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Kusabimaru
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Kusabimaru

Unlock the full potential of your Kusabimaru katana in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Learn combat techniques, upgrade paths, and boss strategies to become a true shinobi.

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Unlock the full potential of your Kusabimaru katana in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Learn combat techniques, upgrade paths, and boss strategies to become a true shinobi.

Hey there! So you're diving into Sekiro and wondering about your trusty blade, Kusabimaru? It's your primary weapon, and while it might seem straightforward, there's a lot you can do with it to really master combat. Think of this not just as a sword, but as an extension of your own shinobi skills.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Your Starting Point: Ashina Castle Gatefront. As soon as you gain control of Wolf, Kusabimaru is equipped. Your first goal is to learn the basics of combat. Enemies here are relatively weak, so practice your attacks and, more importantly, your deflections.
  2. 2
    Mastering Deflection: The core of Kusabimaru's effectiveness lies in its ability to parry. When an enemy attacks, press the attack button just as their weapon is about to hit you. A successful deflection will stagger them and chip away at their Posture. Keep deflecting until their Posture bar is full, then unleash a Deathblow. Don't just spam the button; timing is key!
  3. 3
    Combat Arts: As you progress, you'll learn Combat Arts. These are special moves that consume Spirit Emblems but offer powerful offensive options. For example, the 'Whirlwind Slash' is great for hitting multiple enemies, while 'Ichimonji' can deal significant Posture damage to a single foe. You can switch between learned Combat Arts at Sculptor's Idols.
  4. 4
    Prosthetic Tools: While not directly part of Kusabimaru, your Prosthetic Tools complement its use. The Shinobi Axe can break enemy guards, and the Firecrackers can stun them, creating openings for Kusabimaru to strike.
  5. 5
    Upgrading Your Blade: Kusabimaru itself doesn't get 'upgraded' in the traditional sense with materials. Instead, your overall combat effectiveness is increased by finding Prayer Beads. Collecting four Prayer Beads allows you to increase your Vitality and Posture at a Sculptor's Idol. Higher Vitality means you can take more hits, and higher Posture means your own Posture recovers faster, letting you deflect more aggressively.
  6. 6
    Boss Fights: Against tougher enemies, like the first major boss, Genichiro Ashina, Kusabimaru's deflection and posture-breaking capabilities are crucial. Learn their attack patterns. Deflect their combos, dodge their unblockable grabs and sweeps (indicated by a red 'danger' symbol), and punish them when they overextend.
Tips
  • Don't be afraid to be aggressive with deflections. The game rewards well-timed parries.
  • Experiment with different Combat Arts to find what suits your playstyle and the situation.
  • Always keep an eye on your Posture bar. If it's getting high, back off and hold the block button to recover faster.
  • Use your Prosthetic Tools strategically to create openings for Kusabimaru.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you fight, the better you'll get at reading enemy movements and timing your deflections.

Mastering Kusabimaru and its associated combat techniques will allow you to overcome even the most challenging foes in Sekiro, leading you closer to achieving the game's various endings and unlocking all achievements.

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