Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – How to Break Shields

There are many different types of enemies in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Some are simple, requiring a quick block or attack to take out. Others are like a puzzle, requiring you to figure out some strategy or technique that can beat them. Early in the game there’s some of these, with enemies who hold powerful shields that you can’t get through with your sword. Sure, you can deliver a nice deathblow from above or behind, but how do you get through the shield itself? Here’s how to break shields in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

How to Break Shields

The answer is hidden away in Hirata Estate. This level can be tough to find if you aren’t a Dark Souls veteran, accustomed to checking the description of every item and finding the unique location where you can use it. Luckily we already explained how to get to Hirata Estate, so check that out if you haven’t accessed the level yet. If you have, then head there, because that’s the key to breaking shields in Sekiro.

The answer is the Axe Prosthetic Attachment, which is found in a shed in Hirata. You may have already found this as well and just not known how to use it to break shields. If you are still searching for the axe itself then check out this guide on where to find it. Basically it’s tucked away in a small shed near the Estate Path Sculptor’s Idol, but the guide will walk you right to it.

Once you have the axe and have given it to the Sculptor to add to your Prosthetic arm’s arsenal, all you need to do it use it agains any enemy to break their shield. Get in front of them and look for an opportunity to use it. It can take a second to charge up before you strike, so watch for them to attack, dodge it, then hit RT or R2 to use your assigned Prosthetic. If you set it to the axe Sekiro will wind up and deliver a devastating blow that will break shields and deliver a large amount of posture damage. Move in for the killing blow after.

And that’s all you need to know about how to break shields in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.