Is there a way to cheese Isshin?

Cheesing Isshin: A Guide to Easier Defeat

Introduction

Isshin, the Sword Saint, is one of the toughest bosses in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. His aggressive combos and unrelenting assault can be overwhelming, especially for new players. While defeating him without exploiting bugs or glitches is a notable achievement, there are strategies to make the fight slightly easier. In this article, we’ll explore ways to "cheese" Isshin, allowing you to defeat him with relative ease.

The Definitive Guide to Cheesing Isshin

Before we dive into the methods, it’s essential to understand that cheesing involves exploiting certain mechanics or flaws in the game to achieve an easier victory. However, this approach is not meant to diminish the achievements of those who have beaten Isshin without exploiting; it’s merely a guide for those who want to try a different approach.

Method 1: Staying Away from Isshin’s Jumping Overhead Smash

The first way to cheese Isshin is to avoid his most damaging attack – the jumping overhead smash. By staying away from him, you can bait him into performing this move, which leaves him momentarily vulnerable. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Sprint up to Isshin and immediately dodge towards his right side.
• Push the analog stick towards the 1 o’clock direction as you dodge, allowing you to glide through his attack.
• After dodging, turn around and face Isshin. You should be relatively close to him.
• Unleash a swift R1 attack to take advantage of his momentary vulnerability.

Method 2: Whirlwind Strike and Dodge

This method involves using the Whirlwind Strike combat art to create distance between yourself and Isshin, and then dodging his attacks.

• Perform a Whirlwind Strike to quickly dash towards Isshin and create distance.
• As Isshin attacks, dodge to the side or backward, using the dodge window to avoid his strikes.
• Repeat this process several times, using the Whirlwind Strike to gain distance and then dodging to avoid Isshin’s attacks.

Method 3: Blocking and Counterattacking

Blocking is an essential skill in Sekiro, and it’s especially useful against Isshin. By blocking his attacks and then counterattacking, you can whittle down his health without too much trouble.

• Learn to block Isshin’s attacks by timing your parries correctly.
• Once you’ve blocked an attack, immediately counterattack with a swift R1 or R2 strike.
• Repeat this process, gradually reducing Isshin’s health as you block and counterattack.

Conclusion

Cheesing Isshin is not about being lazy or exploiting the game; it’s about finding creative solutions to a challenging fight. By using these methods, you can make the fight slightly easier and still earn the satisfaction of defeating the Sword Saint. Remember that mastering Sekiro requires practice and patience, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.

Additional Tips

• Practice your parries: Timing is everything when it comes to parrying Isshin’s attacks. Practice your parries to improve your chances of success.
• Master your dodges: Learn to dodge Isshin’s attacks effectively by timing your dodges correctly and using the right analog stick directions.
• Use the environment to your advantage: Utilize the environment to evade Isshin’s attacks and create opportunities for counterattacks.

Cheating the System: A Summary

While cheating the system might seem counterintuitive, these methods can help you defeat Isshin with relative ease. Remember to always practice your skills and master the fundamental mechanics of Sekiro before attempting to cheese the game.