Sekiro Gyoubu Masataka Oniwa Guide: Horse Boss Timing and Openings
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Arrive with the basics, not a perfect build
Gyoubu is the first main boss who asks you to use the whole Sekiro rhythm in a wide arena. You do not need every Hirata tool first. You do want a working Healing Gourd, a few clean deflections, and the habit of watching the enemy instead of mashing dodge after he rides past.
If you bought Robert’s Firecrackers from the merchant near the early Outskirts route, fit them before the fight. They can create an opening, but they do not replace the main plan. Keep enough Spirit Emblems for the moment you can actually use them, rather than firing them while Gyoubu is already out of range.
Use the grapple as a reset tool
When the grapple prompt appears during Gyoubu’s movement, take it. It closes the gap safely and turns a long horse charge into an attack window. After landing, make a short sequence of normal attacks, then be ready to deflect when he swings. Do not keep attacking after he has already started a counter; the fight rewards taking your turn and yielding it back.
His sweeping spear strings are a timing lesson. Hold guard if you cannot read them yet, then practise deflecting one swing at a time. A clean deflection raises his Posture and stops you from being pushed across the arena. If your own Posture is high, create space while he rides out, let it recover, and use the next grapple to return.
A simple phase plan
- Lock on and keep the horse in view rather than sprinting after its first pass.
- Grapple when the prompt appears.
- Attack briefly while you have the opening.
- Deflect the close spear string or guard it while learning the timing.
- Use Firecrackers only when beside the horse and ready to follow with sword hits.
Gyoubu needs more than one Deathblow. After the first, keep your camera settled and expect the fight to resume immediately. Heal when he has created real distance, not while you are standing in the line of a charge.
Winning gives the Memory of Gyoubu and the Mechanical Barrel, opening more room for attack power and prosthetic development. Use the win as a checkpoint: spend a collected Prayer Bead set at an Idol, give any Gourd Seed to Emma, then decide whether Ashina Castle or the Hirata detour is the better next route. Gourd Seeds and Prayer Beads covers the upgrade menus, and Lady Butterfly is a strong optional timing test.