Sifu is a game that challenges players with its intense combat and strategic gameplay. If you’re new to the game or looking to refine your skills, these 20 pro tips will help you navigate the challenges and make the most of your time in this martial arts adventure.

1. Weapons Are Extremely Powerful

Melee weapons in Sifu are a game-changer. Always try to get your hands on them when possible. They can help you deal with enemies much more efficiently and allow you to take down tougher foes quickly.

2. Remap Your Controller Inputs

Sifu allows you to customize your controls. If you find the default configuration not to your liking, feel free to remap your buttons for heavy attacks, light attacks, dodges, parries, and more.

3. Explore Every Nook and Cranny

Don’t rush through levels. Explore every room thoroughly to find hidden shortcuts, additional enemies, and areas that reward you with higher skill points or passive bonuses.

4. Make Use of Shrines

When you come across a shrine, be sure to use it. If you don’t use your accumulated age or score, it will be consumed. Opting for a passive bonus instead of leaving it unused is better.

5. Quick Dodges for Big Brawlers

For fights with big brawlers, use quick dodges by holding L1 and pressing down on the D-pad (or the opposite direction of the incoming attack). Combine this with melee weapons for an effective strategy.

6. Find the Pipe Early in Squats

After defeating the first enemies in the Squats level, take a side path to find a pipe, which will serve as a powerful melee weapon. Mastering melee weapons early on gives you an advantage.

7. Rumble in the Hangar Trophy

In the Squats stage, clear the hanger room in under 1 minute and 20 seconds after being detected by the main group. This earns you the “Rumble in the Hangar” trophy, a reward for your speed and precision.

8. Boss Phase 2 in the Squats

After defeating the first boss in the Squats level, when he retreats to the bushes, anticipate his attack and dodge left or right using R2. Look for a melee weapon on the floor to speed up the boss fight.

9. Pick Up the Bat After the Doorman

After beating the Doorman in the second stage (Club), don’t miss out on the bat located nearby. This powerful weapon will help you defeat the guards and the rest of the enemies in the next room.

10. Take Down the Bartender for Easier Fights

In the Club stage, when you encounter two girls behind the bar, use the ball on the left to take down the bartender instantly. This makes the fight much easier, allowing you to focus on the second girl.

11. Pit Protector Trophy

In the Club stage, when you drop into a pit with three enemies, defeat the big guy first to unlock the “Pit Protector” trophy. Make sure to prioritize this enemy before the smaller ones.

12. Use Bottles for Instant Takedowns

Bottles are a great tool for easy takedowns. Throw them at unaware enemies to put them into an instant takedown, allowing you to secure a free kill.

13. Handling Two Big Brawlers

In later stages, you’ll face two big brawlers simultaneously. Use a bottle to stun one of them, allowing you to focus on the other. Alternatively, try to separate them by baiting them into different areas.

14. Countering Mini-Bosses in the Club

Mini-bosses in the Club are skilled at dodging. To counter them, parry with L1 and then dodge left or right when they execute their last powerful punch. Once you dodge successfully, initiate a combo to defeat them.

15. Gym Room Strategy

In the gym room of the Club stage, sprint and press Triangle to perform a heavy punch and instantly takedown the enemy by the door. This will remove a dangerous enemy early, giving you an advantage.

16. Museum Stage Mini-Bosses

In the Museum, you’ll encounter two mini-bosses. Use quick dodges and parries to take them down, then grab a light bulb to throw at the girl with the weapon. Stagger her with the light bulb and finish her off with a weapon.

17. Breakable Stands in the Museum

In the Museum, be cautious when approaching breakable stands. A large group of enemies, including a big brawler, will charge at you. Run away to avoid getting caught, then eliminate the big brawler first.

18. Defeating Sean (Second Boss)

To defeat the second boss, Sean, spam the L1 parry and dodge his staff swipes by holding L1 and pulling the analog stick backwards. Learn the timing of his attacks, and remember to dodge his more powerful strikes.

19. Collecting All Items

Collecting all items in each level rewards you with five trophies. One for each stage: Squats, Club, Museum, Tower, and Sanctuary. Make sure to scour each level thoroughly to collect everything.

20. The Kill Nil Trophy

For the ultimate challenge, defeat any boss without dying to earn the “Kill Nil” trophy. It’s a tough challenge, but with practice and persistence, it’s achievable.

With these 20 pro tips, you’ll be better equipped to tackle Sifu’s challenging gameplay and make the most out of every encounter. Good luck!