Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - Conquering The Inner Father

Hey there, fellow shinobi! Let's talk about one of the toughest fights in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: the Inner Father. This is the upgraded, even more brutal version of the Owl, and trust me, he's not messing around. Getting to him is a feat in itself, requiring you to go through the Purification ending and then tackle the challenge in the Reflections of Strength. But if you're reading this, you've probably already done that and are now staring down this formidable foe. Don't worry, you're not alone! Many players find this fight to be the ultimate test of their skills. It took me a while to get the hang of it too, but with the right strategy and a bit of practice, you can definitely take him down. This guide breaks down the Inner Father's moveset, offers some useful tips, and shares some battle-tested strategies to help you achieve victory. Let's dive in and learn how to send this phantom Owl packing! We will explore his attacks, the best approach for combat, and some key strategies that will increase your chances of emerging victorious. Let's get started, and I'll walk you through everything you need to know to beat the Inner Father and claim your hard-earned victory.

Understanding the Inner Father's Moveset

Before you can hope to defeat the Inner Father, you need to understand his moves. He's got a wide array of attacks, and each one demands a specific response. Mastering the timing and knowing how to react to each attack is crucial for survival. The Inner Father is all about aggression, so you'll need to be too. Let's break down some of his most dangerous moves:

Phase 1:

• Basic Attacks: The Inner Father utilizes the same move set as Owl (Father), which means you have to be ready to deflect and counter his attacks. Expect a flurry of katana strikes, some of which are very quick. These can often be deflected, allowing you to build up his posture.
• Firecrackers: He throws firecrackers to temporarily stun you. The key is to recognize when they are coming and either deflect them or create distance before he follows up. Dodging is key here. Make sure to dodge the firecrackers when he is about to throw them. That will grant you enough time to breathe or counterattack.
• Fire Thrust/Sweep: Similar to Owl's moves, the Inner Father combines thrust attacks with the ability to switch into sweeps mid-attack. Watch for the red kanji symbol, and be prepared to Mikiri Counter thrusts and jump over sweeps.
• Poison: A Poison attack that causes poison buildup if it hits you. This is very dangerous because it will damage you over time. You will need to bring Antidotes and manage the fight by dodging to avoid it.

Phase 2:

• Fire Owl: The Inner Father summons a spectral owl that explodes in a burst of flames. This attack has a huge area of effect. The best strategy is to run away when the owl spawns.
• Fire: The Inner Father uses fire-based attacks, which can quickly drain your health. Dodging and deflecting are your best defenses against these attacks.

Understanding these attacks and knowing how to react accordingly is the first step toward victory. It’s all about pattern recognition and consistent execution. The Inner Father is not impossible, he is very challenging. Patience and persistence are the keys to success. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually internalize his moveset.

Essential Strategies for Victory

Now that you understand the Inner Father's moveset, it’s time to talk about the strategies that will help you win. Success in this fight depends on a combination of offense, defense, and resource management. Let's go over some crucial strategies:

Deflection Mastery

Deflection is the cornerstone of Sekiro's combat. Perfectly timed deflections are your best friend against the Inner Father. They build up his posture, allowing you to land a critical hit. Timing is key, so practice deflecting his various attacks, especially his katana strikes. The more you deflect, the better your chances of victory. Be patient, and don't get greedy. Focus on deflecting his attacks, and look for opportunities to counterattack when he is vulnerable.

Mikiri Counter Skills

The Mikiri Counter is essential for dealing with thrust attacks. The Inner Father uses these attacks frequently, so mastering the Mikiri Counter is a must. Remember to time your Mikiri Counter perfectly. Don't be too early, or you'll get hit. And don't be too late, or you'll also get hit. Practice this skill in other fights to get the timing right, and then apply it to the Inner Father. This will open up opportunities to damage his posture and deal a lot of damage.

Staying Aggressive (But Smart)

The Inner Father is an aggressive fighter, so you need to match his aggression. Don't be afraid to strike, but be smart about it. Focus on building his posture and looking for openings. Don't get overly aggressive and try to land too many hits, or you will get punished. Instead, aim to land a few hits, then get ready to deflect or dodge his next attack. This will keep the pressure on him while allowing you to stay safe.

Managing Your Resources

Sekiro is all about resource management. You need to use your healing gourds, spirit emblems, and other items wisely. Don't waste your healing gourds. Heal when necessary, but try to avoid taking damage in the first place. Use your spirit emblems to activate your prosthetic tools, and make sure you have enough to use them when you need them. Be mindful of your resources throughout the fight, and always have a plan for how you will use them.

Utilizing Prosthetic Tools

Prosthetic tools can be incredibly helpful in this fight. The Firecracker can be used to interrupt his attacks and create an opening for your attacks. The Axe can break his posture when he's blocking, and the Shuriken can interrupt his attacks. Experiment with these tools to see what works best for you and when they are most effective. Using these tools at the right moment can change the tide of the battle and give you an edge over the Inner Father.

Specific Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you get the edge in the fight against the Inner Father:

Observe, Adapt, and Conquer

Before engaging in the fight, spend some time watching the Inner Father's patterns. Identify his openings, and learn how to respond to each attack. Once you have a basic understanding of his attacks, adapt your strategy accordingly. The Inner Father's patterns may seem unpredictable at first. But, with enough observation, you'll start to recognize the nuances of his attacks. Don't be afraid to try different approaches. If one strategy isn't working, try another. The key is to stay flexible and adapt your strategy throughout the battle.

Practice Makes Perfect

This fight is challenging, so expect to die a few times (or many times!). Don't get discouraged. Each death is a learning experience. You'll learn something new about the Inner Father's moveset, the timing of your deflections, and the best way to approach the fight. Embrace the challenge, and use each death as an opportunity to improve. Persistence is key, and with enough practice, you'll eventually master the Inner Father's moveset and emerge victorious.

Stay Focused

This fight can be long and grueling. Stay focused and don't lose concentration. The Inner Father will punish any mistakes. Be sure to clear your mind and concentrate on the task at hand. Avoid distractions, and take breaks when you need them. Staying focused will help you avoid making mistakes and keep your reflexes sharp.

Fire Owl Strategy

When the Inner Father summons the Fire Owl, immediately sprint away to create distance. The explosion has a large area of effect, and it’s best to avoid it altogether. After the explosion, quickly close the distance to continue your assault. This is very important. That is your chance to breathe and recover a bit. It is also an opportunity to heal or prepare your next attack.

Learn the Timing

The Inner Father's attacks require precise timing. Spend time practicing deflections, Mikiri Counters, and attacks. Watch the attack animations carefully, and pay attention to the sound cues. This will help you learn the timing and become a more effective fighter.

Conclusion

The Inner Father is one of the toughest fights in Sekiro. But with the right strategy, a bit of practice, and a lot of patience, you can defeat him. By mastering the art of deflection, Mikiri Counters, resource management, and utilizing your prosthetic tools, you'll improve your chances of victory. Remember to observe, adapt, and stay focused. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Keep practicing, and eventually, you'll conquer the Inner Father and claim your reward. Good luck, shinobi! May the shadows guide you to victory!