Can You Defeat Lord Genichiro at the Beginning of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
No, you cannot defeat Lord Genichiro during the initial encounter at the beginning of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This fight is designed as a scripted loss, a crucial narrative element to set the stage for the game’s story and introduce core mechanics.
Understanding the Genichiro Encounter: More Than Just a Fight
The first Genichiro encounter is less about skill and more about narrative progression. FromSoftware, the developers of Sekiro, intentionally designed this fight to be a pivotal moment that highlights the protagonist’s vulnerability and the perilous journey ahead. Attempting to “cheese” the fight or exploit perceived weaknesses is generally fruitless, as the game mechanics and Genichiro’s programmed behavior are specifically tailored to ensure your defeat.
Why You’re Meant to Lose
- Narrative Significance: Your loss is essential for understanding the character’s motivation. It’s what drives him to seek power and eventually embrace prosthetic enhancements.
- Introduction to Game Mechanics: The fight exposes you to the game’s core combat system, including deflection, posture breaking, and Mikiri Counter opportunities. However, even mastering these techniques won’t guarantee a victory in this initial encounter.
- Setting the Stakes: The defeat at Genichiro’s hands underscores the severity of the conflict and the formidable challenges that lie ahead. It establishes Genichiro as a significant antagonist.
What Happens When You “Lose”?
After depleting a significant portion of Genichiro’s health or reaching a certain point in the fight, a cutscene will trigger. In this cutscene, Genichiro brutally defeats Sekiro, severing his arm and kidnapping Lord Kuro. This sets the main storyline in motion, giving the Wolf his prosthetic arm and a renewed purpose.
The Later Genichiro Fights: Preparation is Key
While you can’t win the first fight, you will face Genichiro again later in the game at Ashina Castle. This time, you’ll be much better equipped and prepared for the challenge. To stand a chance in this later encounter, consider the following:
Mastering Combat Techniques
- Perfect Deflections: Essential for building up Genichiro’s posture. Practice timing your deflects to parry his attacks perfectly.
- Mikiri Counter: Genichiro frequently uses thrust attacks. Master the Mikiri Counter to inflict significant posture damage.
- Jump Away from Sweeping Attacks: Watch out for his perilous sweep attacks, which can be avoided by jumping.
- Aggression is Key: Sekiro rewards aggressive play. Don’t be afraid to attack relentlessly, but be ready to deflect at a moment’s notice.
Upgrading Your Abilities
- Attack Power: Increase your attack power by defeating bosses and acquiring memories.
- Vitality: Enhance your health by collecting prayer beads and creating prayer necklaces.
- Prosthetic Tools: Utilize your prosthetic tools effectively. The Loaded Shuriken can interrupt certain attacks, and the Flame Vent can deal significant damage.
Understanding Genichiro’s Attack Patterns
- Lightning Attacks: Genichiro uses lightning attacks in his final phase. Learn to perform a Lightning Reversal by jumping and attacking just before being struck by the lightning. This will turn his own power against him.
- Bow and Arrow Attacks: Be prepared to deflect or dodge his arrow attacks. Closing the distance quickly is often the best strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there any glitch or exploit to defeat Genichiro at the beginning?
While some players have attempted to exploit glitches or use unconventional tactics, none have proven to consistently lead to a true victory in the initial encounter. The game is deliberately designed to prevent it.
2. What happens if I manage to take Genichiro’s health bar to zero in the initial fight?
Even if you manage to deplete Genichiro’s health bar, the cutscene will still trigger, and you will still lose. The game overrides any potential victory to ensure the narrative progresses as intended.
3. Can I use prosthetic tools to make the first Genichiro fight easier?
You don’t have access to your prosthetic tools during the initial encounter. It is restricted by game design.
4. What is the best strategy for surviving as long as possible in the first Genichiro fight?
Focus on deflecting his attacks and learning his patterns. This will help you improve your skills and prepare for later encounters. Don’t worry about winning; focus on learning.
5. How many times will I fight Genichiro in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
You will fight Genichiro twice during the main storyline. The first encounter is unavoidable and results in a loss, while the second encounter at Ashina Castle is a challenging but winnable battle.
6. What is the recommended attack power and vitality for the second Genichiro fight?
While there’s no strict requirement, most players recommend having at least attack power 3 or higher and two or three prayer necklaces (increasing vitality) before attempting the second fight.
7. What is the most effective prosthetic tool against Genichiro in the second fight?
The Loaded Shuriken can be effective for interrupting his perilous attacks and creating openings. The Flame Vent is also a strong option for dealing damage.
8. How do I perform a Mikiri Counter?
To perform a Mikiri Counter, press the dodge button (usually Circle on PlayStation or B on Xbox) towards the enemy just as their thrust attack is about to hit you. A successful Mikiri Counter will stagger the enemy and deal significant posture damage.
9. How do I perform a Lightning Reversal?
When Genichiro uses his lightning attack, jump into the air as the lightning is about to strike you and press the attack button (R1/RB) mid-air. This will catch the lightning and redirect it back at him.
10. Is there a way to skip the first Genichiro fight?
No, the first Genichiro fight is a mandatory part of the story and cannot be skipped.
11. Does the difficulty setting affect the first Genichiro fight?
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice does not have difficulty settings. The game is designed to be challenging, and all players will experience the same level of difficulty.
12. Are there any rewards for lasting longer in the initial Genichiro fight?
No, there are no additional rewards for prolonging the first encounter with Genichiro. The outcome is predetermined.
13. What happens if I die repeatedly during the initial Genichiro fight?
If you die repeatedly, you will simply respawn at the last idol you rested at. This will not affect the narrative progression or the outcome of the fight.
14. Is the initial Genichiro fight a tutorial in disguise?
Yes, in a way. While it’s not explicitly presented as a tutorial, the fight introduces you to the fundamental combat mechanics of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and prepares you for the challenges ahead.
15. Should I feel discouraged if I struggle with the initial Genichiro fight?
Absolutely not! The initial Genichiro fight is designed to be challenging and is intended to result in a loss. It’s a learning experience and a crucial part of the game’s narrative. Embrace the challenge and use it as motivation to improve your skills for the battles that lie ahead.