Isshin, the Sword Saint
Overview
Isshin, the Sword Saint is the ultimate test of everything you've learned in Sekiro. This four-phase battle combines multiple weapon types, requires different strategies for each phase, and tests your mastery of every combat mechanic. As the final boss, he represents the pinnacle of the game's challenge.
Phase Breakdown
Phase 1: Genichiro (Warm-up)
Standard Genichiro Moveset:
- Sword Combos: Familiar patterns from earlier fight
- Bow Attacks: Arrow shots followed by sword rushes
- Mikiri Opportunities: Thrust attacks to counter
Strategy:
This is the same Genichiro you fought before, but with slightly more health. Use this phase to warm up your reflexes and build confidence. Focus on perfect deflections and mikiri counters.
Phase 2: Young Isshin (Sword Focus)
Sword Techniques:
- Ashina Cross: Extremely fast iaido slash - deflect or dodge
- Dragon Flash: Leaping overhead attack with fire
- Combat Arts: Various sword techniques with unique timing
- Thrust Combos: Sword attacks ending in thrusts
Strategy:
Stay close and aggressive. Deflect his sword combos and look for openings after his special moves. His Ashina Cross is very fast but has a long windup. Dragon Flash can be punished after he lands.
Phase 3: Isshin with Spear
Spear and Gun Techniques:
- Spear Combos: Long reach attacks with wide sweeps
- Gun Shots: Ranged attacks that interrupt your approach
- Spear Slam: Overhead spear attack with shockwave
- Wind Attacks: Area-of-effect wind slashes
- Jump Attacks: Aerial spear strikes
Strategy:
More challenging due to range and gun interruptions. Stay at mid-range, deflect spear attacks, and close distance after gun shots. Use the openings after his big wind attacks to get in close.
Phase 4: Lightning Isshin
Enhanced Lightning Attacks:
- All Previous Moves: Plus lightning enhancement
- Lightning Spear: Spear attacks with lightning damage
- Lightning Rain: Area lightning attacks from above
- Lightning Gun: Gun shots enhanced with lightning
Strategy:
Use Lightning Reversal! When he uses lightning attacks, jump and get hit mid-air, then immediately attack to reverse it back. This is your main damage source in this phase.
Essential Tips
Patience is Key
This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time and don't get greedy with attacks.
Master Lightning Reversal
Phase 4 becomes much easier when you can consistently reverse lightning attacks.
Manage Your Resources
Save healing items for later phases. Don't waste everything on Genichiro.
Learn Each Phase
Each phase requires different strategies. Don't try to play them all the same way.
Phase-Specific Strategies
Phase 2: Sword Isshin
- Ashina Cross Counter: When you see the sheath, either deflect perfectly or dodge to the side
- Dragon Flash Punish: Run away when he jumps, then attack when he lands
- Stay Aggressive: Don't let him use his full moveset by keeping pressure
- Deflect Focus: This phase is all about perfect deflections and counter-attacks
Phase 3: Spear Isshin
- Gun Shot Timing: Run toward him between gun shots to close distance
- Spear Deflections: The spear has different timing than sword - practice this
- Wind Attack Openings: Back away from wind, then run in for attacks
- Jump Attack Counter: When he jumps with spear, run under him and attack
- Mid-Range Combat: Stay at medium distance to bait specific attacks
Phase 4: Lightning Phase
- Lightning Priority: Always go for lightning reversals when possible
- Jump Timing: Jump when you see lightning, get hit in air, attack immediately
- Positioning: Stay in areas where you have room to jump and move
- Regular Attacks: Still deflect and attack normally between lightning opportunities
- Patience: This phase can be won entirely through lightning reversals
Preparation Tips
Upgrade Requirements
Maximum healing gourd, attack power around 10+, and all key skills unlocked.
Items to Bring
Pellets for extra healing, Rice for posture recovery, and Bundled Jizo Statue for resurrection.
Skills to Master
Perfect deflection, mikiri counter, lightning reversal, and aggressive pressure tactics.
Mental Preparation
This fight can take 10-15 minutes per attempt. Stay calm and focused throughout.
🏆 Final Boss Challenge
This is the ultimate test of your Sekiro skills. Everything you've learned comes together here:
- Perfect deflection timing from Genichiro training
- Lightning reversal mastery from earlier encounters
- Aggressive pressure from Owl fights
- Patience and positioning from Guardian Ape
- Resource management across a long fight
Victory here means you've truly mastered the way of the shinobi.