Folding Screen Monkeys Strategy
The Folding Screen Monkeys are a formidable boss encounter in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, testing your ability to track multiple targets and react quickly to their movements. This multi-phase fight requires a strategic approach to effectively manage the agile simians. The arena itself is a large, open space with several hiding spots, making it challenging to keep all the monkeys in your line of sight. Success hinges on identifying their locations rapidly and executing swift, decisive attacks to prevent them from overwhelming you.
The core mechanic to overcome the Folding Screen Monkeys is observation and swift action. Each monkey has a distinct color and behavior, which can be used to anticipate their attacks and movements. The arena is filled with various environmental elements that the monkeys utilize to their advantage, such as tall grass and alcoves. Mastering the use of your prosthetic tools, particularly those that can reveal hidden enemies or disrupt their movements, can significantly ease this encounter. Patience and a methodical approach to each phase are key to emerging victorious from this unique boss battle.
The first phase of the Folding Screen Monkeys fight involves dealing with four monkeys, each with a different color: red, blue, green, and yellow. The red monkey is aggressive and will charge directly at you. The blue monkey is stealthy and will attempt to flank you. The green monkey is fast and will leap around the arena. The yellow monkey is the most elusive, often disappearing and reappearing in different locations. The key here is to identify their sounds and visual cues. When a monkey is about to attack, it will often emit a distinct sound or have a brief visual tell. For the red monkey, a well-timed deflect is crucial. For the blue and green monkeys, quick dodges and a swift counter-attack are necessary. The yellow monkey requires keen observation; listen for its distinct chirping and look for the subtle shimmer it emits when it's about to reappear. Using the Shinobi Firecracker prosthetic can stun them momentarily, creating an opening for a few hits. It's vital to focus on one monkey at a time, ideally the most aggressive one first, before shifting your attention to the others. Do not get greedy with attacks; land one or two hits and be prepared to defend or reposition.
The second phase introduces a new challenge: the monkeys become more coordinated and utilize a new attack pattern. The arena may also change slightly, potentially introducing new obstacles or altering visibility. The monkeys will now attempt to corner you, using their combined speed and agility to limit your escape options. The core strategy remains similar: identify, isolate, and attack. However, the pace of this phase is significantly faster. Pay close attention to the visual and auditory cues of each monkey. The Mikiri Counter is invaluable for dealing with their lunging attacks. If you find yourself surrounded, a well-timed jump can evade multiple attacks simultaneously. Remember to manage your posture; getting your posture broken will likely lead to a deathblow from the monkeys. Conserve your healing items for when they are truly needed, as this fight can be a war of attrition. Successfully navigating this phase requires a heightened sense of awareness and the ability to adapt your tactics on the fly.