What are the Classes in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?

Unlike many other Souls-like games, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice does not feature traditional character classes at the game’s outset. Instead, every player begins the game as Wolf, a shinobi tasked with protecting the Divine Heir. There is no option to choose a different starting class that influences your initial stats, equipment, or playstyle. Sekiro focuses heavily on a fixed protagonist with a defined backstory and skill set, emphasizing mastery of the core combat mechanics and exploration of the game world rather than character customization at the beginning. While you can’t choose a class, you can shape Wolf’s capabilities throughout the game through skill point allocation and the acquisition of various Prosthetic Tools, combat arts, and ninjutsu techniques, allowing you to tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences.

Shaping Wolf: Defining Your Playstyle

While the absence of classes might seem limiting at first, Sekiro’s character progression system offers a wealth of customization options that effectively allow players to carve out their own “class” as they play. This personalization stems from a combination of factors:

• Skills Trees: As you defeat enemies, you’ll earn experience points that translate into skill points. These points can be spent to unlock new abilities within various skill trees. Each skill tree focuses on a different aspect of combat and utility.
• Prosthetic Tools: Wolf’s Prosthetic Arm is a highly versatile device capable of equipping a variety of tools, each offering unique combat options and traversal capabilities. Experimenting with different combinations and mastering their timing is crucial to success.
• Combat Arts: These special attacks provide powerful offensive options, often focusing on specific combat scenarios or enemy types.
• Ninjutsu Techniques: Learned throughout the game, ninjutsu techniques offer powerful, often situational advantages in combat, allowing you to manipulate enemies or even turn them against each other.
• Stats Improvements: While not directly tied to classes, defeating bosses grants you Attack Power increases. Collecting prayer beads and combining four of them increases your Vitality and Posture.

The Skill Trees: Pathways to Mastery

Sekiro features several key skill trees, each focusing on a different aspect of combat and utility. Understanding these trees and strategically allocating skill points is crucial to developing your preferred playstyle:

• Shinobi Arts: This is often the first tree players focus on, featuring foundational skills like Mikiri Counter (essential for deflecting thrust attacks), Breath of Life: Light (regaining health upon performing a deathblow), and Suppress Sound. The Shinobi Arts tree improves your general combat prowess and stealth capabilities.
• Prosthetic Arts: This tree enhances the effectiveness of Wolf’s Prosthetic Tools, unlocking new combat options and improving their utility. Examples include the Living Force skill, which imbues your weapon with fire after using the Flame Vent, and the Loaded Umbrella – Magnet skill, which allows you to deflect perilous attacks more effectively.
• Ashina Arts: Focused on aggressive combat and posture breaking, the Ashina Arts tree offers powerful techniques for overwhelming enemies. Examples include the Ichimonji Double and Empowered Mortal Draw.
• Mushin Arts: This late-game tree combines the best aspects of the other skill trees and grants access to incredibly powerful abilities that significantly enhance Wolf’s combat prowess.

Prosthetic Tools: Beyond the Blade

The Prosthetic Tools are a core component of Sekiro’s combat system, offering a wide range of offensive, defensive, and utility options. Mastering these tools and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is essential to overcoming the game’s challenges. Examples of prosthetic tools include:

• Loaded Shuriken: A versatile tool for interrupting enemy attacks, staggering foes, and dealing with airborne enemies.
• Loaded Axe: A powerful weapon for breaking through shields and dealing heavy posture damage.
• Flame Vent: Engulfs your weapon in flames, inflicting burn damage and stunning enemies.
• Loaded Umbrella: Provides a defensive barrier against attacks, allowing you to deflect projectiles and counter with a follow-up strike.
• Sabimaru: A short sword coated in poison, inflicting poison buildup on enemies.
• Mist Raven: Allows for quick dodges and repositioning.
• Divine Abduction: A fan that turns enemies away from you, allowing you to perform stealth deathblows or create openings for attack.
• Finger Whistle: Summons allies to help you in battle.
• Loaded Spear: A piercing weapon that can break through armor and pull enemies towards you.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Sekiro’s Character Progression

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sekiro’s progression system and how it shapes your playstyle:

1. Can you respec your skill points in Sekiro?

No, Sekiro does not allow you to respec your skill points. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider which skills you want to unlock. You can, however, eventually unlock all skills if you play through multiple playthroughs and grind enough experience.

2. What happens when you die in Sekiro?

Dying in Sekiro results in a loss of half of your experience points and half of your Sen (in-game currency). You also have a chance to trigger “Unseen Aid,” which prevents this loss. This penalty can be mitigated by spending your Sen before death.

3. How do you increase your Attack Power in Sekiro?

You increase your Attack Power by defeating bosses. Each boss defeated provides a Memory, which can be used to increase Attack Power at an Idol.

4. How do you increase your Vitality and Posture in Sekiro?

You increase your Vitality and Posture by collecting Prayer Beads. Four Prayer Beads can be combined at an Idol to increase Vitality and Posture. Prayer Beads are typically found by defeating mini-bosses.

5. What is the best skill tree to focus on early in Sekiro?

The Shinobi Arts tree is generally considered the best starting point, as it offers essential skills like Mikiri Counter and Breath of Life, which are crucial for both combat and survival.

6. How do you upgrade Prosthetic Tools in Sekiro?

You upgrade your Prosthetic Tools by visiting the Sculptor in the Dilapidated Temple. He requires specific materials and Sen to upgrade each tool.

7. Are there any hidden skills or abilities in Sekiro?

Yes, there are several hidden skills and abilities that can be unlocked by completing specific quests or defeating optional bosses. Some require very specific requirements to unlock.

8. What are Combat Arts and how do you use them?

Combat Arts are special attacks that consume Spirit Emblems. They are learned from various sources, such as skill trees or from NPCs. To use a Combat Art, equip it from the menu and press the designated button combination during combat.

9. What are Ninjutsu Techniques and how do you use them?

Ninjutsu Techniques are special abilities that can be used after performing a deathblow on an enemy. They are learned throughout the game by defeating certain enemies.

10. How important is stealth in Sekiro?

Stealth is highly important in Sekiro. Utilizing stealth allows you to eliminate enemies without alerting others, conserve resources, and gain advantageous positions for combat.

11. What are Spirit Emblems used for?

Spirit Emblems are consumed when using Prosthetic Tools and Combat Arts. You can carry a limited number of Spirit Emblems, and they can be replenished by purchasing them from merchants or finding them in the environment.

12. What is the difference between Vitality and Posture?

Vitality is your health bar, while Posture represents your ability to maintain balance and defend against attacks. When an enemy’s Posture is broken, you can perform a deathblow.

13. How does the “Unseen Aid” mechanic work?

Unseen Aid is a random chance that prevents you from losing experience points and Sen upon death. The chance of Unseen Aid decreases as you accumulate Dragonrot.

14. What is Dragonrot and how does it affect the game?

Dragonrot is a disease that spreads among NPCs when you die repeatedly. It reduces the chance of Unseen Aid and can prevent you from progressing certain NPC storylines. It can be cured using a Dragon’s Blood Droplet at an Idol.

15. Is it possible to beat Sekiro without upgrading your character?

While extremely challenging, it is possible to beat Sekiro without upgrading your character. This requires exceptional skill, precise timing, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics and enemy attack patterns. It is not recommended for new players.