Unleash Your Skills: The Top 10 Combat Arts to Master in Sekiro!

Summary

Whirlwind Slash: Early, effective, cost-efficient Combat Art for groups of enemies.
One Mind: Flashy but not as useful against tough enemies due to vulnerability.
Spiral Cloud Passage: Powerful Combat Art with status effects, effective against bosses.

In contrast to the typical gameplay style of FromSoftware, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” marked a significant departure, with a distinctive emphasis on combat. Unlike many previous games where evasion was key, “Sekiro” stands out for its combat system, frequently praised as the finest in FromSoft’s collection of games, primarily due to its unique deflection-based mechanics.

In the game Sekiro, one notable aspect is the inclusion of Combat Arts – these are special moves that players can deploy with various impacts. Some function as standard damage-dealing attacks, while others are designed for specific situations. Moreover, there are a few that have the power to eliminate enemies entirely. Although there aren’t a multitude of Combat Arts, some stand out as particularly effective or fun to use in any given situation.

10. Whirlwind Slash

A Great Early Combat Art

Acquired in the Shinobi Arts skill tree.

As a gamer, I’ve found that in the world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, there are numerous Combat Arts to master. However, among them all, the one that’s easiest to get your hands on early in the game is the Whirlwind Slash. For just a single skill point, this move offers a reliable and steady method for handling enemies, making it an excellent choice for beginners like myself.

This technique performs two swift, circular slices, enabling players to swiftly harm enemies and eliminate clusters of opponents. Notably, using this combat skill does not require any Spirit Emblems, making it dependable and usable frequently.

9. One Mind

A Cool But Awkward Combat Art

Acquired after defeating Isshin Ashina.

In the style of FromSoftware games, there are often extravagant and flamboyant attack moves. The move named “One Mind” is no exception, as it seems like something Vergil might employ. Yet, despite its appealing aesthetics, it isn’t particularly effective in a fight.

Against common foes, it can effectively retaliate, but stronger adversaries can withstand and persist through a flurry of cuts, counterattacking when the player is exposed. This is accomplished by utilizing the Combat Art. However, the final blow of One Mind can be quite potent if players manage to execute it successfully.

8. Spiral Cloud Passage

A Powerful Combat Art When Combined With Status Effects

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that not all combat techniques are created equal, but the Spiral Cloud Passage stands out among many. It certainly surpasses some others, yet it can’t quite match up to the elite tier combat arts. On its own, it serves its purpose effectively, however, it pales in comparison to what other techniques can deliver.

In combination with status effects, Spiral Cloud Passage becomes particularly effective. This move can scorch enemies, making them vulnerable to additional damage and providing a brief chance to launch subsequent attacks, as being on fire causes opponents to stagger. Notably, this technique isn’t just useful against common foes; it can also prove beneficial when facing bosses. However, its power comes at a cost. To perform the full combo, you’ll need 3 Spirit Emblems. Additionally, if you’re using a status effect from a Prosthetic Tool thanks to the Living Force skill, you’ll require even more Spirit Emblems.

7. Praying Strikes – Exorcism

A Combat Art For Dealing Posture Damage

Acquired in the Temple Arts skills tree.

As a die-hard fan, I’d say a significant chunk of my Sekiro experience revolves around inflicting posture damage. This tactic is crucial for taking down bosses, proving even more effective than chipping away at their health. Another intriguing aspect of the game is the Senpou Temple, a place where I can discover the Senpou Esoteric Text to unlock the Praying Strikes – Exorcism ability.

While it may not boast the glamour of other Combat Arts, Praying Strikes – Exorcism possesses distinct qualities that make it potent. Unlike other attacks that can be dodged or blocked, this one cannot be deflected and packs a significant punch in terms of posture damage. The culminating strike dishes out the most damage, making it a formidable force. Moreover, this technique can be charged up to deliver an even heavier blow capable of stunning opponents.

6. Ashina Cross

A Quick And Responsive Combat Art

Acquired in the Ashina Arts skill tree

In the various skill trees found in Sekiro, it’s often the final skills that are most desired, either introducing new battle techniques or enhancing Wolf’s power. The Ashina Cross is located at the pinnacle of the Ashina Arts tree, as it represents a powerful Combat Art.

In just two swift strikes, this combat technique catches off-guard opponents who momentarily lower their defense. If enemies maintain their guard, Ashina Cross still inflicts a reasonable amount of posture damage that can be repeated multiple times since it costs only two Spirit Emblems. Moreover, the move is highly responsive, enabling players to parry incoming attacks by swiftly sheathing and unsheathing their sword at the right moment.

5. Shadowfall

A Gap-Closer That Can Be Combined With Other Attacks

Acquired in the Mushin Arts skill tree

In the last skill set within Sekiro, it’s reasonable to expect some of the game’s strongest combat techniques to reside there. It’s precisely in this area that players will encounter Shadowfall, a more advanced version of Shadowrush.

Shadowfall needs two Spirit Emblems to activate and serves as a valuable asset for bridging distances. It’s potent in combat, inflicting posture damage, but it also synergizes well with Prosthetic Tools. Players can employ Prosthetic Tools alongside Combat Arts, or swiftly follow up after Shadowfall ends, resulting in a powerful barrage of attacks.

4. Dragon Flash

A Long-Range Combat Art

Acquired after defeating Isshin, The Sword Saint

Following their victory over the game’s ultimate foe, many players might anticipate receiving a fitting prize. The Dragon Flash Combat Art, which inflicts significant damage on opponents during repeat plays, is quite a valuable reward.

Dragon Flash is a far-reaching Combat Technique, capable of striking opponents from quite a distance. Moreover, it inflicts substantial posture damage, making it ideal for maintaining pressure on foes who evade beyond melee range.

3. Sakura Dance

A Convenient Combat Art With Low Cost

Acquired after completing the Gauntlet of Strength: Divine Heir.

A significant aspect of the storyline in Sekiro revolves around the Fountainhead Palace and its connection to the Heavenly Realm. Given this backstory, it seems logical that the protagonist, Wolf, could acquire a Battle Technique tied to the Fountainhead Palace.

The Sakura Dance isn’t harsh on an opponent’s health or balance. Instead, it offers convenience by allowing you to evade enemy attacks and launch the player into the air. Furthermore, it uniquely reverses lightning without needing manual activation, and it doesn’t inflict chip damage like standard lightning reversals. Lastly, it’s economical as it only consumes a single Spirit Emblem for use.

2. Ichimonji Double

A Combat Art With Almost No Downsides

Acquired in the Ashina Arts skill tree.

In keeping with Isshin’s frequent usage, the skill known as Ichimonji Double can be found in the Ashina Arts skill tree, being a more advanced skill. An upgraded variant of the standard Ichimonji, this version includes an extra attack.

Although enhanced with an additional attack, it remains functional as a standard Ichimonji. This move can be executed mid-air to quicken the first attack, necessitating the Mid-air Combat Arts skill. It inflicts substantial posture damage and even restores some of the player’s posture. However, employing this Combat Art while on the ground leaves the user exposed for a prolonged duration following its use.

1. Empowered Mortal Draw

Unleashing The Power Of The Mortal Blade

Acquired in the Mushin Arts skill tree.

The legendary and mythical weapon, the Mortal Blade, grants players immense power to strike down any adversary. As an advanced form of the standard Mortal Draw, the Amplified Mortal Draw is one of the final abilities to be learned, considering its immense potency.

This move inflicts significant structural harm on an opponent, effortlessly bypassing sections of their posture. It’s also capable of causing substantial injury, dealing more damage than typical attacks. It can make fights appear trivial, as it allows for the domination of enemies, particularly when combined with the Mid-air Combat Arts skill. However, its downside lies in the Spirit Emblem cost, requiring six emblems when using both attacks.

2025-02-16 08:36