Sekiro Shadows Die Twice: 10 Optional Bosses You Need To Fight

2. Lone Shadow Vilehand

Unless you're exploring everywhere, it's easy to miss the boss battle with Lone Shadow Vilehand, as it actually takes place in the same location where you fought the Ashina Elite in the game. Unluckily for you, he's just as difficult.

While he's not a unique mini-boss, this version of the enemy is particularly troublesome. Not only does he rely on unpredictable kicks rather than sword swings, the timing of which can be incredibly difficult to get down, but he can hit you with a combo that inflicts an instant poising effect if not dodged.

He's a formidable foe, but fortunately for you there are a few tricks to give you an advantage. First up is dealing with his unblockable kicks, which can pulverise you. Though not initially obvious, they count as thrust attacks and thus can be parried with the Miriki counter, though admittedly the timing is still difficult to gauge.

To really give yourself an advantage though, you want to sneak into the area and behind the other regular enemy in the room, and hit him with the puppeteer ninjutsu backstab. This will bring him in to help, making the first deathblow that bit easier to acquire.