Isshin the Sword Saint Boss Fight Guide - Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

My first 7-8 tries i used all consumables, divine confetti, akko sugar, but kept failing trying to rebuff in the final phase. On my kill I dropped all that and raw dogged him, no buffs, from Gennichiro to the end. Even got a lightning reflect before the final kill blow. It was amazing and satisfying. Can't wait to start and complete the boss gauntlets now. I just want more of this game. I love the combat so much. I thought ER was my favorite game. Sekiro has really blown me away

I spend most my time dying to Genichiro ng+ feels way fucking harder and I have the charm and no bell 200+ hours in this game and my timing is still awful

Sword Saint Isshin: pulls out a glock
Seikro: "What is that?"
Glock Saint Isshin: "You know what it is, Bitch!"

As someone who is fighting isshin for 2 years now i disagree with this guide but i praise you for trying to help people with the game

This is basically a "beat the boss but it wont be fun" guide

New game plus and he’s kicking my ass. That third phase is frustrating, it’s so hard to read his moves and it feels like he reacts instantly after attacking.

This guide is great, most of the other ones I’ve seen all use umbrella prosthetics that I don’t have to get through phase 3, you actually show a real way to do it without prosthetics.

one tip i found out is double ichimonji against the first phase is amazing, it completely cancels his mortal blade draw every time he uses it just knock him in the head once or twice & he’ll stop, that & it does incredible posture damage

In genichiro phase whenever he mortal blades, go behind and use iciimonji, axe or your own draw. If he does his jump attack its better to deflect and see whether he will thrust or sweep for more posture dmg. you want to avoid his long combo if your posture is nearly broken, but always go in to deflect that last attack as he will almost always thrust after giving you an ez mitikiri.

I changed my attack to square and my block and deflect to R1 it’s done me wonders in so many of these boss battles

I finally beat SSI!
Thank you, your guide was a tremendous help!

Still wild how he gives you the best possible advice. "Hesitation is defeat"
The game really making sure you know what you're doing wrong. This bossfight was wild though, they somehow made it feel both doable and out of reach simultaneously

I like to fight him always close and aggressive, just because it looks cool :P

3 years on and still super helpful :D

There is no such thing as this is the way that the game is set up you to do. If it was, then it would not be a game but a movie, they want you to understand the mechanics, and then use it to beat the game, this is a more realistic claim. Nice video anyway.

I made it through thanks to your guide, I'm so very grateful for this, I died MANY times trying to do tricks and cheeses, but got gud instead.

The isshin itself(not genichiro phase) is my favorite boss fight by far









Edit: he isn't that hard guys, Ur just bad

it took me nearly four years, but i finally beat this game. i’m just elated right now 🥰

Can't even make it to phase 4 fuck this game

finally a video that explains the attacks instead of baiting one attack over and over again. I was having trouble with phase 3....hopefully I would be able to take down isshin soon

Thanks for the tips! I beat him the first time I got to the final phase

When I killed Isshin I was a bit sad. The game was over and NG+ isn´t the same thing.

Well, after beating all 3 dark souls games, Sekiro I have to say is much harder in my opinion. Most of the bosses don't feel so bad, this one is close but unfortunately I just can't get behind 4 phases. Genichiro isn't too hard. But I am currently struggling through Isshin's first phase, and it's just a mental drag to know that I have 2 more after that.

Just came to add that if you keep the pressure on, when he does the "white swirl" attack, you can just jump on his head and you won't get hit at all 👌🏻 no fear

Amazing guide thanks

great feather mist raven + lazurite shuriken + sakura dance lightning reversal = victory

IM SO FUCKING DUMB I DIDNT THINK ABOUT DODGING THE FLASH SWORD ATTACK THAT CAN HAVE 3 DIFFERENT MOVES THANK YOU

this guide is ass lol

It's funny how even in this "guide" is possible to see how Fromsoftware's broken hitboxes stills the hardest enemy in their games!

surprisingly this fight only took 5-6 tries. no cheesing or items used other than rice and gourd
vit 17
ap 11
praying strikes exorcism

Thank you so much, this guide saved me! Really appreciate the super helpful and clear tips. Finally vanquished after 30+ tries.

He was 1 hit away from breaking his posture last phase but bc of a camera bug I got hit twice with the jump attack and died😔

Quick Tip, High Monk can be used to jump over Isshins first phase slash and deal heavy posture damage. The loaded umbrella also negates any damage taken from his large AOEs

I only die to this dude cuz I get greedy

Beat him the attempt after watching this thanks

dude their attacks are so random, this guide is not covering almost anything

Uhh this isn't Lord isshin??? Tf?

everyone gangsta until Isshin pulls out a glock

I have a stupid question? Can you use anti-air deathblow on him? I know it is a risky move, but it could make the battle a lot easier

2 years later–just clapped this fool! Let’s gooooooooo!

When genichiro does his jump it's a free parry and he never changes the follow up mid animation. In he does a spin, it's either the regular attack or the sweep, jump avoids both. No spin- thrust 100%. It's actually the free-est attack he has

Your guide sucks

Isshin: -Hey Sekiro look what i found in hell a Gun!

As soon as you said aggressive I went and beat him first try . I could literally see him in slow motion after you explained his moveset .A very thorough and helpful guide helping people even after 2 years . Thanks man 😀😀😀

Great tips, the fight finally clicked for me. Most importantly, sidestepping most attacks and staying close in the second phase and letting Isshin come to you in the third and fourth. I was trying to be aggresive and in his face which really only works if you can perfectly parry all his attacks.

I’m here because of the spear phase honestly, the rest I can do but the spear is random

This fight is so bullshit. Genichiro does not need to be here! When we kill him, make him stay dead!!!! Genichiro ruins what could be a great boss! Fuck this boss! I give up!