Mastering Genichiro Ashina: Easy Cheese Tactics For Sekiro Victory

Cheesing Genichiro Ashina, the formidable boss in *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, involves exploiting specific strategies to bypass his challenging combat mechanics. Players often focus on parrying his initial attacks to stagger him, then quickly dealing damage during his recovery frames. Another popular tactic is to use the Loaded Umbrella Prosthetic Tool to deflect his perilous attacks, such as the sweeping sword strikes, reducing his posture and creating openings. Additionally, summoning the Shinobi Flame Vent or using the Firecrackers can stun him momentarily, providing a window to unleash a flurry of attacks. While these methods may not align with the intended honorable playstyle, they offer a more accessible approach for players struggling with his aggressive and relentless combat patterns.

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Parry Timing Mastery: Learn precise parry timing to counter Genichiro’s attacks effectively and gain openings

Genichiro Ashina's relentless aggression demands more than reaction—it requires anticipation. Parry timing mastery isn't about luck; it's about recognizing patterns and exploiting them. His standard combo, a three-hit sequence ending in a sweeping strike, is your training ground. The key lies in the second hit: a telegraphed overhead slash. As his sword arcs downward, time your parry. The window is tight, roughly 0.3 seconds before impact, but consistent. Practice against weaker enemies until the rhythm becomes muscle memory.

Think of parrying as a dance, not a brawl. Genichiro's attacks aren't random—they're choreographed. His jumping slam, for instance, is preceded by a distinct wind-up animation. Watch his stance: when he leans back, prepare. The parry window here is slightly longer, around 0.5 seconds before he lands. This attack, while intimidating, is a golden opportunity. A successful parry leaves him vulnerable for a full combo, dealing significant posture damage.

Don’t fall into the trap of mashing the parry button. Precision trumps speed. Genichiro’s unblockable grab attack, signaled by a brief pause and a forward lunge, cannot be parried. Attempting to do so will leave you stunned and open. Instead, dodge sideways during the wind-up. This attack is your cue to reset, not engage. Patience is as crucial as timing.

Mastering parry timing against Genichiro isn’t just about defense—it’s about offense. Each successful parry grants a visceral attack, a guaranteed posture break. Chain two or three of these, and even this formidable opponent crumbles. The rhythm is unforgiving, but the reward is worth it. Practice in shorter bursts, focusing on one attack pattern at a time. With repetition, you’ll transform his aggression into your greatest weapon.

Mikiri Counter Exploit: Use Mikiri Counter to dodge and punish his thrust attacks consistently

Genichiro Ashina's thrust attacks are notoriously punishing, but they also present a golden opportunity for the savvy player. The Mikiri Counter, a technique often overlooked in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, becomes your secret weapon here. This exploit hinges on precise timing and a deep understanding of Genichiro's attack patterns.

By mastering the Mikiri Counter, you can not only dodge his deadly thrusts but also punish him severely, turning the tide of battle in your favor.

The key to success lies in recognizing the telltale signs of Genichiro's thrust attack. Watch for the subtle shift in his stance, the slight lean forward, and the distinctive sound cue that precedes the strike. As soon as you detect these indicators, prepare to execute the Mikiri Counter. Timing is crucial; initiate the counter just as his sword begins its forward motion. A well-timed Mikiri Counter will not only negate the damage but also leave Genichiro vulnerable to a devastating counterattack.

This exploit is particularly effective during the second phase of the fight, where Genichiro's thrust attacks become more frequent and aggressive. By consistently utilizing the Mikiri Counter, you can significantly reduce the damage you take and create openings for your own offensive maneuvers. Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend time in the training dojo honing your Mikiri Counter timing against thrust attacks to ensure you can execute it flawlessly during the actual fight.

With dedication and precision, the Mikiri Counter exploit can transform Genichiro Ashina from a formidable foe into a manageable challenge.

Firecracker Distraction: Throw firecrackers to stun Genichiro, creating opportunities for free damage

Firecrackers, those small yet mighty tools of distraction, can be a game-changer in your battle against Genichiro Ashina. By exploiting his reaction to loud noises, you create windows of opportunity to deal damage without fear of retaliation. This tactic hinges on precise timing and a deep understanding of Genichiro's behavior patterns.

When executed correctly, the firecracker distraction becomes a powerful cheese strategy, allowing you to bypass some of the boss's more challenging phases.

The key to success lies in understanding Genichiro's audio-based aggro mechanics. During specific attack animations, particularly his sweeping sword strikes and leaping slashes, he is momentarily locked into the animation, unable to react to sudden stimuli. This is where the firecracker comes in. By throwing it at his feet during these vulnerable moments, the loud explosion startles him, causing a brief stun effect. This stun is your golden opportunity to unleash a flurry of attacks, chipping away at his health bar.

Remember, timing is crucial. Throw the firecracker too early, and it will have no effect; too late, and you risk being caught in his attack.

This strategy is particularly effective during the first phase of the fight, where Genichiro relies heavily on his sword combos. As the fight progresses and he gains access to more ranged attacks and lightning-fast dashes, the firecracker's effectiveness diminishes. Therefore, it's crucial to capitalize on this tactic early on, dealing as much damage as possible before he becomes more unpredictable.

While the firecracker distraction is a powerful tool, it's not without its limitations. Overusing it can deplete your limited supply of firecrackers, leaving you vulnerable later in the fight. Additionally, Genichiro may adapt to the noise, requiring you to vary your approach and combine the firecracker tactic with other strategies like dodging and parrying.

Remember, cheese strategies are most effective when used sparingly and in conjunction with a solid understanding of the boss's mechanics.

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Phase 2 Rush Strategy: Focus on aggressive combos in Phase 2 to end the fight quickly

Genichiro Ashina's second phase is a whirlwind of relentless attacks, but it's also his most vulnerable state. By exploiting his aggression with well-timed, high-damage combos, you can overwhelm him before he regains his footing. This "Phase 2 Rush" strategy hinges on recognizing his attack patterns and capitalizing on brief openings with precision and speed.

Example: After Genichiro performs his sweeping horizontal slash, he leaves himself momentarily exposed. This is your cue to unleash a flurry of light attacks, punctuated by a heavy strike to maximize damage.

Analysis: The key to this strategy lies in understanding Genichiro's Phase 2 behavior. His attacks become faster and more unpredictable, but they also leave him with longer recovery times. By focusing on combos that mix light and heavy attacks, you can stagger him repeatedly, preventing him from executing his deadliest moves.

Steps to Execute:

• Posture Break Priority: In Phase 2, Genichiro's posture regenerates quickly. Prioritize combos that chip away at his posture bar while dealing damage.
• Mikiri Counter Mastery: Perfect the Mikiri Counter to deflect his thrust attacks. A successful counter leaves him wide open for a devastating combo.
• Ashina Cross Timing: Use the Ashina Cross (a heavy attack followed by a light attack) to exploit his recovery frames after a missed attack.
• Prosthetic Tool Synergy: Equip the Shikai: Shinobi Firecracker to stun him momentarily, creating an opening for a high-damage combo.

Cautions: Over-aggression can be your downfall. Avoid greedy combos that leave you vulnerable to his counterattacks. Always maintain enough stamina for a quick dodge or block if your combo is interrupted.

Health Regen Tactics: Use Gourd Seeds during pauses to recover health and sustain longer battles

In the heat of battle against Genichiro Ashina, every sliver of health can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Gourd Seeds, often overlooked in favor of more aggressive tactics, become your lifeline when used strategically during pauses. These brief moments—whether Genichiro is winding up for a devastating attack or momentarily stunned—are your windows to recovery. A single Gourd Seed restores a modest but crucial 20% of your health, enough to turn the tide if timed correctly.

Consider this: Genichiro’s combos often leave him momentarily exposed after a flurry of strikes. Instead of rushing in recklessly, use this pause to consume a Gourd Seed. The animation is quick, taking roughly 1.5 seconds, but it requires precision. Mistime it, and you’ll be interrupted by his next attack. Practice recognizing his attack patterns—for instance, his leaping slash followed by a brief recovery—to identify safe moments for healing.

While Gourd Seeds are invaluable, they’re not infinite. Start the fight with at least 5 seeds, but aim to conserve them for critical moments. Overreliance can deplete your resources before the battle’s climax. Pair this tactic with defensive play: dodge rather than block to preserve posture, and prioritize Mikiri counters to punish his thrusts. Health regeneration isn’t about brute-forcing survival; it’s about extending your endurance to outlast his aggression.

A common mistake is underestimating the psychological edge this tactic provides. Genichiro’s relentless pressure is designed to wear you down, but consistent health recovery shifts the momentum. Each healed segment of your health bar is a reminder that you’re not just surviving—you’re controlling the pace. Combine this with patience, and you’ll find yourself dictating the rhythm of the fight rather than reacting to it.

In practice, this strategy demands discipline. Avoid the temptation to heal during Genichiro’s unblockable sweeps or his Ashina Cross. Instead, focus on pauses after his two-hit combos or when he’s repositioning. Pair Gourd Seeds with other regenerative tools like the Healing Gourd for maximum efficiency, but remember: the Healing Gourd’s longer animation makes it riskier mid-fight. Master this balance, and you’ll transform health regeneration from a reactive crutch into a proactive weapon.

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