Sekiro: Defeating The Elite Samurai - A Pro Guide

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey guys! So, you're stuck on an Elite Samurai in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, huh? Don't sweat it; we've all been there. These guys can be pretty tough nuts to crack, especially early on in the game when you're still getting to grips with the combat system. But trust me, with the right strategy and a bit of practice, you'll be slicing and dicing them like a pro in no time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to take down those pesky Elite Samurai, from understanding their attack patterns to exploiting their weaknesses. Let's dive in and get you back on track to becoming the ultimate shinobi!

Understanding the Elite Samurai

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of combat, let's first understand what makes the Elite Samurai such a formidable foe. These enemies are more than just your average grunts; they boast enhanced combat skills, higher posture, and a variety of attacks that can catch you off guard if you're not careful. Understanding their behavior is the first step in mastering the fight. Knowing is half the battle, right?

Attack Patterns

The Elite Samurai's attack patterns are a mix of standard sword swings, thrusts, and occasional perilous attacks. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Standard Swings: These are your bread-and-butter attacks that they'll use frequently. They can come in a series of two to three swings, so be ready to deflect multiple times in quick succession. Mastering the deflect is crucial here. A well-timed deflect will not only prevent damage but also build up their posture, bringing you closer to that sweet, sweet deathblow.
  • Thrust Attacks: These are more telegraphed than the standard swings but can still catch you off guard if you're not paying attention. Look for the telltale sign of the samurai winding up their sword for a straight thrust. This is your cue to use the Mikiri Counter. This move is a game-changer against thrust attacks, dealing significant posture damage and opening the enemy up for a follow-up attack.
  • Perilous Attacks: These are the unblockable attacks that require either a jump, dodge, or Mikiri Counter depending on the type of perilous attack. Keep an eye out for the red symbol that appears before these attacks. Jumping away is generally a safe bet if you're unsure how to counter, but mastering the Mikiri Counter will give you a significant advantage.

Posture and Vitality

Like all enemies in Sekiro, the Elite Samurai has both Vitality (health) and Posture. While reducing their Vitality makes them easier to deal with, focusing on breaking their Posture is the key to landing a deathblow. Posture recovers quickly if you give them too much breathing room, so you need to be aggressive and keep the pressure on. Deflecting their attacks and landing your own hits will build up their Posture meter, and once it's full, you can deliver a devastating deathblow.

Weaknesses

Every enemy has weaknesses, and the Elite Samurai is no exception. While they don't have any glaring elemental weaknesses, they are vulnerable to certain combat arts and prosthetic tools. For instance, the Loaded Umbrella can be extremely effective for blocking their attacks and building up their Posture. Similarly, certain combat arts like Ichimonji Double can deal significant Posture damage, making them easier to break. Experiment with different tools and arts to find what works best for your playstyle.

Strategies for Defeating the Elite Samurai

Alright, now that we know what we're up against, let's talk about some concrete strategies for taking down these Elite Samurai. These strategies are designed to help you manage their attacks, exploit their weaknesses, and ultimately emerge victorious.

Deflection is Key

The most important skill you need to master in Sekiro is deflection. A well-timed deflect will not only prevent damage but also build up the enemy's Posture, bringing you closer to a deathblow. Practice deflecting the Elite Samurai's standard swings until you can do it consistently. Remember, the timing is key. You want to press the block button just before the attack lands. Don't just hold down the block button; that will only result in a standard block, which still allows some damage to get through and doesn't build up their Posture as effectively.

Mikiri Counter

The Mikiri Counter is your best friend against thrust attacks. When you see the red symbol indicating a perilous thrust attack, dodge into the attack with the dodge button (usually bound to Circle/B). This will allow you to stomp on their weapon, dealing massive Posture damage. Mastering the Mikiri Counter is essential for dealing with many of the game's tougher enemies, including the Elite Samurai. It takes practice to get the timing right, but once you do, you'll be able to punish thrust attacks with ease.

Use Combat Arts and Prosthetic Tools

Don't forget about your combat arts and prosthetic tools! These can be incredibly useful for dealing with the Elite Samurai. As mentioned earlier, Ichimonji Double is great for dealing Posture damage, while the Loaded Umbrella can block attacks and build up their Posture. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you. The key is to be adaptable and use the tools at your disposal.

Aggression is Rewarded

While it's important to be cautious and deflect attacks, you also need to be aggressive. Hesitation is defeat, as the saying goes in Sekiro. Don't give the Elite Samurai too much breathing room, or their Posture will recover. Stay on the offensive, deflecting their attacks and landing your own hits. The more pressure you put on them, the faster you'll break their Posture.

Stealth and Positioning

Sometimes, the best way to win a fight is to avoid it altogether, or at least start with an advantage. If possible, try to stealth-kill one of the Elite Samurai's allies before engaging. This will make the fight much easier. Also, be mindful of your positioning. Try to avoid getting cornered, and use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use trees or rocks to create some distance between you and the enemy, giving you time to heal or regroup.

Specific Enemy Tips:

General Naomori Kawarada

This mini-boss is often one of the first Elite Samurai players encounter. He's located in the Ashina Outskirts, and he can be a real pain if you're not prepared. Here’s how to handle him:

  • Mikiri Counter: He loves to thrust, so get ready to Mikiri Counter. This will be your bread and butter in this fight.
  • Aggression: Don't let up. Keep the pressure on him to prevent his Posture from recovering.
  • Firecrackers: The Firecracker prosthetic tool can be useful for stunning him and getting in some free hits.

Ashina Elite - Jinsuke Saze

Found in Ashina Castle, Jinsuke Saze is known for his lightning-fast sword attacks. This fight is all about timing and precision.

  • Perfect Deflections: You need to deflect his attacks perfectly. Regular blocks won't cut it.
  • Mikiri Counter: He also uses thrust attacks, so be ready to Mikiri Counter when the opportunity arises.
  • Patience: Don't get greedy. Wait for the right moment to attack.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Okay, you've mastered the basics. Now, let's dive into some advanced tips and tricks that can give you an edge in your battles against the Elite Samurai. These techniques require a bit more practice and finesse, but they can make a big difference in the long run.

Deflecting Perilous Attacks

While jumping away from perilous attacks is a safe bet, deflecting them can be even more effective. Certain perilous attacks, like sweeps, can be deflected if you time it perfectly. This will not only prevent damage but also deal significant Posture damage to the enemy. However, the timing is very strict, so be prepared to practice.

Using the Environment

The environment can be your best friend in Sekiro. Look for opportunities to use your surroundings to your advantage. You can use trees or rocks to create distance, or you can use ledges to perform aerial attacks. Get creative and think outside the box.

Mastering the Art of the Dodge

Dodging is an essential skill in Sekiro, and mastering it can make you nearly untouchable. The key is to dodge at the right moment, just before the attack lands. This will allow you to avoid damage and create an opening for a counterattack. Practice dodging different types of attacks until you can do it consistently.

Understanding Enemy AI

Every enemy in Sekiro has its own unique AI. Understanding how the enemy AI works can give you a significant advantage in combat. Pay attention to their attack patterns, their weaknesses, and their reactions to your actions. The more you know about the enemy, the better equipped you'll be to defeat them.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to defeating the Elite Samurai in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Remember, the key to success is practice, patience, and a willingness to learn. Don't get discouraged if you die a few times (or a lot of times). Every death is a learning opportunity. Keep practicing your deflections, mastering the Mikiri Counter, and experimenting with different combat arts and prosthetic tools. Before you know it, you'll be slicing and dicing those Elite Samurai like a true shinobi. Good luck, and happy hunting!