Introduction Sifu has become known for its brutal difficulty and challenging combat mechanics, and while it’s a rewarding experience, there are plenty of mechanics the game doesn’t outright explain. Whether you’re a beginner or need some guidance, here are 10 key tips to help you navigate the world of Sifu with ease.

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10. Unlocking Moves – Focus on Key Abilities

When unlocking moves, it’s better to concentrate on getting one move fully unlocked before moving on to others. While you’re free to explore various abilities, some are more beneficial than others.

• Strong Sweep Focus: This is a must-have, as it’s a straight upgrade from the basic focus move and can knock enemies down, disarm them, and leave them open to further attacks.
• Snap Kick: Ideal for closing the gap between you and enemies, it’s great for crowd control.
• Environmental Mastery: Perfect for later stages where enemies wield weapons, this allows you to kick weapons into enemies’ faces, stunning them.
• Weapon Mastery: It’s an investment, but it lets weapons last longer, a crucial upgrade when fighting tougher enemies.

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9. Divide and Conquer – Strategic Combat

When surrounded, don’t hesitate to reposition. Moving away to regroup or lure enemies into open spaces can help separate groups and make combat much more manageable.

• Tip: Take out weaker enemies first to avoid being overwhelmed by larger, tougher foes. Repositioning also helps you spot hidden weapons or ledges to knock enemies off.

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8. Master High and Low Guards

One of the most important techniques in Sifu is mastering the high guard and low guard. While it may seem tricky at first, it’s straightforward once you understand it.

• High Guard: Works for most attacks. It’s an excellent defense, and with proper timing, you can block almost everything.
• Low Guard: Used for low attacks like sweep kicks, though high guard can often still mitigate them.

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7. Weapons – Don’t Just Use, Throw Them!

Weapons are not only useful for breaking enemy guards but can be thrown for massive damage. Throwing a weapon can be particularly effective against weapon-wielding enemies and is a great tactic for dealing with tough foes quickly.

• Tip: Look for weapons on the ground or on walls. Throwing them is a solid strategy for dealing quick damage and clearing enemies fast.

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6. Explore for Shortcuts and Collectibles

Sometimes you’ll find keys or items that unlock shortcuts, which can make your level progress faster. But keep an eye out for collectibles like shrines, as skipping them can mean missing out on valuable upgrades.

• Example: In the museum level, avoid rushing to the elevator. First, explore the fourth floor for a shrine before using the shortcut.

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5. Defeating the Fighter Boss (Sean)

Sean, the second boss, is notoriously tough but learning how to handle him will prepare you for other bosses.

• High Guard: Most of Sean’s attacks are high, so use high guard to block his strikes effectively.
• Weapons: Grab weapons on the walls for extra damage.
• Focus Moves: Use your Focus to perform a Strong Sweep Focus and knock Sean down for easier damage.

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4. Strategic Use of Shortcuts

While shortcuts can help you bypass sections of a level, be mindful of missing important shrines or upgrades.

• Example: In the museum, don’t rush to the elevator; go up to the fourth floor for the shrine before continuing.

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3. Utilize Invincibility Frames (I-Frames)

Many of the game’s takedowns and moves have invincibility frames (I-frames), which can help you survive tough spots.

• Takedowns: Performing a takedown allows you to avoid damage when surrounded.
• Downed Enemy Attacks: Use invincibility while performing downed enemy attacks to prevent harm.
• Dodge: While dodging can keep you safe, avoid over-relying on it—dodging backward is more effective than dodging sideways.

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2. Choosing the Best Upgrades at Shrines

Upgrading wisely can be the difference between life and death. Here are the best upgrades to focus on:

• Structure: Boosting structure is critical for surviving tough battles.
• Health on Takedowns: Helps replenish health during fights, especially useful in level sections.
• Weapon Proficiency: Increases weapon damage and impact, essential later in the game.
• Structure Regain: Restores more structure after avoiding attacks—this upgrade makes battles more manageable.

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1. Manage Your Death Counter and Age

In Sifu, dying results in aging, which affects your health and combat abilities. Managing your death counter is crucial for survival.

• Tip: Save up 1,000 experience points to reset your death counter at a shrine. This reduces the aging effect and gives you a better chance at surviving tough bosses.
• Keep an Eye on Your Pendant: Once you age past 70, your pendant breaks, and if you die again, it’s game over.

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Conclusion

Sifu is a complex and unforgiving game, but with these tips, you’ll be better prepared to take on its challenges. Remember, patience, strategy, and learning from each failure are key to mastering the game. Don’t forget to have fun, and good luck!