How And When To Use Lightning Reversal In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, even among other Soulsborne games, is lightning fast. Sekiro allows for many different approaches and playstyles to take on these bosses, and that openness is what makes it such a great game. Most enemies are fairly grounded, being archers or sword wielders, and each fight is a test of battle prowess.

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There are several Soulslike games that recapture the same magic while also introducing some innovative gameplay elements.

Unfortunately, Lightning in Sekiro can feel like an unmovable wall; it is perhaps the game’s most devastating style of attack, dealing ludicrous damage and stunning you. With Lightning Reversal, though, you can bend this threat to your will, and turn it into a massive advantage against the key bosses of Sekiro. This guide will teach you how and where to use Lightning Reversal.

Spoiler warning: Some later bosses wield lightning attacks, so watch out for minor decriptive spoilers!

What is Lightning Reversal?

Screenshot of Genichiro performing the lightning bow attack Sekiro Shadows Die Twice

Lightning Reversal is as it sounds, the reversal of a devastating lightning attack on your opponent. Think of it as Uncle Iroh’s redirection technique. You may use it whenever there is a lightning attack coming at you, oftentimes in boss fights. The below enemies all utilize lightning attacks.

Genichiro Ashina (The second time you fight him, at the top of Ashina Castle)
The Divine Dragon
Isshin, the Sword Saint

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice split image Genichiro Ashina boss cutscene and gameplay

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From recommended prosthetics to the boss’s various dangerous attacks, this guide will help you defeat Genichiro Ashina in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

There are also a number of enemies around the Fountainhead palace that use lightning attacks, specifically the purple Okami Warrior women. Having Lightning Reversal up your sleeve will make these fights much easier, and is practically a requirement to defeat The Divine Dragon.

How to Acquire Lightning Reversal

Sekiro- Shadows Die Twice The Dojo at the Top of Ashina Castle after Defeating Jinsuke Saze

Lightning Reversal is itself not an exact “skill” on the skill tree, but clues on how to gain it are found in the world. Near the top of Ashina Castle, across from the Ashina Castle: Dojo Sculpture Idol, is an optional mini-boss, Jinsuke Saze.

This fight can be difficult, but provides the closest respawn point before the Genichiro fight, so it is very worth doing!

After defeating Jinsuke, there is an item and a banner on the wall.

A Poem in Sekiro that discusses Lightning Reversal

The poem tells you that in order to combat lightning, you must avoid the ground. The item you pick up is Eel Liver, which greatly increases resistance to the “Shock” status and Lightning damage. Both will be very helpful in the fights ahead.

Lightning Reversal: Use and Application

The only skill you need to complete the puzzle is the “Mid-air Deflection” skill on the Shinobi Arts skill tree. It’s a relatively early and cheap pick-up, with not much use until the Genichiro fight. However, you’ll find it helpful in any boss that launches projectile attacks.

Screenshot of Genichiro performing the lightning sword attack in phase 3 of battle in Sekiro Shadows Die Twice

Like all special (and potentially fatal) moves in Sekiro, a red kanji will appear above the head of the enemy before a perilous Lightning attack. Once you see the boss moving to summon Lightning, jump.

While in the air, press the parry button. The lightning will hit your sword and channel through it. Then immediately press the attack button to redirect the lightning to hit the enemy.

You must do this before Sekiro’s feet hit the ground, or you will take the full damage and potentially gain the “Shock” status, stunning you for further attacks.

Tips and Tricks

Sekiro in a Field Facing Genichiro Ashina

Most enemies with Lightning are very difficult on their own, but will utilize their Lightning attacks if you keep your distance from them long enough. This can be good and bad. Lightning is incredibly dangerous, but if you are confident in your ability to perform Lightning Reversal, doing so will grant you a ton of damage and several seconds of stunning your target.

Staying back to bait out Lightning attacks can be a good strategy in a close battle where taking the fight head on may be more perilous than attempting one reversal.

Another helpful tool in your belt is Eel Liver. If you’re worried you may not be able to consistently perform Lightning Reversal, increasing your resistance to Shock and Lightning for 30 seconds will help a great deal, and reduce the amount of healing you’ll need to stay in the fight. Several vendors, including Fujioka the Info Broker at the Dilapidated Temple, can sell them and other great items after gaining access to Fountainhead Palace.

With Reversal at your disposal, you’ll be running lightning quick through the toughest bosses in Sekiro. Best of luck!