Check out this Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice guide on how to beat Isshin Ashina (Shura Ending). Info includes gameplay tips, recommended Prosthetic Tools & Items, boss moves and attacks.
Check Out The All Boss Fight List Here!Table of Contents
Isshin Ashina Location
| Location | Ashina Castle Dojo (at the time of the Shinobi Army attack) |
|---|
Rewards
| Memory: Isshin Ashina | Confronting this memory in front of a Sculptor's Idol will permanently increase your attack power |
|---|---|
| Skill: One Mind | A skill which allows you to unleash a flurry of attacks with god-like speed. Costs Spirit Emblems to use |
Recommended Prosthetic Tools & Items
Loaded Axe
The Loaded Axe is great for using against Isshin especially during his fire pillar attack in the second phase. You can use it to interrupt and stagger him during this attack and get some hits in.
Check Out The Loaded Axe Tool Here!Loaded Shuriken
The sword flick attack which is performed after the use of the fire column attack deals tons of damage. You can use the Shuriken right after the fire column attack to interrupt and possibly cancel the sword flick attack.
Check Out The Loaded Shuriken Tool Here!Isshin Ashina Boss Combat Tips
How To Beat Isshin Ashina Video:
Charge Counter After His Vertical Slice Attacks
This attack is easily identifiable due to its slow telegraph. You can easily avoid it by dodging to the sides. You can then charge up a thrust attack (hold R1 / RB) which allows you to deal tons of damage when he is vulnerable during this window.
Sword Flick Breaks Your Guard
Unlike normal attacks, the Sword Flick attack will break through your block and deal massive damage to your HP bar. It is advised that you create distance instead of attempting to block. He will do this throughout the fight on both phases.
Move To Unburnt Area During Fire Attack
The fire pillar attack has a very wide range making it hard to dodge away from. However, you can move to a section of the floor without fire once Isshin starts his slow telegraph for this attack. You can interrupt this attack with your Loaded Axe if you are close to Isshin..
Recover From Burns With Dousing Powder
During the second phase of the fight, Isshin will employ several attacks that feature fire. If you ever get inflicted with the Burn status, you should heal yourself with the Dousing Powder item.
Isshin Ashina Boss Attacks
First Phase Attacks
| Attack | Details Of The Attack |
|---|---|
| Grab (Perilous Attack) | Unblockable grab attack. Easy to avoid using a side step |
| Lateral > Vertical Slice | Strong vertical slice attack after a lateral movement |
| Vertical to Horizontal Slice | A vertical slice quickly followed by a horizontal slice attack. Can be countered by dodging, and charging up an attack |
| Thrust (Perilous Attack) | Unblockable attack with narrow range. Use the Mikiri Counter to overcome |
| Sword Flick | A strong attack, but has a slow animation. Can be countered by getting out of range and charging up an attack |
| Three Consecutive Attacks | Three slow consecutive attacks. Can deceive enemies into closing in. Wait for the three attacks to end before approaching |
Lateral > Vertical Slice
There will be a slow telegraph of this attack. After the first movement, dodge to the side and charge up an attack (hold R1 / RB). He will be in a vulnerable position for you to hit once this attack ends.
Vertical To Horizontal Slice
Keep distance during this attack. This attack is very fast so wait for it to finish before approaching for a counterattack.
Sword Flick
It is easy to distinguish from other attacks due to initial sword movement. Stagger him with a charged thrust attack (hold R1 / RB)!
Second Phase Attacks
| Attack | Details Of The Attack |
|---|---|
| Fan of Flames | Creates a wide fan of fire in front of Isshin. |
| Moving Fire Attack | Isshin will step on the floor to create flames that travel along the floor. Since this has a large range, it is best to avoid it by dodging to the side |
| Vertical to Horizontal Slice (with fire) | An attack similar to the vertical to horizontal attack of the first phase. This attack will also conjure flames that can cause burn status and has a wider attack range than the first phase. |
| Upward Slash > Stomp > Fan of Flames (Perilous Attack) | After an upward slash, he stomps the floor and slashes to his left to create a fan of flames. Jump backwards to evade the perilous attack |
| Fire Pillars > Rush | After conjuring pillars of flames, Isshin will rush at you and perform a fast slashing combo. It is best to jump or dodge away from this attack |
Fan of Flames
After slashing his sword downwards and stomping the ground, he slices his sword to create a fan of flames in front of Isshin. Avoid getting burnt else you will receive a burn status and damage you over time. You can disrupt subsequent attacks with quick strikes at his back.
When Attacked Near
While Isshin prepares for this attack, you can interrupt the attack with a strike from the Loaded Axe.
When Attacked From Afar
Since the pillars come from the floor, move sideways or back to avoid the fan of flames. Subsequent attacks can be interrupted with a shuriken.
Moving Fire Attack
After stomping on the floor, he strikes his sword down on the floor and swings it up to throw a straight flame right at you. The attack is very linear so dodge to the side to avoid this attack, however, the width flame is not as thin as it looks, so dodge further as needed.
Sekiro Featured Articles
Area Walkthrough & Boss Fight Strategy Guide
| All Area Walkthrough | All Boss Fight List |
Play Tips & Tricks
| Beginner's Tips | Combat Guide & Tips |
| Farm EXP & Skill Point | Cure Dragonrot |
| Death Penalty | Multiple Endings Guide |
Game Database
| All Prosthetic Tools | All Skill List |
| All Item List | Treasure Carp Scales |
| Prayer Bead Locations | Gourd Seed Locations |
| All NPC Locations | All Trophy List |
