General Naomori Kawarada

Learn how to defeat General Naomori Kawarada in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice with this expert guide. Get tips on his weaknesses, attack patterns, and the best strategies to overcome this challenging boss.

Alright, let's talk about General Naomori Kawarada. He's one of those early-game bosses that can really throw you for a loop if you're not prepared. Think of him as a gatekeeper, testing if you've really grasped the core combat mechanics Sekiro throws at you. Don't worry, though – with the right approach, he's totally manageable.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Posture: High (like most samurai)
• Vitality: Moderate
• Weaknesses: Vulnerable to aggressive play, deflects, and the Mikiri Counter. He doesn't have any specific elemental weaknesses to exploit.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Kawarada uses a mix of sword slashes and a perilous thrust attack. He's relatively straightforward here, focusing on testing your parry timing.
2. Phase 2: Kawarada becomes slightly more aggressive, and his combos might have an extra hit or two. His perilous thrust remains his most dangerous move.

Strategy:

• Stay Close and Aggressive: Don't give him space to breathe. The closer you are, the more opportunities you have to attack and deflect.
• Master Deflection: This is key. Learn the rhythm of his sword swings and time your blocks perfectly. Successful deflections build his Posture damage significantly.
• Watch for the Perilous Attack: When you see the red Kanji symbol (危), he's about to use a perilous attack. Most of the time, it's a thrust. If you've unlocked the Mikiri Counter skill, use it! Dodge *into* the thrust just as it lands to deal massive Posture damage. If you haven't got Mikiri Counter yet, your best bet is to dodge to the side.
• Punish Openings: After he finishes a combo or misses an attack, get in a couple of hits. Don't overcommit; just one or two strikes are usually safe before you need to be ready to defend again.
• Manage Your Posture: If your own Posture bar is getting high, hold block and back away slightly. Your Posture recovers much faster when you're not actively blocking or attacking.
• Use Combat Arts (Optional): If you've unlocked skills like Whirlwind Slash, they can be useful for quick damage, but prioritize deflecting and countering.

Remember, Sekiro is all about learning enemy patterns and reacting. Kawarada is your first big test of this. Keep at it, focus on your deflections, and you'll take him down!