Return to Ashina Castle: The Climax

Conquer the final ascent of Ashina Castle in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This guide details strategies and tips for the challenging climax, ensuring you overcome the final obstacles.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weakness: Fire (can be exploited with Flame Vent and Living Force)
• Weakness: Mikiri Counter (effective against thrust attacks)
• Weakness: Jump counter (effective against sweep attacks)
• Resistances: None significant

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Genichiro, Way of Tomoe - Focus on deflecting his combos and punishing openings. Use Mikiri Counter for his thrusts and jump over his sweeps.
2. Phase 2: Way of Tomoe (empowered) - Genichiro gains new lightning attacks. Dodge sideways to avoid them, then counter-attack when he's recovering. Continue to use Mikiri Counter and jump counters.
3. Phase 3: Emma, the Gentle Blade - Emma is faster and more aggressive. Focus on parrying her rapid attacks and creating small openings for counter-hits.
4. Phase 4: Isshin, the Sword Saint - The true final boss. Isshin has multiple phases with varied movesets. Learn his attack patterns, take advantage of deflects, and exploit openings. His lightning attacks in the final phase are particularly dangerous; dodge them and counter.

Strategy:

• Get a handle on the deflection system to counter most of Isshin's attacks.
• Use the Mikiri Counter for all thrust attacks.
• Dodge or jump over sweep attacks.
• When Isshin uses lightning attacks, jump into the air and ride the lightning to the ground, then unleash a counter-attack.
• Manage your Posture and Vitality. Use healing items strategically during safe openings.
• Be patient and learn each phase's patterns. Don't get greedy with attacks.
• Prosthetic tools like the Loaded Umbrella can offer defensive advantages, especially against Isshin's relentless combos.