Unveiling Sekiro’s Secrets: The True Identity of the Hidden Boss
The world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is rife with challenges, but few are as elusive and rewarding as the encounter with a secret boss. So, who is this hidden menace? The primary secret boss in Sekiro is Owl (Father), a much stronger version of the Owl you face earlier in the game. This version is encountered in the Hirata Estate after triggering specific dialogue and item requirements. He represents Owl in his prime, a truly formidable foe that will test your skills to the limit. Defeating him unlocks a different memory for Wolf.
Owl (Father): The Essence of Shinobi Ruthlessness
Accessing the Fight: A Path Through Memory
Gaining access to the Owl (Father) fight is no simple feat. It requires making specific choices during the game, deviating from the “normal” progression. Once you have defeated Owl at Ashina Castle, return to the Hirata Estate. You must eavesdrop on Lord Kuro and Emma and then speak to Emma about Kuro. After doing so, rest and speak to her again, and she’ll give you Tomoe’s Note and tell you of the past and the “incense”. Rest again, and then eavesdrop on Emma and the Sculptor. Return to Emma and she’ll give you Father’s Bell Charm. Offering the Bell Charm at the Buddha Statue transports you to a revised version of the Hirata Estate, culminating in the fight against Owl (Father).
What Makes Owl (Father) So Difficult?
This version of Owl is significantly more aggressive and uses a wider range of attacks than his Ashina Castle counterpart. His posture recovery is faster, his damage output is higher, and he utilizes new techniques like smoke bombs that inflict the Terror status and a poison attack. He demands precise deflects and well-timed dodges, pushing players to master the core combat mechanics of Sekiro.
Why Fight Owl (Father)? The Rewards of Perseverance
Defeating Owl (Father) not only grants you the satisfaction of overcoming one of the game’s toughest challenges, but also provides valuable rewards. You will acquire Aromatic Flower, which is needed for one of the game’s endings. Moreover, succeeding against him is a testament to your skill and mastery of Sekiro’s combat system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sekiro Bosses
1. Who is the hardest boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
Many players consider Isshin, The Sword Saint to be the hardest boss in Sekiro. His diverse moveset, multiple phases, and relentless aggression make him a true test of skill. The Demon of Hatred is also incredibly challenging, due to his size, range, and unique fight mechanics compared to the typical sword-clashing encounters.
2. How many main bosses are there in Sekiro?
While the exact number can be debated depending on what constitutes a “main” boss, most players agree that there are around 13 main boss encounters in Sekiro. However, some bosses, such as Genichiro, are fought multiple times.
3. What is the final boss in Sekiro?
The final boss depends on the ending you pursue. In the Immortal Severance and Purification endings, the final boss is Isshin, The Sword Saint. In the Shura ending, the final boss is Emma, the Gentle Blade, followed by Isshin Ashina. In the Dragon’s Homecoming ending, the final boss is Isshin, The Sword Saint.
4. Who is the optional boss in Sekiro?
The Demon of Hatred is a prominent optional boss in Sekiro. He is located in the Ashina Outskirts and is known for his high health and devastating attacks.
5. What is the coolest boss in Sekiro, according to fans?
Fan opinions vary, but Isshin, The Sword Saint, Father Owl, and the Demon of Hatred consistently rank high on lists of the coolest bosses. Their challenging fights, compelling backstories, and epic presentation contribute to their popularity.
6. What are the prerequisites for unlocking the Shura ending?
To unlock the Shura ending, you must choose to obey the Iron Code when prompted by Owl at Ashina Castle. This will lead you down a different path, resulting in a different final boss encounter.
7. What is the easiest boss in Sekiro?
The easiest boss in Sekiro is subjective and depends on playstyle, but Gyoubu Oniwa and Lady Butterfly are often considered to be among the easiest early-game bosses, providing a gentle introduction to the game’s combat mechanics.
8. Why does Isshin fight Wolf in the end?
In the Immortal Severance and Dragon’s Homecoming endings, Isshin fights Wolf because Genichiro uses the Black Mortal Blade to revive him in his prime. Isshin then acts according to Genichiro‘s wishes to protect Ashina. In the Shura ending, Isshin Ashina fights Wolf because Wolf chose the Shura path.
9. Is Wolf’s real name Sekiro?
Wolf is the main character’s original name. Isshin Ashina later bestows upon him the name Sekiro, which means “one-armed wolf,” a reference to his prosthetic arm.
10. How do you get the Return ending?
The Return ending requires a lengthy quest involving Kuro’s Divine Child, the Holy Chapter: Infested, and feeding the Divine Child Serpent Viscera and Fresh Serpent Viscera. You also need to give Kotaro the White Pinwheel, triggering certain dialogue with the Divine Child. The requirements are intricate and easily missed, so consulting a guide is recommended.
11. Is Sekiro harder than Elden Ring?
Whether Sekiro is harder than Elden Ring is subjective and depends on individual player preferences and strengths. Sekiro is generally considered to have a steeper learning curve due to its emphasis on precise deflections and aggressive combat. Elden Ring, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of character builds and playstyles.
12. What is the recommended order for fighting bosses in Sekiro?
The intended order for fighting bosses in Sekiro is generally dictated by the game’s progression, but players can deviate to some extent. A typical order would be: Gyoubu Oniwa, Lady Butterfly, Genichiro Ashina, Folding Screen Monkeys, Guardian Ape, Corrupted Monk, and then various endgame bosses.
13. What are the different endings in Sekiro?
There are four main endings in Sekiro: Immortal Severance, Purification, Shura, and Dragon’s Homecoming (Return). Each ending has different requirements and consequences for the characters and the world.
14. What is the significance of the pinwheels in Sekiro?
The White Pinwheel and Red and White Pinwheel are key items for advancing certain questlines, particularly those related to Kotaro and the Return ending. The choice of which pinwheel to give Kotaro can influence the outcome of his quest.
15. How does Lore Isshin compare to other characters in terms of strength?
Lore-wise, Isshin Ashina is considered one of the most powerful characters in Sekiro, lacking any distinct “magical” ability. His skill and experience in combat are unparalleled, making him a formidable warrior even in his old age. In his prime, he was reportedly unmatched. The Games Learning Society explores the nuanced themes of skill, mastery, and learning in games like Sekiro, further highlighting the significance of mastering its challenging combat. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Mastering the challenges and secrets of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a testament to your perseverance and skill as a gamer. Good luck on your journey!