Can You Win the Fight at the Start of Sekiro?

No, you cannot win the fight against Genichiro Ashina at the very beginning of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This encounter is a scripted loss, designed to advance the narrative and introduce core gameplay mechanics. While you can deal damage to Genichiro and even deplete a significant portion of his health, he will ultimately defeat you in a cutscene, regardless of your skill or strategy. This defeat is crucial for establishing the story’s premise and initiating the game’s progression.

Understanding the Scripted Loss

The fight against Genichiro at the start of Sekiro is a carefully crafted tutorial disguised as a boss battle. Its purpose is not to test your mettle and reward skillful play with a victory, but rather to force a specific outcome that pushes the narrative forward. Understanding this distinction is vital for managing expectations and avoiding frustration.

Why is the Fight Scripted?

• Narrative Necessity: The loss serves as a pivotal plot point. It sets the stage for Wolf’s abduction, imprisonment, and eventual loss of his arm. This event is the catalyst for his transformation and the acquisition of the prosthetic arm, a central component of the game’s mechanics.
• Introducing Core Mechanics: The encounter allows players to familiarize themselves with the basic combat mechanics, such as attacking, deflecting, and dodging, without the pressure of a true boss fight. It gently introduces the aggressive, fast-paced combat system that defines Sekiro.
• Establishing Genichiro as an Antagonist: The defeat highlights Genichiro’s strength and establishes him as a formidable antagonist. This creates a sense of urgency and motivates the player to improve their skills in order to eventually overcome him.
• Setting the Tone: The scene vividly conveys the harsh and unforgiving world of Sekiro. It demonstrates that even with unwavering loyalty and martial prowess, Wolf is not invincible and faces overwhelming odds.

Recognizing the Inevitable

Experienced players might notice subtle cues suggesting the scripted nature of the fight. For example, Genichiro’s posture recovery often seems abnormally fast, and his attacks become relentless as the fight progresses. More importantly, even after depleting his health bar significantly, a cutscene will trigger leading to your defeat. Trying to avoid the inevitable is a waste of resources.

Focusing on Learning

Instead of aiming for an impossible victory, approach this encounter as an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Sekiro’s combat. Pay attention to Genichiro’s attack patterns, practice deflecting his strikes, and experiment with different combat techniques. Use this “tutorial” to build a foundation for success in later, winnable battles.

Embracing the Experience

The forced loss at the start of Sekiro is an integral part of the game’s design and storytelling. By understanding its purpose and embracing the experience, you can avoid frustration and focus on learning the skills necessary to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the initial Genichiro fight in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

1. Can I somehow glitch or exploit the game to beat Genichiro at the start?

While some players have attempted to find glitches or exploits, they rarely result in an actual victory. Even if successful in depleting his health, the game’s script will likely still trigger the cutscene resulting in your loss. Focus on playing the game as intended.

2. Is there a difference in what happens if I die quickly vs. lasting longer in the fight?

No, the outcome remains the same regardless of how long you survive or how much damage you inflict. The fight is scripted to end with Genichiro defeating you.

3. What happens after I lose to Genichiro?

You are taken prisoner and have your left arm severed. This necessitates the installation of the prosthetic arm, which becomes a crucial tool for the rest of the game.

4. Does this fight affect any future outcomes or achievements in the game?

No, losing to Genichiro at the beginning has no impact on any future events, endings, or achievements. It is a mandatory story event.

5. If I’m a skilled Sekiro player, is it still impossible to win?

Yes, even the most skilled Sekiro players cannot win this fight. It is a scripted event that overrides player skill.

6. Does the difficulty setting (if any) affect the outcome of this fight?

Sekiro does not have selectable difficulty settings. The encounter is the same for all players.

7. Is there any point in using consumables during this fight?

While you can use consumables, it’s generally not recommended. Resources are scarce early in the game, and saving them for later, winnable battles is a more strategic approach. Focus on practicing the combat mechanics.

8. What is the best strategy for surviving as long as possible in the fight?

Focus on deflecting Genichiro’s attacks. This will help build his posture meter, which is a good habit to develop for later, real boss fights. Do not recklessly attack.

9. Can I use the Mikiri Counter in this fight?

Yes, you can use the Mikiri Counter when Genichiro performs a thrust attack. This is a good opportunity to practice this essential skill.

10. Is this the only forced-loss fight in Sekiro?

No, there are other encounters in Sekiro where losing is part of the storyline. Identifying these and accepting the intended outcome is key to enjoying the game.

11. Will I eventually get to fight Genichiro again later in the game?

Yes, you will face Genichiro again later in a significantly different and winnable battle. Your experience from the initial encounter will be helpful in that fight.

12. Should I feel bad about losing to Genichiro at the start?

Absolutely not! It’s a scripted loss. It’s not a reflection of your skill as a player.

13. What kind of damage does Genichiro deal in the fight?

Genichiro uses a combination of sword attacks and perilous attacks. Understanding the cues for each attack type is vital for deflecting or avoiding them effectively.

14. Is there a hidden cutscene or secret dialogue if I perform exceptionally well in this fight?

No, there are no hidden rewards or variations based on your performance. The cutscene triggering your defeat will happen as designed.

15. Where can I find helpful resources to improve my Sekiro skills in general?

There are numerous online resources, including walkthroughs, guides, and video tutorials, that can help you improve your Sekiro skills. Practicing the combat mechanics is also crucial. Look for videos demonstrating perfect parrying or specific boss strategies. Remember to always focus on learning from your mistakes.