Sifu’s fifth and final level, the Sanctuary, can be one of the most challenging in the game. Though not as long as previous levels, the Sanctuary has no shortage of difficult enemies standing between players and the final boss in the game. This makes securing the shortcut in this level of Sifu especially important.
The Sanctuary brings players to a small group of buildings separated by gardens and training areas and reveals much about the lore of the game. For those players looking to shorten the journey between the start of the level and the final boss in Sifu, this guide is here to help.
Where to Find the Shortcut in the Sanctuary Level?
The shortcut in the Sanctuary Level is similar to other shortcuts in Sifu in that it can only be earned after players progress quite far through the level. After entering the door in this level, players will encounter an enemy preventing entrance into the first building. They'll have to go through this character to get inside, but, fortunately, the pair of NPCs in the entrance area after this are not hostile.
There are three paths that players can take from this point. The left door leads to a tough fight, but also gives players a Shrine. The door straight ahead is the shortcut for this level, but, at this stage, it is locked. The door to the right is the way to progress further into the Sanctuary.
Taking this path leads to the guesthouse, which has two floors. On the second floor are three challenging enemies, two at the far end and a single brute (known for grabbing and tossing players) near the first staircase. The next door leads into an area where a training session is underway. Fortunately, there is just one enemy to fight in this area, and it leads to the Herbal Clinic. Players need to enter the first door on the left to find their next challenge.
In this room are a pair of enemies that rely on kicks to deal most of their damage. Avoiding their attacks can be challenging, but, a successful encounter will again reduce a player’s death count. This room leads out to a garden area with a Shrine (the item that allows players to unlock skills in Sifu) and an entrance to another building and another area. Directly across is the next building players need to enter.
There is a mini-boss ready to greet players as well as another challenging enemy just inside. This is another fight that may cost a life to those who struggle to parry and dodge in Sifu, but will erase a death from the death count as well. Players will also earn themselves the Aromatic Garden Key, which opens up the next space (the other door in the previous open area with the Shrine).
Players will be greeted by a trio of enemies once they enter the area, and they will be a significant challenge for those who continue to struggle with Sifu. In order to gain the keycard that opens the shortcut door, players need to defeat these three enemies, defeat the challenging pair of enemies closer to the building on the hill, and defeat the single enemy with the pole. This last enemy holds the keycard for the shortcut.
Where Does the Sanctuary Shortcut Lead in Sifu?
Players encounter the shortcut door in the second room of the first building. Once players have earned the keycard to open these doors, they can head right into the Aromatic Garden. This means players can skip the trio of enemies in the second building, the single enemy training NPCs, the pair of enemies that rely on high kicks, and the mini-boss and his associate.
Instead, players have to fight the enemy at the main door and can then enter the Aromatic Garden and work their way through the trio, duo, and single enemy between them and the game’s final boss. This makes the run much quicker and makes the challenge of sparing this boss in Sifu a little less daunting.
Sifu is available now on PS4, PS5, and PC.