Mastering Genichiro: Cheesy Tactics To Dominate Sekiro's Toughest Boss

Cheesing Genichiro in *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* involves exploiting specific mechanics or strategies to bypass his challenging combat patterns. Players often focus on parrying his initial attacks to stagger him, then quickly using prosthetics like the Firecracker or Shinobi Fire to create openings. Another popular tactic is to sprint past him during his Ashina Cross thrust, allowing you to deal damage from behind or force him into a vulnerable state. Additionally, using the Loaded Umbrella to deflect his Perilous attacks can stun him, providing a window to strike. While these methods may feel unconventional, they highlight the game’s flexibility and the player’s creativity in overcoming one of its most formidable bosses.

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Perfect Parry Timing: Master the precise rhythm to deflect Genichiro’s attacks consistently and counter effectively

Genichiro's relentless aggression demands more than reaction—it requires anticipation. Perfect parrying isn't about reflexes alone; it's about internalizing his attack rhythm. Observe the slight pause before his downward slash, the subtle shift in stance before his thrust. These micro-cues are your metronome. Practice against weaker enemies to imprint the timing, then apply it to Genichiro. Each successful parry isn't just damage mitigation—it's a stolen moment to counterattack, turning his aggression into your advantage.

Think of parrying as a dance, not a brawl. Genichiro's attacks follow a predictable, if punishing, beat. His combos often end with a sweeping horizontal strike, leaving him momentarily exposed. This is your window. Time your parry to the apex of his swing, when his blade is fully extended. The game's parry window is deceptively generous—aim to deflect at the attack's midpoint, not its start. This precision minimizes risk and maximizes counter-damage, turning the fight into a rhythm game where you control the tempo.

Mastering Genichiro's rhythm requires deliberate practice, not brute force. Use the training room to isolate his attacks, focusing on the visual and auditory cues that precede each strike. His sword glows faintly before a perilous attack, while his breathing quickens before a combo. These details, often overlooked in the heat of battle, become second nature with repetition. Record your attempts to analyze mistakes—are you parrying too early, or hesitating? Adjust your timing incrementally, treating each failure as a calibration point rather than a setback.

Here’s a practical drill: Engage Genichiro until he reaches phase two, then focus solely on parrying his Ashina Cross thrust. This attack has a distinct wind-up, making it an ideal test of your timing. Count the frames between his stance shift and the thrust impact—ideally, parry on the third frame of his forward lunge. Once consistent, apply this precision to his more complex combos. Remember: cheese isn’t about exploiting glitches—it’s about exploiting predictability. Turn Genichiro’s scripted aggression into a choreographed defeat.

Mikiri Counter Exploit: Use the Mikiri Counter to punish his thrust attacks and stagger him repeatedly

Genichiro's thrust attacks in Sekiro are predictable, making them prime targets for the Mikiri Counter exploit. This technique allows you to punish his lunges with a devastating counterattack, staggering him and creating openings for massive damage.

Execution: Time your Mikiri Counter precisely as Genichiro initiates his thrust. The window is tight, but practice makes perfect. Look for the telltale wind-up animation: a slight lean forward and a brief pause before he lunges. Jump at the last possible moment, aiming to land directly in front of him as the thrust connects.

Benefits: The Mikiri Counter deals significant posture damage, staggering Genichiro and leaving him vulnerable. This exploit bypasses the need for lengthy combos or risky deflects, allowing you to control the fight's pace. With consistent execution, you can keep Genichiro staggered for extended periods, drastically reducing the encounter's difficulty.

Cautions: Over-reliance on this exploit can lead to complacency. Genichiro occasionally mixes up his thrusts with sweeping attacks or grabs, which the Mikiri Counter cannot deflect. Stay alert for these variations and be prepared to adapt. Additionally, mistiming the counter leaves you exposed to his powerful follow-ups.

Optimization: Combine the Mikiri Counter exploit with other strategies for maximum efficiency. Use the Sugar + Rice for increased posture damage, and equip the Loaded Umbrella for added safety during practice. Focus on perfecting your timing in the early phases of the fight, then unleash relentless counters in the later stages when Genichiro becomes more aggressive.

Mastering the Mikiri Counter exploit transforms the Genichiro fight from a daunting challenge into a methodical dance. With precision and patience, you can cheese your way to victory, turning his own attacks against him.

Firecracker Stun Lock: Spam Firecrackers to stun Genichiro, preventing him from attacking or healing

Genichiro Ashina, the formidable foe in *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, demands precision, patience, and skill to defeat. However, for those seeking a less orthodox approach, the Firecracker Stun Lock offers a cheeky yet effective strategy. By spamming firecrackers, players can exploit Genichiro’s vulnerability to stun effects, effectively neutralizing his aggressive combos and healing abilities. This method hinges on timing and resource management, turning a high-stakes duel into a controlled, almost comical, stunlock fest.

The execution is straightforward but requires practice. Equip the Firecrackers Prosthetic Tool and wait for Genichiro to initiate an attack. As he commits to a strike, toss a firecracker directly at him. The stun effect will interrupt his animation, leaving him momentarily vulnerable. Immediately follow up with another firecracker to prolong the stun, preventing him from retaliating or using his healing posture. Repeat this process, maintaining a steady rhythm of stuns to keep him locked in a state of perpetual disorientation. Aim for clusters of two to three firecrackers per stun cycle to maximize efficiency while conserving resources.

Resource management is critical to this strategy’s success. Firecrackers are finite, and overuse can leave you defenseless in later phases. Prioritize stunning Genichiro during his most dangerous attacks, such as his sweeping sword combos or his perilous healing posture. Avoid wasting firecrackers on minor strikes or when he’s already staggered. Additionally, monitor your Prosthetic Tool durability, as overuse can render the tool temporarily unusable. A well-timed Shinobi Flask use can restore durability mid-fight, ensuring uninterrupted stunlock potential.

While the Firecracker Stun Lock is undeniably effective, it’s not without risks. Genichiro’s AI adapts to prolonged stunlock attempts, occasionally dodging or deflecting firecrackers. To counter this, vary your timing slightly and mix in occasional deflects or jumps to keep him guessing. Furthermore, this strategy works best in the first phase of the fight, where Genichiro’s aggression is most predictable. In the second phase, his increased speed and new abilities require a more dynamic approach, though stunlocks can still be woven into your overall strategy.

In conclusion, the Firecracker Stun Lock is a high-reward tactic that transforms the Genichiro fight from a test of reflexes into a game of resource-managed stunlocks. It’s not foolproof, but with practice and adaptability, it can significantly reduce the fight’s difficulty. For players struggling with Genichiro’s relentless pressure, this method offers a viable, if slightly cheesy, path to victory. Just remember: cheese responsibly.

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Sugar + Prosthetic Abuse: Combine Sugar for invisibility with Prosthetic tools to deal damage safely

In the realm of *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice*, exploiting mechanics to gain an edge against formidable foes like Genichiro is a time-honored tradition. One particularly effective strategy involves combining the Sugar item for invisibility with Prosthetic Tool attacks to deal damage safely. This method, often referred to as "Sugar + Prosthetic Abuse," leverages the game’s systems to minimize risk while maximizing output. By understanding the mechanics and timing, players can turn one of the game’s most challenging encounters into a manageable—even trivial—fight.

To execute this strategy, start by equipping Sugar in one of your quick item slots. Sugar grants temporary invisibility, allowing you to approach Genichiro undetected. The key is to time its use during his longer animations or when he’s committed to an attack. For instance, during his sweeping sword strikes or after he performs a leap attack, activate Sugar and close the distance. While invisible, you’re free to position yourself optimally without fear of retaliation. This phase is crucial: misstep here, and the invisibility window is wasted.

Once in range, unleash your Prosthetic Tools. The Flame Vent is particularly effective due to its high damage output and ability to stagger Genichiro. Alternatively, the Loaded Axe prosthetic can deal significant posture damage, making it easier to break his guard. The beauty of this approach lies in its safety: while invisible, Genichiro cannot target you, allowing you to deal damage without risk. Aim for 2–3 prosthetic attacks per invisibility window, depending on the tool’s animation length and your positioning.

However, this strategy isn’t without its pitfalls. Sugar’s invisibility duration is limited, typically lasting around 5–7 seconds, so timing is critical. Overuse of Sugar can also deplete your supplies quickly, especially if you’re not landing meaningful hits. To mitigate this, carry at least 10–15 units of Sugar into the fight and prioritize prosthetic attacks that deal high damage or posture break. Additionally, be mindful of Genichiro’s Perilous Attack indicator; even while invisible, using a prosthetic at the wrong moment can leave you vulnerable.

In practice, the Sugar + Prosthetic Abuse method transforms the Genichiro fight into a test of patience and precision rather than raw skill. By chaining invisibility windows with well-timed prosthetic attacks, players can whittle down his health and posture bars steadily. This approach is particularly useful for those struggling with the fight’s aggressive pace or looking to minimize deaths. While some may argue it lacks elegance, its effectiveness is undeniable—a testament to the creativity players bring to *Sekiro*'s unforgiving combat system.

Phase 2 Rush Down: Focus on aggressive, high-damage combos during his second phase to end the fight quickly

Genichiro's second phase is a race against time, as his attacks become more relentless and his posture regeneration accelerates. To counter this, a well-executed Phase 2 Rush Down can be the key to victory. The strategy revolves around capitalizing on the brief window of opportunity after his transformation, where a series of aggressive, high-damage combos can deplete his health bar before he regains composure. This approach requires precision, timing, and a deep understanding of Sekiro's combat mechanics.

The Execution: Begin by baiting Genichiro's initial attack after the phase transition, typically a sweeping sword strike. Dodge this attack, then immediately close the distance and unleash a heavy combo, such as the 'Mortal Draw' followed by a series of strong attacks. The goal is to stagger him, preventing his posture recovery. As he staggers, continue the assault with a mix of light and heavy attacks, aiming for a 'Deathblow' opportunity. If executed correctly, this initial burst can remove a significant portion of his health, leaving him vulnerable.

Combo Optimization: The effectiveness of this strategy lies in combo optimization. Sekiro's combat system rewards aggressive play, and in this phase, it's crucial to maximize damage output. Incorporate prosthetics like the 'Firecracker' to create openings and the 'Loaded Umbrella' to deflect his thrust attacks, allowing for counter-attacks. The 'Dragonflash' skill can be a game-changer, offering a powerful, multi-hit combo that deals massive damage. Practice these combos in isolation to ensure fluid execution during the fight.

Risk and Reward: This rush-down tactic is high-risk, high-reward. Genichiro's second phase is unforgiving, and a single mistake can lead to a swift defeat. Players must be mindful of their posture and health, as aggressive play can leave Sekiro exposed. The key is to strike a balance between relentless offense and strategic defense. Learn to recognize the optimal moments to disengage, regain posture, and then re-engage with another devastating combo. This dance of aggression and caution is what makes this strategy both challenging and immensely satisfying when successful.

Practice and Adaptation: Mastering the Phase 2 Rush Down requires dedication and practice. Players should familiarize themselves with Genichiro's attack patterns, learning to anticipate and counter each move. The 'Unseen Aid' prosthetic can provide a much-needed health boost during the fight, ensuring survival through the aggressive phase. Additionally, upgrading Sekiro's attack power and acquiring skills like 'Gokan's Sugar' for increased damage can significantly enhance the effectiveness of this strategy. With practice, players can adapt this approach to their playstyle, making the fight against Genichiro a showcase of skill and strategic aggression.

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