Much tougher than DS series, but so satisfying once gets the hang of it

Just spent about 2 hours to fight Lady Butterfly. End up playing dirty, spin attack works. So satisfying

I just don't like the dragonrot thing to punish you dying. Too punishing especially very limited remedy

The camera in closed space still as awful as ever lol

Tips: You can circle her and dash+attack. This can stunlock her

2nd stage, you don't need the snap seed. run and hide behind pillars when she spams you with the ghost attacks

Wow...the owl battle are intense. both of them. So much satisfaction when I beat owl at the temple

Check if he has gone to Sen Temple area

Grinding for the skill point trophy. Grrrr

On 2nd circle btw

Best place will be AFTER you finish the fountainhead quest. Slight spoiler alert but google Sekiro Stairway grind once you finish fountainhead

For now if you are in Fountainhead...pay attention to Flower Viewing Stage idol. Quite a decent place to grind. It will be near mid of the fountainhead area

General tips: don’t get greedy. Slowly chip away his Hp before you go for parry. Firecracker can help.

Phase 1: Bait Isshin to do dash and cross slash attack. Dodge/run away from it and then attack him one or twice. Slowly chip away his health. Once his health is reduced to acceptable level, you can start to parry him to kill him.

Phase 2: Be ready to run around (but don’t jump off the cliff). Bait his jump attack. Dodged to side and you should get one or two hits. Once comfortable you can try to parry his sword and spear combo that ends with a thrust. Mikiri Counter it. Isshin hits like a truck and very aggressive. Unless you are very confident with your parry skills, be patience and hit once or twice will do. Don’t forget to guard against his firearms.

Phase 3: same as 2 but this time he has lightning attacks. Be ready to jump and lightning reverse it. Will get a few free hits and posture damage. But careful, if you failed the reversal he will kill you very quickly.

Sword saint is a very fun boss. He will test your patience and very exciting to fight. Ironically I had more trouble with Genichirou. Can’t quite get the dodge timing of his mortal draw down. Always wasted two or more gourd there.

Older Isshin is harder for me. Those fire attacks are crazy.

I find dodging to your right will dodge that jump spear attack