Hey guys! So, you're tackling the Guardian Ape in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice with the Charmless difficulty enabled, huh? That's a serious challenge, and you've come to the right place. This boss is already a tough nut to crack, but going Charmless? That adds a whole new level of intensity. Don't worry, though, we'll break down the fight, discuss strategies, and get you equipped to finally take down this fearsome foe. This guide is designed to help you understand the ape's attack patterns, learn how to effectively deflect and dodge, and exploit key openings for attack. We'll also cover the differences the Charmless difficulty brings to the fight and how to adjust your strategy accordingly. So, grab your Kusabimaru, and let's dive in!
Understanding the Charmless Difficulty and its Impact on the Guardian Ape Fight
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of the fight, let's quickly recap what playing Charmless actually means. In Sekiro, giving Kuro's Charm back at the start of the game initiates the Charmless run. This significantly increases the difficulty because you now take chip damage even when you successfully block attacks. This chip damage can quickly whittle down your health, making precise deflections crucial for survival. Additionally, the posture damage you inflict on enemies is reduced, making it take longer to break their guard. This is especially noticeable in a fight like the Guardian Ape, where posture damage is key to opening him up for vital attacks.
So, how does this impact the Guardian Ape fight specifically? Well, the Ape has several attacks that are difficult to perfectly deflect, such as his perilous sweep and grab attacks. In a normal playthrough, you might be able to get away with blocking these, but Charmless, that chip damage can be devastating. You'll need to focus on dodging and creating distance to heal. Furthermore, the reduced posture damage means you'll need to be more patient and strategic in your attacks. You can't just wail on him; you'll need to identify the best opportunities to strike and maximize your posture damage output. In essence, Charmless forces you to play a much more disciplined and precise game, rewarding perfect parries and punishing mistakes harshly. It demands a deeper understanding of the boss's moveset and the combat mechanics of Sekiro itself.
Guardian Ape Phase 1: Mastering the Beast's Frenzy
The first phase of the Guardian Ape fight is all about dealing with his raw aggression and unpredictable attacks. This hulking beast has a wide range of moves, from sweeping punches and perilous grabs to his signature poop-flinging attack (yes, really!). The key to surviving this phase is to remain calm, observe his attack patterns, and learn the timing for your deflections and dodges. Let's break down some of his most common attacks and how to counter them:
- The Roar and Flurry: The Ape will often roar, signaling the start of a series of attacks. This flurry can include punches, sweeps, and even a perilous grab. The key here is to watch his movements and react accordingly. Deflect the punches, jump over the sweeps, and dodge away from the grab. Don't get greedy with your attacks; focus on defense first.
- The Perilous Grab: This is one of the Ape's most dangerous attacks. He'll rear back and lunge forward to grab you. If he catches you, it's a guaranteed one-shot kill (or close to it). The best way to avoid this is to dodge sideways as he lunges. Don't try to jump over it; you'll likely get caught.
- The Poop Throw: Yes, you read that right. The Ape will occasionally squat down and hurl a, well, projectile at you. This attack doesn't do a ton of damage, but it can knock you down and leave you vulnerable. The easiest way to avoid this is to simply sprint sideways. You can also use this opportunity to close the distance and get in a few hits.
- The Leaping Slam: The Ape will leap into the air and come crashing down on you. This attack has a wide area of effect and can be difficult to dodge. The best strategy is to sprint away as he leaps, creating enough distance so the slam doesn't hit you. You can also try to dodge into the slam at the last moment, but this requires precise timing.
- The Sweeping Attacks: The Ape has several sweeping attacks, both with his hands and his feet. These attacks can be deflected, but it's often safer to jump over them. Pay close attention to his stance and movements to anticipate these sweeps. If you mistime the jump, you'll likely get knocked down.
General Tips for Phase 1:
- Stay mobile and don't get cornered The Ape is very aggressive, and he can quickly overwhelm you if you're trapped in a small space.
- Focus on deflecting and dodging. Don't get greedy with your attacks. It's better to survive and chip away at his health than to take unnecessary risks.
- Learn the timing for his perilous grab. This is the most dangerous attack, and avoiding it is crucial for survival.
- Use Firecrackers. Firecrackers can stun the Ape, giving you a brief window to attack or heal. This can be especially helpful if you're having trouble creating openings.
- Be patient. This phase can be long and grueling, especially on Charmless. Don't get discouraged if you die a few times. Keep learning his attack patterns and adjusting your strategy. Remember, every death is a learning opportunity.
Guardian Ape Phase 2: The Headless Horror and the Mortal Blade
Congratulations! You've managed to take down the wild, frenzied beast of Phase 1. But don't celebrate just yet, because the fight is far from over. The Guardian Ape rises again, this time headless and wielding a sword. This second phase is a drastic change in pace and requires a completely different strategy. The Ape is now more methodical and deliberate in his attacks, and his sword adds a new layer of danger. Fortunately, this phase also has a very exploitable weakness: the Loaded Spear prosthetic tool. But before we get into that, let's look at the Ape's attacks in this phase:
- The Sword Swings: The Ape will swing his sword in a variety of patterns, including overhead slams, horizontal sweeps, and thrusts. These attacks can be deflected, but the timing can be tricky. Pay close attention to his sword movements and react accordingly. Be particularly wary of the overhead slam, as it has a very long windup and can be difficult to dodge.
- The Perilous Sweep: The Ape will occasionally perform a perilous sweep attack with his sword. This attack can be jumped over, but the timing is tight. The best way to avoid this is to jump towards him as he sweeps, allowing you to land a couple of hits after.
- The Terror Scream: This is the Ape's signature attack in Phase 2. He'll rear back and unleash a terrifying scream that inflicts Terror buildup. If the Terror meter fills up, you'll instantly die. The key to avoiding this attack is to create distance. When you see him start to rear back, sprint away as fast as you can. You can also use the Loaded Umbrella prosthetic tool to block the scream, but this requires precise timing and can be risky.
- The Head Slam: The Ape will occasionally slam his severed head on the ground, creating a shockwave. This attack can be dodged, but it has a wide area of effect. The best strategy is to sprint away as he slams his head.
Exploiting the Loaded Spear:
Now, let's talk about the secret weapon in this phase: the Loaded Spear. After certain attacks, the Ape will fall to the ground, exposing the severed wound on his neck. This is your opportunity to use the Loaded Spear's **_
