How to Beat Genichiro Ashina (Ashina Castle)

Master the Genichiro Ashina boss fight in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Learn his attack patterns, weaknesses, and the best strategies to defeat him in Ashina Castle.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weaknesses: Fire (limited effectiveness), Lightning (Phase 3), Stance damage.
• Resistances: Most status effects.
• Posture: High, recovers quickly.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Sword & Bow
   Genichiro utilizes a mix of swift sword attacks and bow shots. He often jumps into the air for a powerful downward slash or a volley of arrows.
2. Phase 2: Enhanced Sword & Bow
   Similar to Phase 1, but Genichiro becomes more aggressive, chaining attacks more frequently and adding new perilous moves like a sweeping attack and a thrust.
3. Phase 3: Way of Tomoe
   Genichiro sheds his armor and uses lightning attacks. He gains a devastating lightning-infused jump attack and continues his aggressive swordplay.

Strategy:

• General: Focus on deflecting his attacks to build his Posture. Mikiri Counter is essential for his perilous thrust attacks. Dodge his sweeping attacks.
• Phase 1 & 2: Stay aggressive but controlled. Deflect his combos, Mikiri Counter his thrusts, and dodge his sweeps. Punish openings after his combos, especially after his jump attacks. Use the Loaded Axe or Firecrackers for brief stuns if needed.
• Phase 3: The key here is the Lightning Reversal. When he jumps and charges lightning, jump into the air yourself. As the lightning is about to hit you, press the attack button to redirect it back at him, stunning him for significant damage. Be prepared to dodge his subsequent attacks.