This is a perfect opportunity to bring a final attack to the enemy. The enemy can die immediately or lose one of the red dots displayed next to his name (only the loss of all red dots means the attack is actually lethal).
Filling the Posture Bar also works for us, which means that it also applies to the protagonist who can be unbalanced. In our case, it fills up due to failed parries or inaccurate attacks that don't hit the opponent. One way to reduce the risk is to dodge sideways, allowing the protagonist to catch his breath.
Some attacks cannot be blocked or parried
The main character is able to parry the attacks of most enemies, including powerful bosses. The exceptions are, fortunately, indicated by the game. A red symbol on the screen, which appears in conjunction with an attack, means that this cannot be blocked or parried. To avoid damage, you have to jump or dodge (depending on the type of enemy attack). Always be alert and watch the signals the game sends you so as not to lose your health.
Sekiro has no resistance bar
This makes things much easier, allowing you to concentrate completely on the posture bar. You can carry attacks and dodge without any restrictions, as the protagonist will not become 'tired' at any point in the game. However, it is worth noting at this point that this does not apply to the parry. As already mentioned, some shots cannot be stopped in any way.
Advice for Exploration
Make good use of the grappling hook
The grappling hook is one of the most useful gadgets in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice . It has two important uses. The first is to reach inaccessible places, for example roofs or plateaus. You have to keep two things in mind. First, you cannot use the grappling hook without any restrictions. You can only use it when a green marker appears on the edge of the surface you want to climb. Secondly, on reaching the selected location, you should be very careful and avoid falling. The damage from falling is considerable. If you are lucky you won't die, but the health bar may be decimated.
The second use of the grappling hook is for combat. You can use it to pull enemies. This is very useful when you want to shorten the distance quickly or unbalance them.
You must not return to the bonfire after death
The mechanism to resume the game after the protagonist's death changes in Sekiro compared to Dark Souls or Bloodborne. After death, you can return to the last checkpoint, but that's only one possibility. Alternatively, you can instantly resurrect the hero and resume the fight. In addition, the hero reaches a ghost dimension, which allows the player to generate the hero in a different place from where he met his death, so you have a better chance to surprise the enemy.
Important: Only the first resurrection is "free". To upgrade this ability, you must first defeat a few enemies.
Take advantage of enemies' weaknesses
Every combat situation Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is challenging, especially if you encounter a strong boss. Fortunately, some opponents have unique weaknesses that can be used to ensure an easier victory. Take a close look at each new enemy before a fight, as well as during the fight. In many cases, the different gadgets, prosthetics, available will be useful. Here are some examples of their application:
- Using the fire prosthesis to attack ogres. The weakness of orcs is the fire element, which leaves the monsters helpless for some time.
- Use the prosthetic axe to destroy the shields. This makes it much easier to weaken enemies who use shields.
The use of gadgets is limited
Gadgets installed as prostheses can help you eliminate opponents, but their use is not unlimited, unfortunately. Any use of the gadgets consumes the Spirit Emblems.
Use tools especially when they can help you weaken the enemy, or expose them to regular attacks. Spirit Emblems can be plundered by defeated enemies, found in the world, or purchased from the Sculptor's Idol.
Things to do absolutely
In Sekiro you can't help but take certain actions to enhance and improve your abilities, otherwise death will strike you over and over again.
Expand your health canteen
The canteen of health allows you to heal from wounds, but its use, of course, is limited. To fill it, you must go to one of the temples in the scenarios and pray. It is essential, however, to increase its capacity: to do so, you must find the pumpkin seeds and bring them to the Temple, to the girl at the entrance. In doing so, you will be able to use the canteen of health several times.
Strengthen life and unlock abilities
To unlock new abilities, you must get PA, which is points that are released when you kill enemies. These are full-fledged experience points that go to fill a bar. When the bar is full, you will be awarded a PA, a skill point that you can spend to acquire new skills. Instead, to boost your health, you need to get the Grains. These are drugged by mini-bosses. Once you have collected 4 Grains, go to a small temple and upgrade.
Using the bosses' memories
Bosses' memories are acquired after killing them. Their memories enhance your attack power. You can also use them by going to the Sculptor's Idol.
That's what you need to know in order to face the best Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and come out victorious from most fights.
