See how to easily slay the 'Guardian Ape' in Sekiro(Phase 2)
NoobFeed editor Ahnaf Tajwar writes - FromSoftware cooked up one of the best combat systems with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and never did anything like it again. That may be a good thing, as it makes this game one of a kind. If you are a fan of Souls games or a borderline masochist, you will, without a doubt, love Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice because it is a masterpiece. It is a must-play for all hardcore gamers.
ummm why are we getting a review for a 5 year old game?? everyone knows its a masterpiece... late much? lol
GoodSmile Company formally revealed two Nendoroids based off characters from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. - IS
Miyazaki's clearly got Sekiro and Bloodborne in his heart, and refining their combat philosophy is in his mind.
Hells yeah. Would love to see another really tight action focused title next. Be cool if he did something completely different, like a cyborg-ninja game.
Some additional tips when I was fighting:
Play a bit aggressively here. Just go in and counter any chance you can.
Some very useful prosthetic tools that helped were the spear and the umbrella, but they're a bit phase specific. Take note though, don't just waste using the spear during the first phase. The spear was useful at stunning the Guardian Ape during the first phase, but you need to save some spirit emblems for the second phase if you want to increase your survivability. During the time of the fight I had the second upgrade to the umbrella, the loaded umbrella-magnet, and I had the loaded spear thrust type upgrade.
During first phase, whenever you're dodging, really try to time it as best you can. There will be a few questionable moments where he should have missed his leaping unblockable attacks, yet will still manage to pulverize you. Deflect his usual combos. Everything else, dodge circle around him as much as possible. For his unblockable attacks, I've had better luck jump dodging them. When he throws stuff at you, it's better to dodge sprint around to avoid it. Whenever you get him down and are able to get in a full combo, he will rear back in pain and roll, but he will try and run towards that same direction he's rolling towards. During this time, run towards him to get in a few more sword hits because by the time he gets out of the roll, he's already out of reach if you try to continue attacking. When leaps up and starts flailing on the ground, stay back a bit and either count to 3-4 hits when he elbows the ground each time, you'll be able to save healing and get in a few more attacks.
If you need to heal or use an item, create as much space between you and the Guardian Ape. Remember, even when you're still locked on, you can still sprint around. The Guardian Ape's attacks can really close the gap, so make sure to make more room when you need to heal. Use the tree grappling points too if you need.
Second phase, deflect his normal sword combos. I know this can be difficult to do because he has a very unorthodox way of fighting because he almost fakes you into deflecting at the wrong times. There is a specific move you want to try and coax him to do. It's when he tries to do a big overhead strike on you. This is where the spear can potentially help you beat him a bit more easily. When you deflect that final overhead strike, he will fall and kneel down in front of you, use the spears drag move. Just double tap the trigger on him. SPOILER ALERT: you will pull out the centipede(the corruption) that's inside of him. This will do a pretty good amount of posture and health damage and it will leave him to additional hits afterwards. All of his other attacks, either jump dodge away from them or dodge sprint circle around him. When he does that leap/dive move with his sword coming at you, dodge to the right and move in on him. You'll get very close to his torso and he won't be able to hit, so get in those few attacks.
His second phase terror roar, jump dodge as soon as you see he is about to do it or use the umbrella as fast as possible. Holding the umbrella pose will actually block all terror buildup. Have the purple urn or pacifying agent ready in your quick items.