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WhileSekiro: Shadows Die Twiceis not open-world, it does feature a sort of free-form linear structure that allows players to pick the order in which they face many of the game’s bosses. This has become something of a staple of FromSoftware’s game design, and they are almost always better for it. Still, many players may find themselves at a loss about what to do next, wondering what thebest order to faceSekiro’sbossesmight be.
Sekirofeatures some of the most difficult bosses in FromSoftware’s massive pantheon. This guide will show players the best path to take, from Gyoubu Oniwa, to the Sword Saint himself. The focus of this guide will be theReturnending, which many feel is the official canon ending Sekiro’s story – at least for the time being.
Updated Jul 27, 2025 by Christopher Norman Worcester:As we head into 2025,Sekiro: Shadow Die Twiceremains one of FromSoftware’s most popular titles. Given the game’s slightly unique structure, thebest boss orderin Sekirois an extremely popular topic. In the original guide, we focused on thebest boss orderfor reaching the ‘true’Returnending. In this update, we will add a new section that quickly explainsSekirobosses in order,in addition to the longerlist with mini-bosses.
Best Boss Order for All Endings – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
All Sekiro Bosses in Order:
Sekiro: Shadow Die. Twicefeatures four unique endings. The following tables will show the best boss order to receive each outcome. To unlock all four ending trophies/achievements without any save file manipulation, you’ll need to finishSekiroat least three times, as the Shura and Immortal Severance endings require you to make choices that will lock out any of the other three. The tasks required for theReturnandPurificationending requirements can be met in one playthrough without messing with saves.
Return, Immortal Severance, and Purification Ending Boss Order:
This table focuses on themandatory bosses inSekiro.If you want aSekiroboss order list with mini-bosses, scroll down to the individualSekirobosses listthat is found after the table section. Each entry will list the smallerSekiro bossesyou’ll face before and after each major boss.
The only difference between these three endings is what you giveKuroat the end. The only real diligence will happen after you faceGreat Shinobi Owl.If you want to achieve the Purification ending, you’ll need to add one boss fight. We will clearly mark that fight on the table below. Remember,you may complete every boss and still getany of these three endings,depending on what you give Kuro. In fact, it is well worth going through it all.
Owl (Father) –PURIFICATION
Demon of Hatred (Optional)
Isshin, Sword Saint
Shura Ending Boss Order:
After defeating the Corrupted Monk, return to the castle andObey the Iron Codewhen you meet withOwl.This avoids his fight altogether, leading into the final two battles:
Genichiro Ashina – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Find Genichiro Ashina at the top of Ashina Castle
Before fighting Ashina, make sure you unlock theMikiri Countertechnique, and practice it with Hanbei the Undying. Competence in this skill, as well as deflections, will help you immensely.
Great Shinobi Owl – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FindGreat Shinobi Owlat the Top of Ashina Castle
If you side with Owl, you will instead faceEmmaandLord Isshin.This leads to theShuraending, which is generally considered the worst possible outcome.
True Corrupted Monk – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Divine Dragon – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
For those going forthe Purification ending, you will now want to fightOwl - Father.It is not required for the Return ending, so feel free to skip it. However, it is a very rewarding fight, and gives insight into one of the game’s central mysteries. Follow the directions in the above link to reach Owl - Father.
