As players attempt to conquer the myriad of new challenges offered by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, such as learning how to beat Headless, some may wonder what the best skills are for getting through the game. While, of course, many of the skills available in the title have useful applications, there are some that fans may wish to focus their efforts on first.

Sekiro: Best Skills

Once players learn how to level up and use skill points in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the question becomes which skills to obtain. Here are some of the most powerful options available:

  • Mikiri Counter (Shinobi Arts): This skill allows players to defend against previously unblockable thrust attacks. While timing is key with the Mikiri Counter, executing the skill successfully will not only deflect a spear user's powerful blow, but it will also do significant posture damage to the opponent.
  • Fang and Blade (Prosthetic Arts): With Fang and Blade, powerful Prosthetic attacks get even stronger, as the skill allows the shinobi to deal a followup blow with his sword. To unlock this skill, players must first acquire the Chasing Slice ability from Prosthetic Arts, another powerful skill that can be used to close gaps between the Wolf and his opponents.
sekiro best skills
  • Emma's Medicine: Potency (Prosthetic Arts): Managing vitality is a critical aspect of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Emma's Medicine: Potency makes that easier by increasing the amount of health restored by the Healing Gourd. Players that wish to obtain this skill will first need Grappling Hook Attack from Prosthetic Arts.
  • Breath of Life: Light (Shinobi Arts): This is another skill that assists with vitality management, as it restores health to the shinobi upon a successful deathblow. Pre-requisites for this ability are Whirlwind Slash and A Shinobi's Karma: Body from Shinobi Arts, with Whirlwind Slash being another particularly strong combat ability.
  • Ichimonji (Ashina Arts): This is the first skill available from Ashina Arts, and thus it is not available immediately. However, it packs a punch and is worth picking up as soon as possible. While its long setup can make it challenging to land Ichimonji, a successful hit can completely obliterate an opponent's posture and keep the dragon rot away.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a difficult game filled with mysteries to solve and secrets to discover. Certainly, these skills will not turn the experience into a cakewalk, but they may just be enough to give players an edge in combat, especially when they determine how to upgrade prosthetic tools effectively.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.