Combat in Sekiro demands precision, requiring players to master precise attacks, perfect parry timings, and effective responses to perilous attacks. The game features a Vitality bar, a Resurrection mechanic, and a Posture Meter, all integral to surviving challenging encounters. Understanding these mechanics is key to overcoming adversaries.
Combat Mechanics
- Vitality Bar: Represents Sekiro's health. Depletion leads to death.
- Resurrection Feature: Allows Sekiro to revive at the exact spot of defeat. Initially free after resting at a Sculptor's Idol, additional charges can be obtained through game progression or rare Quick Items.
- Posture Meter Feature: Appears above regular enemies' heads and at the top center for Mid-Bosses and Bosses. Dealing damage and performing perfect parries contribute to breaking an opponent's posture, opening them to a Deathblow. Perfect parries prevent the meter from breaking even if depleted.
Engaging Perilous Attacks
Perilous Attacks are unguardable enemy abilities signaled by a red Kanji symbol. Each type requires a specific defensive technique:
- Sweep: Avoided by jumping and stomping on an enemy's head.
- Thrust: Countered by the Mikiri Counter.
- Grab: Dodged by evading.
- Lightning: Countered by Lightning Reversal.
Engaging Prosthetic Tools
The Shinobi Prosthetic can be fitted with various Shinobi Tools found in the game world, aiding in combat. Multiple tools can be equipped and switched between during gameplay. More powerful tools can be unlocked through upgrades.
Memory: Hirata Estate
Players visit a memory of Hirata Estate to obtain the Flame Vent, which is helpful against the Chained Ogre mini-boss in Ashina Outskirts. Upon spawning, a Pellet can be looted behind the player. Interacting with the Dragonspring - Hirata Estate Sculptor's Idol unlocks fast travel. Dropping down and grappling to branches below leads to the ground, where 2x Fistful of Ash are found next to an NPC. This NPC, who calls Sekiro "Son of the Owl," mentions thieves attacked and that it is the year of the Dragonspring Pilgrimage, three years prior, confirming this is a memory. The NPC then dies.