General Naomori Kawarada Strategy
General Naomori Kawarada is an early-game mini-boss that serves as a significant test of a player's understanding of Sekiro's core combat mechanics, particularly posture management. Encountered in the Ashina Outskirts, he wields a large sword and employs a relentless offensive style that can quickly break the posture of an unprepared Shinobi. His attacks are powerful and have a wide reach, making evasion and deflection crucial. Successfully defeating General Naomori Kawarada not only grants You valuable experience and potentially a Prayer Bead, but also reinforces the importance of precise timing and defensive maneuvers. This encounter is designed to teach players the value of parrying and the consequences of being too aggressive without proper openings.
General Naomori Kawarada's primary offensive strategy involves a series of powerful sword swings and a perilous thrust attack. His combos are designed to overwhelm the player's defenses, making consistent deflection the most effective counter-strategy. focus on deflecting his attacks to build his posture damage. When he winds up for his perilous thrust, a well-timed Mikiri Counter is essential for dealing significant posture damage and creating an opening for a counter-attack. If You struggles with the Mikiri Counter, dodging to the side can also create a small window for a few hits. His other attacks, while powerful, can be dodged or deflected with practice. The Loaded Axe prosthetic tool can be effective for staggering him after he completes a combo, allowing for additional hits.
A common mistake when fighting General Naomori Kawarada is to engage in a purely offensive manner, attempting to trade blows. This approach often leads to the player's posture being broken. Instead, prioritize defense and counter-offense. Observe his attack patterns carefully; he often telegraphs his perilous thrust attack. The use of the Ichimonji or Ichimonji: Double combat art can be very effective for recovering one's own posture while simultaneously dealing posture damage to the General. After successfully landing a Mikiri Counter or a series of deflections, aim to land a few quick strikes before returning to a defensive stance. Conserving healing items is also advisable, as this is an early-game encounter where learning the mechanics is more important than brute force. Mastering General Naomori Kawarada is a key step in becoming a proficient Shinobi.