Sekiro: 10 Essential Tips for Defeating Genichiro Ashina – Phase-by-Phase Guide

Introduction

Genichiro Ashina is one of the first major skill checks in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Defeating him requires mastering deflection, posture management, and the game's key mechanics. This guide breaks down his three phases and provides essential tips to help you conquer the rooftop of Ashina Castle.

Phase 1: The Sword Saint's Basics

Learn His Combo Rhythm: Genichiro has a pattern of 1-2-3 slashes followed by a thrust or sweep. Deflect the slashes, then react to the perilous attack. Watch for the glint: a thrust is a straight line, a sweep is a horizontal line.
Punish His Jump Attack: He often leaps into the air and slams down. Deflect this to leave him vulnerable for a few hits. Alternatively, dodge to the side and strike.
Use Shurikens to Close Distance: When he backs away to shoot arrows, use the Shuriken prosthetic tool to interrupt him or deal chip damage. Follow up with a chasing slice to close the gap.

Phase 2: The Floating Passage

Watch for the Floating Combo: At half health, Genichiro sheathes his sword and performs a rapid five-hit combo. Deflect all hits perfectly; mistiming will break your posture. Practice the rhythm: it's steady, not fast.
Mikiri Counter His Thrust: In this phase, his perilous thrust is slower and more telegraphed. Use the Mikiri Counter skill to deal massive posture damage. The prompt is a long wind-up followed by a lunge.
Stay Aggressive: Do not give him room to shoot arrows. Stay close and keep attacking until he deflects you (a loud clang and sparks). Then switch to defense.

Phase 3: Lightning Reversal

Embrace the Lightning: Genichiro now uses lightning attacks. When you see the bright flash, jump as the lightning arcs toward you, then press the attack button mid-air to hurl it back. This deals massive damage and stuns him.
If You Miss the Reversal: If you get hit, quickly heal and reset. Use a Pacifying Agent to avoid shock buildup.
Watch for the Same Moves: His Phase 3 is Phase 1 with lightning. The combo patterns are identical, so you can bait his leap and use lightning reversal instead.

General Tips for the Fight

Over 90% Posture: Keep your own posture low by holding block (slowly recovers) or using Gokan's Sugar before the fight. If your posture breaks, you'll be stunned and take heavy damage.
Heal Only When Safe: The best times to heal are after a Mikiri Counter, a lightning reversal, or when he's using his bow (dodge into cover behind a pillar). Do not heal in neutral.
Prosthetic Tools to Consider: The Firecracker can stun him briefly, but use sparingly. The Loaded Umbrella can absorb his bow shots and the Floating Combo if you're struggling.
Memorize the Turning Point: When you reduce his vitality to zero, you still need to break his posture for a deathblow. Use aggressive attacks after a reversal or Mikiri.

Conclusion

Genichiro Ashina is a test of everything Sekiro teaches. With these tips, you'll learn his patterns, exploit his weaknesses, and claim the Mortal Blade. Stay calm, be aggressive, and remember: hesitation is defeat.