Corrupted Monk (Illusory)

Master the Corrupted Monk (Illusory) boss fight in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Learn strategies, weaknesses, and tips to overcome this challenging encounter and progress your journey.

Hey there! So, you've made it to the Corrupted Monk, huh? This fight can feel a bit tricky, especially since it's an illusory version. Don't worry, I've got your back. We'll get through this!

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Boss: Corrupted Monk (Illusory)
• Location: Mibu Village, Ashina Depths
• Weaknesses: Firecrackers, Mist Raven (for repositioning), generally susceptible to aggressive offense once you learn its patterns.
• Posture: High, but breakable with consistent pressure.
• Vitality: Moderate.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: The Monk appears with a large spear and uses sweeping attacks, thrusts, and a few area-of-effect (AoE) moves. It's important to stay relatively close to bait out its melee attacks, which are easier to dodge and punish than its ranged or AoE ones. Watch out for its perilous thrust attack, which can be countered with a Mikiri Counter.
2. Phase 2: The Monk gains a few new moves, including a dangerous grab attack and more aggressive combos. It also starts using its parasol to deflect some of your attacks, so timing your strikes is crucial. Keep an eye on its posture and don't let it recover too much.
3. Phase 3: This is the final phase, and the Monk becomes even more aggressive. It will use its full arsenal of attacks, including a flurry of rapid strikes and a powerful downward slam. The key here is to stay calm, focus on deflecting and dodging, and look for the small windows of opportunity to strike back.

Strategy:

• Learn the tells: Each of the Monk's attacks has a distinct wind-up. Pay close attention to these tells to know whether to dodge, deflect, or Mikiri Counter.
• Manage your distance: Staying too far away can make you vulnerable to its sweeping attacks and projectiles, while staying too close can get you caught in rapid combos. Find a comfortable medium.
• Punish openings: After the Monk finishes a combo or a major attack, there's usually a brief window where you can get a few hits in. Don't overcommit; just get a couple of hits and be ready to defend again.
• Use your Prosthetics: Firecrackers can stun the Monk briefly, giving you a chance to land some hits. The Mist Raven can be useful for dodging its more dangerous attacks and repositioning yourself.
• Don't forget the Mikiri Counter: The Monk has a perilous thrust attack that is perfect for a Mikiri Counter. Landing these will significantly damage its posture.
• Stay aggressive but smart: While you want to pressure its posture, don't just mash the attack button. Wait for your openings and strike with purpose.

This fight is as much about learning the rhythm as it is about skill. Take your time, observe its movements, and you'll beat it. You got this!