Summary
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicewas a major deviation from FromSoftware’s usual soulslike gameplay, with a main feature being the difference in combat. Focusing on deflection rather than dodging,Sekirohas become known for its combat, often cited as the best in FromSoft’s repertoire of games.
Another feature present inSekirois Combat Arts; damaging abilities that the player can use with a range of different effects. Some are the regular damage dealing attacks, while others should be used for specific scenarios, while still others can completely obliterate enemies. There aren’t a vast number of Combat Arts, but there are definitely some that are better than others, and some that are amazing to use for any encounter.
10Whirlwind Slash
A Great Early Combat Art
There are a vast number of Combat Arts inSekiro: Shadows Die Twice,but the one that is the easiest to obtain isWhirlwind Slash.Available early in the game for oneskill point, Whirlwind Slash is a solid and consistent option for dealing with enemies.
It deals two slashes in a circular motion, allowing players to quickly damage enemies and dispatch groups of adversaries. It costs no Spirit Emblems to use, making it a reliable Combat Art, and one that can be used repeatedly.
9One Mind
A Cool But Awkward Combat Art
FromSoftware’s games always have some flashy and over-the-top attacks.One Mindfits the bill, as it lookslike something that Vergilwould use. However, despite its attractive visuals, it isn’t very useful to use in combat.
While capable of dealing with regular enemies, tougher opponents can simply tank it and poise through the barrage of slashes, attacking the player when they are vulnerable while using the Combat Art. However, the final slash of One Mind can be a powerful attack if players pull it off.
8Spiral Cloud Passage
A Powerful Combat Art When Combined With Status Effects
Not every Combat Art is as good as others.Spiral Cloud Passageis definitely better than some others, but doesn’t quite compare to some higher-tier Combat Arts. Its use on its own is still sufficient, but doesn’t do much compared to its peers.
However, when combined with status effects, Spiral Cloud Passage shines. It can burn enemies, leading to easy damage and a window of opportunity to quickly attack them assetting opponents on fire staggers them. With status effects, it can work well against bosses and not just normal enemies. Despite this, its cost can be hefty. It requires 3 Spirit Emblems for the full combo, while also needing more Spirit Emblems if using a status effect acquired from a Prosthetic Tool via the Living Force skill.
7Praying Strikes - Exorcism
A Combat Art For Dealing Posture Damage
A large part ofSekiroisdealing posture damage. This is the prime way to defeat bosses, even more so than attacking their health. Another notable portion of the game is Senpou Temple, in which the Senpou Esoteric Text can be found to unlockPraying Strikes - Exorcism.
This might not be the flashiest of Combat Arts, but its unique properties can be powerful. Praying Strikes - Exorcism can’t be deflected, and is able to deal a good bit of posture damage, with the final attack dealing the most,. It can also be charged to deal a heavier hit that can stagger enemies.
6Ashina Cross
A Quick And Responsive Combat Art
Of the different skill trees inSekiro,the final skills are usually sought after, adding either new Combat Arts or features tomake Wolfmore powerful.Ashina Crossis at the end of the Ashina Arts tree, as it is a strong Combat Art.
With two quick attacks, this Combat Art can damage enemies who let their guard down for a bit. Even if enemies have their guard up, Ashina Cross can deal a decent amount of posture damage, which can be repeated several times as it only costs two Spirit Emblems. It is also very responsive, letting players deflect attacks by redrawing their sword in time.
5Shadowfall
A Gap-Closer That Can Be Combined With Other Attacks
As the final skill tree available inSekiro,it would be normal for some of the most powerful Combat Arts to be there. This is exactly where players can findShadowfall, an upgraded variation of Shadowrush.
Shadowfall requires two Spirit Emblems to use, and is a useful tool to close distances with. It can be a strong Combat Art to deal posture damage, but can also be used in combination withProsthetic Tools. Players can use Prosthetic Tools in combination with the Combat Art, or very quickly after Shadowfall ends, making for a heavy-hitting flurry of attacks.
4Dragon Flash
A Long-Range Combat Art
After defeating thefinal boss of the entire game, most players would expect him to drop an equivalent reward. TheDragon FlashCombat Art is a pretty good one, being a skill that can cause great damage against enemies in subsequent playthroughs.
Dragon Flash is an extremely long-range Combat Art, with both the initial slash and the follow-up attack able to hit enemies from a greT distance away. On top of that, it deals a respectable amount of posture damage, making it useful as an attack that can keep the pressure up for enemies that escape out of melee range.
3Sakura Dance
A Convenient Combat Art With Low Cost
Part of the mythos ofSekirois the Fountainhead Palace and the Heavenly Realm that it is linked with. As a large part of the lore, it would make sense for Wolf to learn a Combat Art associated with Fountainhead Palace.
Sakura Danceisn’t too punishing on an enemy’s vitality or posture. What it is useful for is its convenience, as it can dodge an enemy’s attack as it launches the player into the air. More importantly, it can reverse lightning automatically, and doesn’t deal chip damage like the regular lightning reversal. It also doesn’t cost much to use, only requiring a single Spirit Emblem.
2Ichimonji Double
A Combat Art With Almost No Downsides
As it is frequently usedby Isshin,Ichimonji Double, as would be expected, is found in the Ashina Arts skill tree, as a higher-end skill. As an upgraded version of the regular Ichimonji, it now features an additional attack.
Despite the added attack, it can still be used as the regular Ichimonji. It can be used in the air to decrease the time it takes to use the first attack, requiring the Mid-air Combat Arts skill. It deals a large amount of posture damage, while also restoring some of the player’s own posture. However, if using the Combat Art while on the ground, it leaves players vulnerable for a long period after they use it.
1Empowered Mortal Draw
Unleashing The Power Of The Mortal Blade
Afabled and legendary sword, the Mortal Blade allows the player to unleash devastating power against any enemy. As an upgraded version of the regular Mortal Draw, theEmpowered Mortal Drawis one of the last skills available, which adds up given its strength.
It ican deal a severe amount of posture damage, easily skipping through portions of the target’s posture. It can also harshly harm, being able to deal noticeably more damage than regular attacks. It can trivialize fights, as it can bully enemies, especially when paired with the Mid-air Combat Arts skill, since it is treated as a charged attack when jumping. The only negative is the Spirit Emblem cost, requiring six when using both attacks.
