Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - Ranking Every Boss From Easiest To Hardest

11. Guardian Ape

When this large lad picked up his own head after I thought I’d killed him only to have another crack at me, I audibly shrieked. This was a brilliant way for FromSoft to introduce to the player the concept of immortality and that certain enemies might indeed return from the dead (looking at you Genichiro).

The first phase of the fight was one that will have given a lot of players a tough time, as the Guardian Ape's sheer speed and erratic movement are hard to read. Plus, even when the boss appears to be tired and open for attacks, it can race off again putting a lot of distance between you and it. Also don’t try fighting it from behind as it will literally fart in your face adding insult to injury.

The movements and the attacks themselves reflect the boss perfectly and, thematically, it’s my favourite boss of the game as its primal lunges, its roars and what appears to be its poo flinging are all overblown and grandiose. However, it’s when the second phase starts that things get really interesting.

Now wielding its head in one hand and a massive sword in the other, the ape begins to swing wildly and in such a manner that it's ridiculously difficult to deflect. Plus, the head will now scream which can inflict terror damage. You can try to bait it into falling over and jump-slash the beast, but if you’re a braver man than I you can try and deflect its sword strikes.

It’s a truly challenging fight for some and at best a lengthy war of attrition for others.