Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
by Autumn1️⃣ World & Setting
Developed by FromSoftware, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a tale of loyalty, vengeance, and redemption.
The story takes place in Ashina, a fictional Japanese province during the late Sengoku period.
You play as Wolf, a shinobi bound by oath to protect Lord Kuro, the young Divine Heir who possesses the mysterious Dragon’s Heritage — a bloodline granting immortality and resurrection.
🎭 “I live only to serve my master — Lord Kuro.”
2️⃣ Story Overview
🌑 Prologue: The Fall of Ashina Castle
Wolf, sworn protector of Lord Kuro, is defeated during a coup and loses his left arm to Genichiro Ashina.
Rescued by the Sculptor, Wolf awakens with a prosthetic arm — the Shinobi Prosthetic — and vows to rescue his master and fulfill his oath.
3️⃣ Main Story Walkthrough
🏯 Chapter 1 — Ashina Outskirts
Objective: Infiltrate Ashina Castle and rescue Lord Kuro.
Boss: Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa
Tactic: Use the grappling hook to close distance; deflect his charge attacks and break his posture.
Reward: Memory to increase attack power.
🌸 Chapter 2 — Hirata Estate (Flashback)
Accessed through the Bell from the old woman.
Boss: Lady Butterfly
Tactic: Focus on deflects in phase one; use Snap Seeds to dispel illusions in phase two.
Lore: Reveals she was Wolf’s mentor in shinobi arts.
🐉 Chapter 3 — Ashina Castle Tower
Boss: Genichiro Ashina (First Encounter)
Phases: Genichiro → Ashina Cross → Lightning Phase.
Master the Lightning Reversal mechanic here.
Story: Kuro reveals his plan — to sever the ties of immortality.
4️⃣ The Dragon’s Heritage & Choice
Kuro’s blood grants resurrection, but at the cost of balance — bringing suffering and corruption.
Wolf must decide: Obey his master or betray him.
This decision determines the ending path — Shura, Purification, or Return.
5️⃣ Key Boss Order
| No. | Boss | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa | Teaches posture breaking. |
| 2️⃣ | Lady Butterfly | Teaches timing and illusion defense. |
| 3️⃣ | Genichiro Ashina | First real test of deflection & lightning reversal. |
| 4️⃣ | Guardian Ape | Has a shocking resurrection phase. |
| 5️⃣ | Twin Apes | Advanced endurance battle. |
| 6️⃣ | Isshin, the Sword Saint | The ultimate test of mastery. |
6️⃣ Endings Explained
| Ending | Condition | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Shura (Betrayal) | Side with Owl and betray Kuro. | Wolf becomes a demon of war. |
| Purification | Complete Emma’s & Kuro’s side quest. | Sever the curse and bring peace. |
| Return (Dragon’s Homecoming) | Finish the Divine Child questline. | Escort Kuro’s soul to the Pure Land. |
| Immortal Severance | Defeat Isshin normally. | End immortality, break the curse. |
💡 Recommended Ending: Return — it offers the deepest lore and the most complete closure.
7️⃣ Prosthetic Tools & Skills
| Tool | Function | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Shuriken | Ranged attack | Interrupts light enemies & jumpers. |
| Flame Vent | Fire burst | Effective against beasts. |
| Loaded Axe | Heavy strike | Breaks shields & guard. |
| Spear | Long reach | Pulls armor & breaks defense. |
| Smoke Screen | Disengage & stealth kill | Ideal for surprise assassinations. |
🎯 Recommended Skill Paths:
Early Game: Shinobi Arts → Stealth & Counters
Mid Game: Ashina Arts → Combat Techniques
Late Game: High-stance Arts — Spiral Cloud Passage, One Mind
8️⃣ Combat Fundamentals
1️⃣ Deflection is the core — perfect timing beats brute force.
2️⃣ Posture management — breaking posture is faster than HP damage.
3️⃣ Study enemy patterns — every boss has tells.
4️⃣ Lightning Reversal — jump into lightning, press attack midair to return it.
5️⃣ Stealth Kills — clear half the field before a real fight.
⚔️ “Patience, rhythm, and precision — not aggression — define a true shinobi.”
9️⃣ Hidden Quests & Secrets
Emma’s Quest: Unlocks Purification Ending.
Divine Child Quest: Leads to Return Ending.
Sculptor’s Path: Reveals the origin of the Shura transformation.
Prosthetic Upgrades: Found at Sculptor’s Idol using materials from mini-bosses.
🔟 Summary & Philosophy
“To face death is to understand life. To serve one master is to know purpose.”
Sekiro is not about stats — it’s about mastery of rhythm, timing, and composure.
Victory is not power; it is clarity.
When you deflect without fear and strike with resolve —
you are no longer merely a man; you are the Wolf.