Enemy Weaknesses & Resistances (Non-Boss)

Discover enemy weaknesses and resistances in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Learn how to exploit enemy vulnerabilities to overcome tough non-boss encounters and gain the upper hand.

Hey there, Shinobi! As you make your way through Ashina, you'll run into all sorts of foes. While Sekiro doesn't have a traditional elemental weakness system like some other games, understanding how enemies react to certain attacks and tools can make a big difference. Think of it less as 'fire does more damage' and more about 'this enemy hates being staggered' or 'this tool is perfect for interrupting that move.'

While this guide focuses on non-boss enemies, keep in mind that bosses often have unique mechanics that might make them more or less susceptible to certain tactics. For the regular grunts, though, here's what you should generally keep in mind:

General Enemy Behavior & Weaknesses

• Posture is Key: Most enemies in Sekiro can be broken down by attacking their Posture. Focus on deflecting their attacks to build up their Posture gauge, and then land a Deathblow when it's full. This is your bread and butter for most encounters.
• Aggression Punishes: Many enemies will become more aggressive when you're overly reliant on just blocking or running away. Staying on the offensive and deflecting their attacks is usually the best way to keep them in check.
• Prosthetic Tools are Your Friends: Don't forget about your Shinobi Prosthetic! Tools like the Firecrackers can stun many enemies, giving you an opening. The Loaded Axe can deal significant Posture damage, and the Shuriken can interrupt certain actions or close gaps. Experiment to see what works best for each enemy type.
• Combat Arts Matter: Certain Combat Arts can be very effective. For instance, Whirlwind Slash is great for hitting multiple enemies or dealing chip damage to a single foe's Posture. Ichimonji and Ichimonji: Double are fantastic for recovering your own Posture while dealing damage to the enemy's.
• Environmental Hazards: Sometimes, the environment itself can be a weapon. Luring enemies near ledges can lead to them falling off, or using obstacles to break line of sight can help you reposition or heal.

Specific Enemy Types (General Trends)

While there aren't strict elemental weaknesses, some enemy types tend to have general vulnerabilities:

• Foot Soldiers & Ashigaru: These are your standard fodder. They are susceptible to quick combos and Posture damage. Be wary of their formations and try to isolate them.
• Shielded Enemies: Enemies with shields (like the ones found in the Ashina Castle area) can be tricky. Deflecting their shield bash is crucial, and then a well-timed jump kick or a charged Ichimonji can break their guard. The Loaded Axe can also be effective against shields.
• Spear Users: These guys have long reach. Deflecting their thrusts is key, and you can often Mikiri Counter their perilous thrust attacks for massive Posture damage. Be careful not to get caught by their sweeps.
• Gunmen: While their bullets can be deflected, they can chip away at your Posture. Using cover or closing the distance quickly is often best. The Loaded Umbrella can be useful here if you have it.
• Monkeys (e.g., in Senpou Temple): These agile foes can be hard to hit. The Loaded Shuriken can often catch them mid-air, interrupting their attacks and giving you an opening.

Important Note on Materials

You might notice items like the Mechanical Barrel, Flame Barrel, or Gyoubu's Broken Horn. These aren't used for direct combat weaknesses but are crucial Upgrade Materials for your Prosthetic Tools. For example, the Mechanical Barrel, dropped by Gyoubu Oniwa in Ashina Outskirts, is needed to unlock Prosthetic Tool Upgrades with the Sculptor at the Dilapidated Temple. Always make sure you're giving these to the Sculptor when you find them!

Keep practicing your deflections and learning enemy patterns, and you'll be cutting down foes like a true Shinobi in no time!