Great Shinobi - Owl (Father)
Overview
The Great Shinobi - Owl (Father) is one of the most challenging optional bosses in Sekiro. Fighting your foster father in his prime requires mastering every combat technique. This fight demands perfect deflecting, aggressive pressure, and the ability to counter his deceptive shinobi tactics. It's a true test of your skills as a shinobi.
Phase Breakdown
Phase 1: Great Shinobi Owl
Key Attacks:
- Sword Combo: Fast 3-4 hit combinations with perfect deflect timing
- Shoulder Slam: Charges forward with his shoulder
- Overhead Slam: Massive overhead attack that can be punished
- Shuriken Combo: Throws shuriken followed by sword attacks
- Anti-Healing Bomb: Throws a bomb that prevents healing in the area
- Mikiri Bait: Fake thrust that turns into a grab
Strategy:
Stay extremely aggressive and close. Deflect his combos perfectly and immediately counter-attack. Be careful of his anti-healing bombs and don't fall for his mikiri baits. Use the openings after his overhead slams for significant damage.
Phase 2: Owl's Shadow Techniques
New Shadow Attacks:
- Shadow Rush: Disappears and reappears behind you
- Firecrackers: Uses firecrackers to blind and stun
- Poison Clouds: Creates toxic clouds that build poison
- Enhanced Combos: Longer, more dangerous attack sequences
- Owl Phantom: Summons an owl spirit that attacks independently
Strategy:
Even more aggressive pressure needed. When he disappears, immediately turn around to deflect his shadow rush. Avoid the poison clouds and use the openings when he uses firecrackers. The owl phantom can be ignored if you stay close to Owl.
Essential Tips
Maximum Aggression
This fight rewards constant pressure. Don't give him space to use his tools and tricks.
Perfect Deflecting
His combos require frame-perfect deflections. Practice the timing until it becomes muscle memory.
Counter His Tricks
Don't fall for the mikiri bait. Watch for his grab attempt instead of trying to counter.
Avoid Bombs
Stay away from anti-healing bomb areas. Plan your healing windows carefully.
Advanced Strategies
Pressure Tactics
- Constant Attacks: Attack immediately after every deflection sequence
- Corner Pressure: Try to back him into corners to limit his movement
- No Breathing Room: Never let him recover posture by staying passive
- Punish Overheads: His overhead slam has a long recovery - get 2-3 hits
Defensive Techniques
- Shadow Rush Counter: Turn around immediately when he vanishes
- Firecracker Avoidance: Back away when you see the animation start
- Poison Management: Use Antidote Powder or avoid the cloud areas
- Healing Timing: Only heal when he's stunned or far away
Combat Flow
- Deflect → Attack: Always counter-attack after deflect sequences
- Interrupt Recovery: Don't let him reset to neutral position
- Posture Focus: Prioritize posture damage over vitality damage
- Patience with Perfection: Don't rush deflections - timing is everything
Key Mechanics to Master
Frame-Perfect Deflecting
Owl's attacks require precise timing. Practice until you can deflect his entire combo sequence consistently.
Recognizing Fake Attacks
Learn to distinguish his real thrust from the mikiri bait that becomes a grab.
Shadow Positioning
When he uses shadow techniques, always be ready to turn and deflect his reappearance.
Pressure Maintenance
Keep constant offensive pressure to prevent him from using his full arsenal of tricks.
⚠️ Important Warnings
This is one of the hardest fights in the game. Don't be discouraged if it takes many attempts. The fight requires:
- Perfect deflection timing on every combo
- Constant aggressive pressure
- Excellent positioning and movement
- Pattern recognition for all his tricks
Consider practicing on easier bosses first to perfect your deflection timing and aggressive playstyle.