Guardian Ape

Struggling with the Guardian Ape in Sekiro? This guide breaks down its phases, weaknesses, and provides a winning strategy to help you overcome this challenging boss.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Guardian Ape: Weak to Fire and Centipedes (when it sheds its head). Its perilous attacks include sweeps and grabs.
• Headless Ape: Weak to Perilous Attacks (when it stands on all fours). Its perilous attacks include sweeps, stabs, and a terrifying scream.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: The Guardian Ape
   The Ape will use a mix of physical attacks, including wide sweeps with its arms and a terrifying grab attack. It can also spit poison. Stay mobile and dodge its attacks. When it rears up on its hind legs, it's often preparing for a powerful slam or a sweep. Use the environment to your advantage to create openings. When it falls to the ground, it's vulnerable to a few hits.
2. Phase 2: The Headless Ape
   After a visceral attack, the Ape will rip its own head off and continue fighting. This phase is more frantic. The headless ape will use a massive sword and a terrifying scream that can inflict terror. Dodge its sword attacks and watch out for the scream. When it falls to the ground and starts crawling, it's vulnerable to a few hits. The centipede weakness becomes apparent here.

Strategy:

• Phase 1: Keep your distance when it's standing, but close in when it attacks and falls. Use the Loaded Axe to deal significant posture damage when it's recovering from its slams. Be ready to dodge its grab. If it spits poison, create distance immediately.
• Phase 2: This phase is all about survival and finding openings. Dodge its wide sword swings and be prepared to sprint away from the terror scream. When it crawls on the ground, get in a few hits. The Firecrackers prosthetic tool can stun it briefly, giving you a chance to attack. If you have the Loaded Spear, you can use it to pull out the centipede and deal extra damage.