How to Beat Isshin, the Sword Saint

Master the final boss, Isshin, the Sword Saint, in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Learn strategies, weaknesses, and phase breakdowns to achieve victory and complete your journey.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Weaknesses: Firecrackers (brief stun), Mist Raven (evasion), Mikiri Counter (spear thrusts).
• Resistances: Most status effects.
• Posture: High, but breakable with consistent pressure and perfect deflections.
• Vitality: High, requiring multiple Deathblows.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sword Only) - Isshin uses a single katana with swift, powerful combos. Focus on deflecting his sword strikes and using the Mikiri Counter for his perilous thrust attacks. Dodge his sweeps.
2. Phase 2: Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sword and Spear) - Isshin draws a spear and adds sweeping, long-reaching attacks to his repertoire. His perilous attacks now include sweeps and thrusts. Continue deflecting and use the Mikiri Counter for thrusts. Dodge or jump over sweeps.
3. Phase 3: Isshin, the Sword Saint (Sword, Spear, and Gun) - Isshin adds a firearm to his arsenal, firing shots between his spear and sword attacks. He also gains a powerful lightning attack. Dodge the gunshots, deflect the sword and spear, and use the Lightning Reversal skill to turn his lightning attacks against him.
4. Phase 4: Genichiro, Way of Tomoe - After defeating Isshin, you must face a final, empowered version of Genichiro. He uses a mix of his previous attacks and introduces a perilous grab. Stay aggressive, deflect his combos, and punish openings.

Strategy:

• Master Deflection: This is crucial for all phases. Perfect deflections build Isshin's posture quickly and open him up for counter-attacks.
• Utilize Mikiri Counter: Essential for punishing his perilous thrust attacks, especially with the spear.
• Manage Posture: Don't let your own posture break. Hold block when safe to recover posture faster.
• Punish Openings: Attack after successfully deflecting a combo or countering a perilous move.
• Use Combat Arts: Skills like Ichimonji Double can deal significant posture damage.
• Item Usage: Use Healing Gourds sparingly. Consider using Pellets for chip healing.
• Adapt to Phases: Each phase introduces new challenges. Learn the timings and patterns for each of Isshin's forms.
• Lightning Reversal: In Phase 3, jumping into the air and attacking while lightning is about to strike will reverse it, dealing massive damage and stunning him.
• Stay Calm: Isshin is a difficult boss. Patience and focus are key to victory.