Frederic Melton
In the challenging world of *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, mastering the art of cheesing bosses like Emma, the Gentle Blade, can be a game-changer for players seeking a less conventional approach to victory. Cheesing involves exploiting mechanics or strategies that minimize direct confrontation, often leveraging the environment, specific tools, or repetitive tactics to gain an unfair advantage. For Emma, players might utilize stealth, the Shinobi Prosthetic’s tools, or the terrain of the Fountainhead Palace to avoid her deadly combos and whittle down her health efficiently. While purists may frown upon this method, cheesing Emma can be a viable option for those struggling with her aggressive and precise attacks, offering a satisfying workaround to progress through the game’s late-game challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss Name | Emma, The Gentle Blade (Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice) |
| Cheese Strategy | Use the "Shinobi Firecracker" prosthetic tool to stun Emma repeatedly. |
| Required Items | Shinobi Firecracker (prosthetic tool), Gokan’s Sugar (optional for healing) |
| Location | Fountainhead Palace |
| Phase | Effective in both phases, but more useful in Phase 2 when Emma becomes more aggressive. |
| Timing | Use Firecrackers during Emma’s wind-up animations or after she performs a combo. |
| Distance | Maintain medium to close range for optimal Firecracker effectiveness. |
| Posture Damage | Firecrackers deal significant posture damage, making it easier to stagger Emma. |
| Health Management | Use Gokan’s Sugar or healing items sparingly, as the cheese strategy minimizes damage taken. |
| Difficulty | Significantly reduces the fight’s difficulty, making it accessible for less experienced players. |
| Notes | This method exploits Emma’s vulnerability to stun, bypassing much of her challenging combat patterns. |
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What You'll Learn
- Exploit Emma's Slow Start: Use fire prosthetic to stun her during her opening animation
- Mikiri Counter Timing: Perfectly time Mikiri counters to avoid her sweeping sword attacks
- Sugar + Shuriken Combo: Stun Emma with shuriken throws while she’s coated in sugar
- Perilous Attack Spam: Abuse perilous attacks to deal massive damage during her slower phases
- Phase Skip with Fire: Use fire prosthetic repeatedly to skip her second phase entirely
Exploit Emma's Slow Start: Use fire prosthetic to stun her during her opening animation
Emma, the Gentle Blade, is notorious for her relentless aggression and precision in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. However, her opening animation—a slow, deliberate draw of her sword—presents a critical vulnerability. By exploiting this brief window with the Fire Prosthetic Tool, players can stun her before the fight truly begins, drastically shifting the encounter in their favor.
Step-by-Step Execution:
- Positioning: Begin the fight by standing just outside Emma’s initial attack range. This ensures you’re close enough to act during her animation but not within her immediate strike zone.
- Timing: As soon as Emma initiates her sword draw (marked by a distinct, slow movement), sprint toward her and use the Fire Prosthetic Tool. The animation lock on her sword draw makes her unable to react.
- Follow-Up: The Fire Prosthetic will stun Emma, allowing for a free Deathblow. If your posture damage isn’t sufficient for a Deathblow, use the stun window to land high-damage combos or restore posture.
Analytical Insight: This strategy leverages Emma’s rigid opening animation, which lacks interruptibility. The Fire Prosthetic’s stun effect is particularly effective here because it capitalizes on her inability to adapt mid-animation. Compared to other Prosthetic Tools, fire’s stun duration is optimal for disrupting her initial setup, making it the most reliable choice for this exploit.
Practical Tips:
- Posture Management: Ensure your posture bar is near full before engaging, as sprinting and using the Prosthetic Tool deplete it quickly.
- Practice Timing: The window is tight; practice in the Sculptor’s Idol area to refine your sprint-and-stun timing.
- Backup Plan: If the stun fails, immediately deflect her first attack to regain control.
Takeaway: While some may argue this method lacks honor, it’s a testament to Sekiro’s design—exploiting enemy weaknesses is as valid a strategy as head-on combat. By mastering this technique, players can bypass Emma’s early pressure, turning one of the game’s most challenging fights into a manageable—even trivial—encounter.
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Mikiri Counter Timing: Perfectly time Mikiri counters to avoid her sweeping sword attacks
The Mikiri Counter is your lifeline against Emma's sweeping sword attacks in Sekiro. These attacks, characterized by their wide arcs and devastating damage, can be incredibly frustrating to dodge. However, with precise timing, the Mikiri Counter transforms these attacks from threats into opportunities.
Mastery of this technique hinges on recognizing the telltale signs of Emma's sweeping strikes. Watch for her sword to be drawn back, often accompanied by a slight pause, before she unleashes the attack. This brief moment is your cue to act.
The Mikiri Counter requires impeccable timing. You must jump at the very last moment, just as Emma's sword begins its downward arc. Jump too early, and you'll be caught mid-air; too late, and you'll be sliced in half. Practice is key. Start by observing the attack's rhythm in a safe environment, then gradually attempt counters, adjusting your timing until you consistently land them.
Remember, the Mikiri Counter isn't just about avoiding damage; it's about gaining an advantage. A successful counter leaves Emma vulnerable, allowing you to unleash a punishing combo. This technique, when mastered, shifts the tide of battle in your favor, turning Emma's most fearsome attacks into your greatest opportunities.
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Sugar + Shuriken Combo: Stun Emma with shuriken throws while she’s coated in sugar
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the Sugar + Shuriken Combo is a tactical exploit that leverages Emma's vulnerabilities to create a cycle of stuns and damage. The core idea is to coat Emma in Sugar, a Prosthetic Tool that attracts shuriken, and then exploit her slowed movement and predictable reactions with precise shuriken throws. This combo thrives on timing and resource management, as Sugar has limited uses per playthrough and shuriken require careful aiming to maximize stun duration.
To execute this strategy, start by applying Sugar to Emma during the fight’s opening phase. Aim for moments when she’s stationary or transitioning between attacks, as her slower movement post-Sugar application makes her more susceptible to shuriken hits. Once coated, position yourself at medium range—close enough to ensure shuriken accuracy but far enough to avoid her melee strikes. Throw shuriken in quick succession, aiming for her torso or head, as these areas have higher stun multipliers. Each successful hit will stun Emma, interrupting her attacks and granting you brief windows to deal posture damage or heal.
The effectiveness of this combo hinges on resource optimization. Sugar is a finite resource, typically found in limited quantities or purchased from merchants, so use it sparingly. Prioritize applying Sugar when Emma’s posture bar is nearly depleted or when she’s about to execute a high-damage attack. Similarly, conserve shuriken by only throwing them when Emma is fully coated in Sugar and within optimal range. Overusing either resource can leave you vulnerable in later phases of the fight.
Comparatively, this strategy contrasts with more aggressive approaches like the Flame Vent exploit or Mikiri Counter spam. While those methods rely on dealing direct damage or exploiting specific attack patterns, the Sugar + Shuriken Combo focuses on control and attrition. It’s particularly effective for players who struggle with Emma’s fast combos or lack the precision for perfect deflects. However, it requires patience and a keen understanding of Emma’s behavior, as mistiming shuriken throws or misapplying Sugar can waste valuable resources.
In practice, mastering this combo involves trial and error. Experiment with Sugar application timing—for instance, using it immediately after Emma’s first phase transition can catch her off-guard. Pair this with shuriken throws during her slower, more telegraphed attacks, such as her sweeping sword strikes. If executed correctly, you can stun-lock Emma for extended periods, drastically reducing the fight’s difficulty. Remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; adapt the strategy based on your playstyle and Emma’s behavior in each encounter.
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Perilous Attack Spam: Abuse perilous attacks to deal massive damage during her slower phases
In the relentless dance of steel and shadow that defines the Emma, the Gentle Blade fight in Sekiro, exploiting her slower phases with perilous attack spam emerges as a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Perilous attacks, characterized by their massive damage output and prolonged recovery, are often avoided due to their vulnerability window. However, during Emma’s deliberate, methodical strikes—such as her sweeping sword arcs or post-combo pauses—these attacks become a tactical lifeline. Timing is critical; initiate a perilous attack just as she begins her wind-up, ensuring your animation overlaps with hers. This minimizes your exposure while maximizing damage, turning her predictability into your advantage.
The execution of this strategy hinges on precision and pattern recognition. Emma’s slower phases typically occur after multi-hit combos or during her more telegraphed attacks, such as the horizontal slash or the downward strike. Position yourself at mid-range, just outside her immediate reach, and watch for the telltale signs of her slower moves. For instance, her horizontal slash has a noticeable pause before execution—use this moment to unleash a perilous attack like the Loaded Umbrella or the Flame Vent. The key is to commit fully, as partial execution leaves you defenseless. Practice in earlier encounters to internalize the timing, ensuring you can react instinctively during the fight.
While perilous attack spam is effective, it’s not without risk. Emma’s slower phases are interspersed with rapid, unpredictable strikes that can punish overcommitment. To mitigate this, maintain a defensive mindset even as you aggress. Use the Mikiri Counter to deflect her thrusts, and keep a Prosthetic Tool like the Shinobi Firecracker on hand to create distance if your perilous attack is interrupted. Additionally, monitor your posture bar; excessive spamming without successful hits will leave you vulnerable to a deathblow. Balance aggression with caution, prioritizing high-damage opportunities over reckless repetition.
The true power of this strategy lies in its ability to disrupt Emma’s rhythm. By capitalizing on her slower phases, you force her into a defensive posture, reducing her offensive pressure and creating openings for further perilous attacks. This snowball effect can drastically shorten the fight, but it requires patience and discipline. Avoid greed; a single mistimed attack can undo your progress. Instead, focus on consistency, chipping away at her health bar during each slow phase until she’s overwhelmed. With practice, perilous attack spam transforms from a gamble into a calculated, devastating tactic.
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Phase Skip with Fire: Use fire prosthetic repeatedly to skip her second phase entirely
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Emma, the Gentle Blade, presents a formidable challenge, especially in her second phase where her attacks become more aggressive and unpredictable. However, a clever exploit involving the Fire Prosthetic tool allows skilled players to bypass this phase entirely, significantly reducing the fight's difficulty. This technique, known as the "Phase Skip with Fire," requires precise timing and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics.
To execute this strategy, players must first ensure they have the Fire Prosthetic tool equipped and ready for use. The key lies in dealing a specific amount of posture damage to Emma during her first phase. By repeatedly using the Fire Prosthetic, players can build up posture damage on Emma, eventually leading to a posture break. The crucial moment comes when Emma performs her sweeping sword attack, which leaves her vulnerable for a brief window. During this opening, a well-timed Fire Prosthetic attack can deal massive posture damage, potentially breaking her posture and triggering a deathblow.
The effectiveness of this method relies on the Fire Prosthetic's unique properties. Unlike other prosthetics, the fire damage it inflicts ignores a significant portion of Emma's fire resistance, allowing for consistent damage output. Players should aim to use the Fire Prosthetic at least three to four times during the first phase, focusing on maintaining aggression while avoiding excessive damage themselves. It's essential to manage your own posture and health, as getting hit during this phase can disrupt the delicate timing required for the skip.
Practical Tip: Conserve your healing gourd charges for critical moments, as you'll need to stay healthy enough to maintain pressure on Emma.
This phase skip is a testament to the depth of Sekiro's combat system, where understanding enemy behaviors and exploiting specific mechanics can lead to innovative strategies. While some players might consider this a "cheese" tactic, it requires skill and practice to execute consistently. The Fire Prosthetic's role in this strategy highlights the importance of experimenting with different tools and approaches in Sekiro, as each prosthetic can offer unique advantages against certain bosses.
In conclusion, the Phase Skip with Fire technique is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can drastically alter the Emma fight's dynamics. By mastering this method, players can not only save time but also experience a sense of accomplishment from outsmarting one of the game's most challenging bosses. As with any advanced technique, practice and patience are key to success, and players should not be discouraged by initial failures.
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Frequently asked questions
"Cheesing" refers to using strategies or exploits to defeat Emma, the Inner Palace (a boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice) in an unconventional or easy way, often bypassing intended mechanics.
A popular cheese method involves using the Loaded Umbrella Prosthetic Tool to deflect her attacks repeatedly, staggering her and allowing for easy damage without engaging in complex combat.
Yes, the Mist Raven (Crow’s Bed of Feathers) can be used to cheese Emma by repeatedly dashing behind her, avoiding her attacks, and striking from a safe position.
Cheesing Emma is technically fair as it uses in-game mechanics, but some players argue it diminishes the intended challenge and satisfaction of mastering the boss fight.
