Sekiro is a game with its fair share of challenge, some have called for an easy mode. I don’t think it needs one. With this being said, if you’ve picked up the game and are struggling here are some tips to help you go from struggling to a Shinobi of legend.
- First up on the docket is blocking, or more specifically parrying. In Miyazaki’s previous games parrying was one style of play that you could opt into. In Sekiro, to truly take advantage of the posture system you are going to want to parry whenever it is safe to do so. There are also some latent skills you can get from the Ashina Tome, to increase how much posture damage you do should you successfully parry. This style comes with its own risks, but once practised can make foes their own worst enemies.
- Don’t be greedy. I can’t stress this piece of advice enough. I’ve died more times than I can count trying to push that posture bar over the edge so I can win, or perform a deathblow. It’s better to wait a few extra seconds, make sure you dodge the next attack thrown your way and then respond accordingly. Posture does not decrease immediately and with the damage bosses and normal mobs can deal, it’s not worth tanking the hits. Control the battle, desperate hacking is the kind of thing that bosses will turn against you.
- Spend your Sen. Whilst dying doesn’t potentially cost you everything, every death will cost you half of the sen you have on your person at that time. (instances of Unseen Aid excluded.) This is the easiest way to make sure that you are topped up on spirit emblems, so my advice would be to make sure that you spend these regularly unless you are saving for a specific item. Prosthetic tools are useful and fighting without them can give you headaches. From experience you want a stockpile for bosses, some of them will kick your ass and it pays to be prepared.
- Â Take your time to explore. The levels are sprawling both vertically and horizontally. Successfully clearing an area doesn’t mean you found the best way through. Clear areas multiple times, looking for paths and items. It wont just make your current playthrough easier, but will help you traverse any future playthroughs.
- The fifth piece of advice I have for you is this. You will die, accept it, learn from it, progress. This has been important with all games in the ‘soulsborne’ universe but they allowed you experiment with weapons and armour. Sekiro is not so kind. You get good at playing the way the game wants you to, or you don’t progress. If you get frustrated with the game then this game will be soul crushing, but with some patience, analysis and a willingness to work with the game, you will prevail.
Let me know if any of these tips help you on your adventures! If you have any further tips please put them in the comments below.
If you’d like to watch me learning the game, perhaps see some of it for yourself, come check out my stream! I live stream most days and you can bet Sekiro is currently at the top of my list!
https://www.twitch.tv/shieldbroski
Hugh Mccormick 