From Software has rolled out a new update for its acclaimed action game, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Patch 1.03 is now live across PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and along with fixing a handful of bugs, it makes an assortment of balance tweaks aimed at improving the usability of the game's various combat options.

According to From Software, the purpose of this patch is primarily to "encourage usage and diversity of approach" when taking on Sekiro's fearsome enemies. To that end, the developer has improved the efficiency and Spirit Emblem cost of a handful of Shinobi Tools, including the Lazulite Sacred Flame and various Loaded Axes. Likewise, a handful of Combat Arts, such as Ashina Cross and Dragon Flash, have also had their efficiency and Spirit Emblem cost adjusted.

Beyond those changes, From Software has adjusted the stats of a few bosses, among them Blazing Bull, whose Posture and Vitality have been "slightly" reduced. Divine Confetti drop rates have also been increased, while the price to buy information from Anayama the Peddler has been reduced. You can see the full list of changes in the patch notes below and on the official Sekiro website.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice launched toward the end of March and has proven to be a big commercial success for From Software and Activision. The game debuted at the top of UK's sales charts, and Activision touted that it managed to sell more than two million copies across PS4, Xbox One, and PC in its first 10 days of availability.

The game has also been a critical success for the companies. GameSpot awarded it a 9/10 in our Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice review, with critic Tamoor Hussain writing, "More so than in previous games, From Software has honed in on the inherent tension found in the challenging nature of its games, and uses it to incredible effect. Sekiro marries the developer's unique brand of gameplay with stealth action to deliver an experience that is as challenging as it is gratifying."

Sekiro Update 1.03 Patch Notes

Improvements to Strategic Approaches

Adjusted the efficiency and Spirit Emblem cost of the following to encourage usage and diversity of approach: Prosthetic Tools: Lazulite Sacred Flame, Loaded Axe series, Sparking Axe, Lazulite Axe Combat Arts: Ashina Cross, Dragon Flash, One Mind, Floating Passage, Spiral Cloud Passage, Mortal Draw, Empowered Mortal Draw Items: Spiritfall series

Reduced the Posture damage dealt by the first hit of the Combat Arts "Senpou Leaping Kicks" and "High Monk" as it was causing more damage than intended in certain cases. Posture damage dealt in the latter-half of the combo has been increased.

Increased the Poison build-up dealt by the Prosthetic Tool "Sabimaru" against enemies that were intended to be weak against it.

Increased the drop rate of "Divine Confetti" for Fencers in Ashina Castle.

Adjusted loading screen tips and tutorial text, as well as adding new text.

Other Fixes