Sekiro: How to Beat Great Shinobi Owl

PC Gaming

By William Parks

Updated May 29, 2024

Updated May 28th, 2024, by Christopher Norman Worcester: Sekiro remains an incredibly popular action-RPG, and it's common surges in popularity - years after release, are a testament to that fact. This update will provide a detailed video guide to both phases of the Great Shinobi Owl boss fight, one of the game's toughest.

Players that want to get all endings in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are going to need to learn how to beat Great Shinobi Owl, a challenging boss that appears in the Ashina Castle area as the game draws to a close. While, at times, Owl may feel unkillable, he can be dispatched with a bit of patience and strategy.

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Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice by From Software is filled with bosses who truly challenge players, but which ones challenge them the most?

How to Beat Great Shinobi Owl

As with many Sekiro bosses, the key to defeating Great Shinobi Owl is understanding his attack pattern and how to punish it. Indeed, Owl has an array of unique attacks that are unveiled over the course of the fight's two phases, and here are some suggestions on how to deal with them.

Phase 1

Great Shinobi Owl has an assortment of melee-based attacks, including a combo slash and an unblockable grab attack. Keep an eye out for cues that these attacks are incoming, and simply block, deflect, or dodge as needed. Players should not feel as though they need to take these opportunities to deal damage though — there will be other chances.

One such opportunity is when Owl goes airborne, launches shurikens, and finishes with a downward slash. Aim to deflect the shurikens and dodge the downward strike, then follow-up with some damage.

Owl's ranged attack also provides a great opportunity to get some attacks in. With this move, Owl throws a bomb that sends out a mist preventing the use of one of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice's most important items: the Healing Gourd. Simply dodge the explosion and land some blows on the opponent.

Phase 2

Players are now one step closer to another Sekiro achievement, and much stays the same when Owl transitions into his second phase. Continue to exploit the aforementioned opportunities for damage, but be aware of several new attacks.

One of these new attacks is a smoke bomb that will leave players vulnerable to an incoming strike. The best approach here is to simply avoid the bomb, which can be done with relative ease due to a somewhat lengthy startup animation. The same should be done with the Owl's new poison attack — get clear of the affected area as soon as its been launched.

If players try to get too aggressive with Owl, they'll likely find themselves needing to cure dragon rot after frequent deaths. That said, with the strategies outlined above, it should not be long before they slay their opponent and continue on their journey.