Genichiro Ashina
Overview
Genichiro Ashina is a crucial boss fight that serves as a skill check for the game's combat mechanics. This three-phase battle teaches you the importance of deflecting, mikiri counters, and staying aggressive. Mastering this fight is essential for success in later encounters.
Phase Breakdown
Phase 1: Genichiro Ashina
Key Attacks:
- Sword Combo: 3-4 hit combo that can be deflected
- Thrust Attack: Perilous thrust - use Mikiri Counter
- Bow Combo: Shoots arrows then follows with sword attacks
- Jump Slash: Leaps and attacks from above
Strategy:
Stay close and maintain pressure. Deflect his sword combos perfectly to build posture damage. When you see the red kanji, prepare for his thrust attack and use Mikiri Counter for massive posture damage.
Phase 2: Genichiro Ashina (Second Health Bar)
New Attacks:
- Enhanced Combos: Longer, more complex sword sequences
- Floating Passage: Multi-hit flurry attack
- Arrow Rain: Jumps back and fires multiple arrows
Strategy:
Same approach but with higher damage and longer combos. Be patient with deflecting the extended sequences. Use the openings after his arrow attacks to close distance and attack.
Phase 3: Way of Tomoe
Lightning Attacks:
- Lightning Slam: Jumps high and crashes down with lightning
- Lightning Combo: Sword attacks enhanced with lightning
- Lightning Arrows: Bow attacks with lightning damage
Strategy:
Use Lightning Reversal! When he jumps for lightning attacks, jump and get hit in mid-air, then immediately attack to redirect lightning back at him. This deals massive damage and posture damage.
Essential Tips
Master Mikiri Counter
His thrust attacks are your biggest opportunity. Step into the thrust and counter for huge posture damage.
Stay Aggressive
Don't let him recover posture. Constantly pressure him with attacks between deflecting his combos.
Lightning Reversal
In phase 3, jump when he does lightning attacks, get hit mid-air, then immediately attack to reverse it.
Patience with Deflecting
Don't spam deflect. Time each deflection properly to build his posture effectively.
Key Mechanics to Master
Perfect Deflecting
This fight teaches you proper deflect timing. The white sparks and sound cue indicate perfect deflections.
Mikiri Counter
Essential skill for this and many future fights. Step into thrust attacks at the right moment.
Lightning Reversal
Jump when you see lightning, get hit in air, then attack immediately to reverse the lightning.
Posture Management
Learn when to be aggressive and when to back off to manage your own posture bar.