Rise Of The Ronin does not hold back on difficulty, even during its Prologue. For instance, the battle with Matthew Perry in the "Infiltrating The Black Ship" mission is fierce. But the story takes a darker and more formidable turn when your mentor, The Bladesmith, works at length to kill you for attempting to leave the Kurosu clan.
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PostsSeveral obstacles will impede your fight against the Bladesmith. First, the battle is preceded by a horde fight against several shogunate spies. Second, you'll fight in an enclosed space where you can get skillfully cornered. Lastly, you must anticipate the Bladesmith's lethal attacks. But, with these tips, you'll come out of the Bladesmith boss battle (mostly) unscathed.
Save Your Healing Items From The Horde Fight
Before you confront your teacher in a final duel, she'll request your help against a horde of shogunate spies. It's a somewhat intimidating battle when you're only beginning to learn Rise Of The Ronin's combat fundamentals. Fortunately, the spies you take down will drop several healing items.
Preserving resources in the horde fight is essential, considering the formidable match that lies ahead. You'll need all the medicinal pills and elixirs possible to endure the Bladesmith's heavy-hitting attacks.
Remember resource management for your sub-weapon, too. It will be helpful when you need to preserve distance from the Bladesmith while still imparting damage.
Use Your Sub-Weapons To Land Safe Ranged Damage
Your sub-weapons are a significant asset when fighting the Bladesmith. You'll need to distance yourself from her multiple times to heal yourself. At this point in the game, you should have two sub-weapons: a set of shurikens and a rifle. Each weapon serves a different purpose.
Shurikens are best used when you need to move fast. If you feel the Bladesmith closing in on you, use your shuriken to hold her back while you get further away.
Your rifle is your heavy-hitting sub-weapon. A well-executed headshot can significantly hinder the Bladesmith. But you'll need plenty of distance between yourself and the Bladesmith if you want the sharpest aim.
Study The Bladesmith's Combo String To Land Countersparks
The Bladesmith boss battle employs a similar strategy to your training session with her earlier in the Prologue. In many ways, it's a heightened version of the exhibition match. The most considerable similarity between the two fights is the requirement to counterspark the Bladesmith's attacks.
As our Combat Tips Guide mentions, studying your opponent's attacks will improve your chance of landing countersparks. We recommend the same strategy when facing the Bladesmith.
The Bladesmith's primary weapon is a mid-range sword, possibly a katana. The rhythm of her attacks matches her weapon's middleweight designation. So, you'll struggle more if you rush your countersparks in this situation. You should expect about three to four strikes each time the Bladesmith comes in for a combo.
Sometimes, the Bladesmith switches to a Charge Attack. You can tell this is coming when she swings her blade back behind her. Take this cue as a sign to delay your counterspark since an early attempt will leave you wide open to the attack.
Avoid The Bladesmith's Martial Skills And Critical Hits To Preserve Your Health
The Bladesmith has two distinguishable attacks you'll need to fend off to survive. Each attack requires a different strategy. Here's a quick rundown of each.
Attack Type
What It Looks Like
Best Response
Martial Skill
The Bladesmith's Martial Skill is a grapple hook attack that will send her barreling toward you. You can tell it's coming because the Bladesmith will jump into the air with her grapple hook in hand while glowing red.
Counterspark
Critical Art
The Bladesmith's Critical Hit is an ambush stabbing with a fast start-up animation. Be careful whenever the Bladesmith lands on the ground. You'll know the Critical Hit is coming if she starts glowing red and jumps to her feet.
Dodge
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