Posture and Vitality

The more Vitality one loses, the slower their Posture will recover. If an enemy's Posture recovers as soon as it gets lowered, try reducing their Vitality first. When one loses all posture, they will be susceptible to a Deathblow. Posture replenishes faster when Guarding. Main article: Attack Power

Deflection

Deflection is one of the main sources of posture depletion. If Sekiro perfectly parries an incoming attack, the enemy loses posture; conversely, if the parry was not perfect, Sekiro will. A successful deflection can be noted by hearing a loud and sharp noise when his blade meets the attack.

Consecutive Deflections

Deflecting one attack doesn't always mean an enemy will stop attacking. Consecutive attacks can be countered with Consecutive Deflections.

Counter-slash

Counter-slash is performed by attacking right after successfully Deflecting an enemy attack. By using a combination of Deflections and attacks to deal posture damage, one can greatly reduce enemy Posture in a short time.

Thrust Attacks

Thrust Attacks cannot be blocked, which makes them effective against opponents with a solid defense. However, there is a chance they will be Deflected by the enemy.

Mikiri Counter

The Mikiri Counter is an unlockable Shinobi Combat Style Skill that allows a shinobi to perceive incoming thrust attacks and counter them by stepping on the enemy's blade. It is a powerful technique that deals more Posture damage than a regular Deflect.

Sweep Attacks

Sweep attacks can be neither guarded nor deflected. however, Sekiro can jump to avoid them. Jump-kicking an enemy during their sweep attack will deal a large amount of Posture damage, often leaving them vulnerable to a Deathblow.

Jump-kick Counter

After jumping over an enemy's sweep attack, Sekiro can perform a Jump-kick Counter on them before landing, dealing a large amount of posture damage.

Grab Attacks

Grab attacks can be neither guarded nor deflected. Once caught, damage cannot be avoided. Avoid an enemy's grab attempts with a well-timed Step Dodge.

Step Dodge

Enemy attacks can be evaded with a well-timed Step Dodge. It is effective against attacks that can't be parried. For example, when grabbed at by an enemy, it is better to avoid the attack than attempt to guard or deflect it.

Safety Roll

While downed or posture-broken, Sekiro is very vulnerable to enemy attacks. Use Safety Roll to minimize his vulnerability and get up faster.

Sprint Attack

A special sword lunge can be performed if one attacks while sprinting. This technique can be used to quickly close a gap with an out of reach enemy, and then deal damage the moment Sekiro reach him.

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