What Happens If You Kill Genichiro at the Start of Sekiro?
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The question of whether you can beat Genichiro Ashina at the very start of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is almost as intriguing as what actually happens if you manage the impossible. Simply put, if you defeat Genichiro during your first encounter, a slightly different cutscene plays out. Instead of Sekiro willingly losing his arm to protect Kuro, Genichiro still overwhelms you and severs your arm anyway. The game then proceeds exactly as normal, with Sekiro soon awakening and receiving the prosthetic arm that becomes central to the game’s mechanics. While the victory is impressive and a testament to your skills, it does not fundamentally alter the storyline.
The “fight” with Genichiro at the start of the game is more of a scripted loss designed to introduce key mechanics and propel the narrative. Think of it as a tutorial boss cleverly disguised. It exists to teach players about the combat system, particularly deflecting, dodging, and the aggressive style that Sekiro demands. It is also the event which sets up the story, Sekiro getting rescued, receiving the prosthetic and starting his quest to rescue Kuro.
Why Doesn’t Winning Change Anything?
FromSoftware is known for weaving intricate narratives, but often, certain events are crucial for the plot to unfold regardless of player skill. The loss of Sekiro’s arm is one such event. It allows the introduction of the prosthetic arm, which is not just a weapon, but a core game mechanic. It’s also important for worldbuilding and immersion. Without the prosthetic, you wouldn’t have access to the Shinobi Prosthetic Tools that add depth and variety to combat. The game is designed around this mechanic, and breaking the timeline would require a massive overhaul. In effect, the game needs for you to lose so it can give you your unique abilities.
The Allure of the Impossible
Despite the lack of substantial gameplay impact, there is a certain prestige associated with defeating Genichiro at the start. It shows mastery of the combat system and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns. This is why videos of players achieving this feat often go viral within the Sekiro community. It’s a challenge for the most hardcore and skilled players, and is as much a test of skill as it is a testament to the combat mechanics of the game.
FAQ: All About Sekiro’s Early Boss Encounters
Here are some frequently asked questions to dive deeper into the mechanics and lore surrounding the initial boss battles in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice:
How difficult is it to actually beat Genichiro at the start?
Extremely difficult. It requires near-perfect deflections, precise timing, and efficient use of your limited resources at the start of the game. Most players will find it significantly harder than any other challenge the game has to offer.
Is the first Genichiro fight mandatory?
Yes, losing the first Genichiro encounter is a scripted event. You must lose, one way or another, for the story to progress and gain access to the prosthetic arm.
What skills should I prioritize learning early in Sekiro?
The Mikiri Counter is universally recommended as the first skill to unlock. It allows you to counter thrust attacks, which are prevalent throughout the game. Mastering it early will make many encounters significantly easier.
What is the first “real” mandatory boss in Sekiro?
Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa is widely considered the first mandatory boss that players must defeat to progress through the main story and access Ashina Castle.
In what order should I fight the main bosses?
A common suggested order is: Gyoubu Oniwa, Lady Butterfly, Genichiro Ashina, Folding Screen Monkeys, Guardian Ape, Headless Ape, Corrupted Monk, and finally, Isshin Ashina. This order offers a balanced difficulty curve.
What happens if I die a lot in Sekiro?
Dying in Sekiro results in losing half of your current Sen (currency) and experience progress. However, there’s a chance of Unseen Aid activating, which prevents these losses. Excessive deaths can also lead to Dragonrot affecting NPCs, hindering their questlines.
What is Dragonrot, and how do I cure it?
Dragonrot is a disease that affects NPCs when Sekiro dies repeatedly. It can halt questlines and prevent you from progressing with certain characters. You can cure Dragonrot using a Dragon’s Blood Droplet and performing a specific ritual at the Sculptor’s Idol.
What are the different endings in Sekiro, and how do I get them?
There are four endings: Shura (bad ending), Immortal Severance (normal ending), Purification (good ending), and Return (best ending). Each requires specific actions and decisions throughout the game. The “Return” ending, often considered the “true” ending, is the most complex to achieve.
Which ending is considered the most difficult to obtain?
The Dragon’s Homecoming (Return) ending is generally considered the most difficult due to the lengthy and specific series of tasks you must perform related to the Divine Child of Rejuvenation.
Is there any reward for killing the Great Serpent?
Yes, killing the Great Serpent rewards you with the Fresh Serpent Viscera item, which is crucial for achieving one of the endings, and unlocks a trophy/achievement.
What is the “Iron Code” in Sekiro, and what happens if I obey it?
The “Iron Code” refers to Sekiro’s oath to obey his adopted father, Owl. Choosing to obey the Iron Code leads to the Shura ending, a “bad” ending that locks you out of several areas and boss fights.
What causes Sekiro to become Shura?
Sekiro becomes Shura when he chooses to prioritize his loyalty to Owl and the Iron Code over protecting Kuro, leading to a path of immense bloodshed and destruction.
Which skills are most useful for dealing with specific bosses?
Besides Mikiri Counter, consider the Loaded Umbrella prosthetic tool for deflecting ranged attacks, and skills that enhance your attack power and posture damage. The Ashina Cross combat art is effective against many humanoid enemies.
What makes Sekiro such a challenging game?
Sekiro’s difficulty stems from its demanding combat system, which emphasizes precise parrying (deflecting), posture management, and aggressive, strategic attacks. Unlike some other action games, simply dodging and attacking is not sufficient.
Who is considered the hardest boss in Sekiro?
The Sword Saint Isshin is widely regarded as the most challenging boss in Sekiro due to his relentless attacks, multiple phases, and mastery of various combat styles. The Demon of Hatred is a close second, known for his aggressive, unpredictable attacks and large health pool.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a unique and rewarding gaming experience that blends challenging gameplay with a compelling story. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of FromSoftware, you will be captivated by the game’s intricate mechanics, stunning visuals, and unforgettable boss encounters. You can learn more about the gaming world on the Games Learning Society website by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.