Hey guys! So, you've made it to the final showdown in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That's awesome! But now you're facing the ultimate test: the final boss. This fight is intense, demanding not just skill but precision, especially when it comes to perfect parries. Don't worry, though. This guide will break down how to master those parries and claim your victory. Let's dive in!

Understanding the Final Boss

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of parrying, let's talk about who you're up against. Knowing your enemy is half the battle, right? The final boss in Sekiro is a formidable opponent with multiple phases, each testing different aspects of your combat abilities. Understanding their attack patterns and weaknesses is crucial for survival. This boss isn't just about brute force; it requires a strategic approach, blending aggression with carefully timed defenses. You'll need to recognize the subtle tells before each attack, allowing you to react accordingly. Some attacks are easily parried, while others require dodging or jumping. The key is to identify which is which. Also, be mindful of the perilous attacks that can't be blocked and must be avoided at all costs. Mastering the Mikiri Counter is also essential, as it can lead to significant posture damage. And don't forget about using your prosthetic tools effectively. Firecrackers can create openings, while the Loaded Axe can break through certain defenses. Remember, every tool in your arsenal is there to help you succeed. Stay patient, observe closely, and adapt your strategy as the fight progresses. With the right mindset and preparation, you'll be well on your way to defeating this challenging foe and claiming your hard-earned victory. Remember, the final boss is designed to test everything you've learned throughout your journey. So trust your instincts, stay focused, and never give up. You've got this!

Attack Patterns

The final boss has a diverse range of attacks, some of which are faster and more telegraphed than others. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to perfecting your parries. Pay close attention to the boss's stance, weapon movements, and any visual cues that indicate an incoming attack. Some attacks are simple sword swings that are relatively easy to deflect, while others are more complex combos that require precise timing. Also, be aware of the perilous attacks, indicated by the red kanji symbol, which cannot be blocked and must be avoided by jumping, dodging, or Mikiri Countering. Each phase of the fight introduces new attack patterns, so it's crucial to adapt your strategy accordingly. In the later phases, the boss may incorporate elemental attacks, such as lightning, which can be both damaging and disorienting. Mastering the lightning reversal technique is essential for turning these attacks against the boss. Furthermore, the boss's posture recovery rate is quite high, so you need to be aggressive in your attacks to break their guard. Use your prosthetic tools strategically to create openings and disrupt their attack patterns. Experiment with different combinations of attacks and deflects to find what works best for you. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you struggle at first. Keep learning the boss's moveset and refining your parrying skills, and eventually, you'll be able to anticipate their attacks and respond accordingly.

Weaknesses

Even the toughest boss has weaknesses, and the final boss in Sekiro is no exception. While brute force alone won't win you this fight, exploiting certain openings and vulnerabilities can significantly increase your chances of success. One key weakness is their posture. By deflecting their attacks and landing well-timed blows, you can gradually fill their posture meter, eventually leading to a critical posture break. This is your opportunity to unleash a powerful attack and deal significant damage. Another weakness lies in their susceptibility to certain prosthetic tools. Firecrackers can stagger them, creating an opening for attack, while the Loaded Axe can break through their guard and expose them to damage. Furthermore, the boss's reliance on certain attacks can be exploited. For example, if they frequently use a perilous attack, you can anticipate it and prepare to Mikiri Counter or jump away accordingly. In the later phases, the boss may become vulnerable to elemental attacks, such as fire or lightning. Use these elements to your advantage to inflict additional damage and disrupt their attack patterns. Remember, the key to exploiting these weaknesses is observation and adaptation. Pay close attention to the boss's behavior and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to uncover their vulnerabilities and turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Perfect Parrying: The Basics

Okay, let's get down to the bread and butter of this guide: perfect parrying. In Sekiro, a perfect parry (or deflect) isn't just blocking; it's about timing your block right as the enemy's attack lands. This not only negates damage but also significantly fills the enemy's posture bar, making them vulnerable to a finishing blow. But how do you do it consistently?

Timing is Everything

The secret to perfect parrying is all in the timing. Instead of holding down the block button, you want to tap it just as the enemy's attack is about to hit you. It's a tight window, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it. Think of it like a rhythm game – you're hitting the block button in sync with the enemy's attack.

Visual Cues

Pay close attention to the enemy's movements. Look for the wind-up of their attacks, the glint of their weapon, or any other visual cues that indicate when they're about to strike. These cues will help you anticipate their attacks and time your parries accordingly. Don't rely solely on reaction time; try to predict when the attack is coming based on these visual cues.

Sound Cues

Sound is also your friend in Sekiro. The clink of metal on metal is a clear indicator of a successful parry. Use this audio feedback to refine your timing. If you hear a dull thud instead of a clink, you're either blocking too early or too late. Adjust your timing accordingly.

Specific Parry Strategies for the Final Boss

Alright, now let's get specific. Here are some tips for parrying specific attacks from the final boss. Remember, these are just guidelines. You'll need to adapt based on the situation and the boss's current phase.

Phase 1: Sword Saint

In the first phase, the boss primarily uses sword attacks. Many of these can be perfectly parried, but be wary of his thrust attacks, which require a Mikiri Counter. Also, watch out for his sweep attacks, which you'll need to jump over. A good strategy is to stay aggressive, deflecting his attacks and then countering with your own. Be mindful of his posture, and try to break it to land a critical hit.

Phase 2: Spear and Gun

This phase introduces new challenges with the boss wielding a spear and gun. The spear attacks can be parried, but the timing is a bit different than the sword attacks. The gunshots cannot be blocked and must be dodged. A good strategy is to stay mobile, dodging the gunshots and then closing in to parry the spear attacks. Be ready to Mikiri Counter his thrust attacks, which he uses frequently in this phase.

Phase 3: Lightning

The final phase is all about lightning. The boss will imbue his sword with lightning and unleash powerful attacks. The key to this phase is the lightning reversal technique. When the boss jumps in the air to unleash a lightning attack, jump and get hit by the lightning, then immediately attack to redirect the lightning back at him. This will deal massive damage and stun him, creating an opening for attack. If you miss the timing, you'll take a lot of damage, so practice this technique until you're comfortable with it.

General Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your parrying and defeat the final boss:

• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice parrying, the better you'll become. Head back to earlier areas and practice on weaker enemies to hone your skills.
• Use the Training Dummy: The Undying Training Dummy at the Dilapidated Temple is a great way to practice your parrying skills without any risk.
• Don't Be Afraid to Die: You're going to die a lot in Sekiro, especially against the final boss. Don't get discouraged. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
• Stay Calm: Panicking will only make things worse. Stay calm, focus on the boss's attack patterns, and time your parries accordingly.
• Use Items Wisely: Don't forget to use your healing items, resurrection, and other tools to your advantage.

Conclusion

Defeating the final boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a challenging but rewarding experience. By mastering the art of perfect parrying and understanding the boss's attack patterns, you can overcome this difficult encounter and claim your victory. So, get out there, practice your parries, and show that boss who's boss! You got this!