How Many Phases Does Great Shinobi Owl Have?

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The Great Shinobi Owl in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a formidable foe known for his speed, tricky gadgets, and relentless attacks. Understanding his combat style is crucial for victory, and a key part of that is knowing how many phases you’ll need to endure. The Great Shinobi Owl fight has two distinct phases, each with unique attack patterns and strategies required to overcome him.

Understanding the Great Shinobi Owl Fight

The Great Shinobi Owl encounter is a test of your deflecting skills, patience, and ability to read his movements. He is significantly tougher than many of the earlier bosses, requiring a more tactical approach than simply spamming attacks. He relies heavily on posture damage, making well-timed deflects paramount to your success. Learning his attack patterns and recognizing the cues for his more devastating moves will be the key to defeating him.

Phase 1: The Foundation of Victory

In the first phase, the Great Shinobi Owl’s attacks are relatively straightforward, albeit fast and powerful. You’ll need to be aggressive but controlled, focusing on deflecting his sword attacks and exploiting openings after his larger moves. Watch out for his perilous sweep attack, which should be jumped over, and be ready to mikiri counter his thrust attack. The use of firecrackers can create opportunities for damage, but don’t rely on them too heavily. This phase is all about mastering the basics and learning his core moveset.

Phase 2: Gadgets and Aggression

The second phase is where the fight truly heats up. The Great Shinobi Owl introduces a range of new techniques, including poison and smoke bombs. He becomes more aggressive and unpredictable. He’ll throw poison that limits your movement and vision and use smoke bombs to disappear and reappear in different locations, often with a surprise attack. Successfully navigating this phase requires precise movement, quick reactions, and knowing when to be aggressive and when to back off. Learning his tells for these new abilities is crucial to avoiding damage and seizing opportunities.

Mastering the Battle

To consistently defeat the Great Shinobi Owl, practicing his attack patterns in both phases is essential. Focus on perfect deflections, exploiting his openings after attacks, and utilizing tools like firecrackers sparingly but effectively. Be patient and persistent; learning from each attempt will gradually bring you closer to victory. Understanding the transition point between phases is also vital, as it often leaves you vulnerable to his initial Phase 2 attack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Great Shinobi Owl

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand the Great Shinobi Owl fight:

1. What are the best prosthetic tools to use against the Great Shinobi Owl?

   While not essential, Firecrackers can be useful for creating openings, particularly in Phase 1. They can briefly stun him, allowing for a few free hits. However, their effectiveness diminishes in Phase 2. The Mist Raven can also be useful for dodging his unblockable attacks, but requires precise timing.

2. What is the best strategy for dealing with his poison attack in Phase 2?

   The best way to deal with the poison attack is to avoid it altogether. Pay close attention to the animation where he prepares to throw it and dodge to the side. If you do get poisoned, use an Antidote Powder immediately to negate the effect. Try to maintain distance when he’s about to use this attack.

3. How do I counter his perilous attacks?

   The Great Shinobi Owl has both a perilous sweep attack and a perilous thrust attack. Jump over the sweep attack to avoid damage and potentially land a kick to build posture damage. Mikiri Counter the thrust attack to inflict significant posture damage and open him up for attacks.

4. What is the best way to build posture damage on the Great Shinobi Owl?

   The most effective way to build posture damage is through perfect deflections. Consistently deflecting his attacks will quickly fill his posture meter, allowing you to perform a deathblow. Attacking aggressively between his combos can also help, but always prioritize deflecting over attacking mindlessly.

5. How do I avoid his smoke bomb attacks?

   When the Great Shinobi Owl throws a smoke bomb, quickly lock on and be ready to dodge. He will often reappear behind you or to the side for a surprise attack. Pay attention to the direction of the smoke and dodge accordingly. Staying mobile is crucial during this attack.

6. What stats should I focus on leveling up before fighting the Great Shinobi Owl?

   Focus on increasing your Vitality and Attack Power. Vitality will allow you to withstand more of his attacks, while increased attack power will help you deal more damage and break his posture more quickly. Having a good supply of healing items is also crucial.

7. Is it possible to stealth deathblow the Great Shinobi Owl?

   No, it is not possible to stealth deathblow the Great Shinobi Owl at the start of the fight. This is a direct, head-on battle.

8. What’s the difference between the Great Shinobi Owl and Owl (Father) fight?

   While both are versions of Owl, the Great Shinobi Owl is encountered earlier in the game and represents a fight against him when he serves Lord Genichiro. The Owl (Father) fight is a memory battle that presents a much more challenging version of Owl with significantly different moves and combat style.

9. What happens if I choose to betray Kuro and side with Owl?

   If you choose to betray Kuro and side with Owl, you will lock yourself out of the “Immortal Severance” ending. You will then be forced to fight Emma, the Gentle Blade, and Isshin Ashina.

10. How important is it to parry his attacks perfectly?

    Perfect parries (deflections) are extremely important in this fight. They build up his posture meter much faster than regular blocks, and they give you openings to attack. Practice your timing until you can consistently deflect his attacks.

11. What is the best time to heal during the fight?

    Healing can be risky during this fight. The best time to heal is after a successful Mikiri Counter, after he uses his firecrackers (if you are far enough away), or when he creates distance after a combo. Always be ready to dodge immediately after healing.

12. How do I know when he’s about to transition into Phase 2?

    Owl doesn’t have a definitive “tell” for the phase transition. He typically transitions after you have reduced his vitality by approximately 50%. Be prepared for him to immediately throw poison or a smoke bomb when the second phase begins.

13. Are there any Spirit Emblems I should save specifically for this fight?

    While not essential, saving some Spirit Emblems for Firecrackers can be helpful, particularly in Phase 1. However, don’t rely on them too heavily. Learn to fight him without them, and use them sparingly for extra openings.

14. What is the recommended level or progression point to fight the Great Shinobi Owl?

    It’s generally recommended to fight the Great Shinobi Owl after you have explored most of the Ashina Castle area and have at least 14 Vitality and a few Attack Power upgrades. The fight is challenging, so don’t be afraid to postpone it until you feel more prepared.

15. Can I use stealth to my advantage during the fight at all?

    Once the fight starts, stealth is no longer an option. You must face him head-on and rely on your combat skills to survive. There are no opportunities to re-engage in stealth during the fight.

By understanding the two phases of the Great Shinobi Owl fight, mastering your deflections, and utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can overcome this challenging boss and continue your journey in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Good luck, Sekiro!