6 Steps to Defeat Orin in Honor Mode

Defeating Orin in Honor Mode is a formidable challenge, demanding exceptional skill and preparation. This elusive and unforgiving foe resides in the treacherous Sunken Valley, a realm of ancient ruins and formidable creatures. To prevail against Orin, adventurers must navigate treacherous terrain, overcome formidable guardians, and confront the wrath of this enigmatic adversary. As they embark on this perilous journey, they must embrace a strategic approach, honing their combat prowess and utilizing every available resource to emerge victorious.

Before venturing into Orin’s lair, meticulous preparation is paramount. Gather potent weapons and armor, ensuring their enchantments align with Orin’s vulnerabilities. Consider enlisting the aid of companions, selecting those whose skills complement your own and bolster your chances of success. As you approach Orin’s stronghold, proceed with caution, for the path is fraught with perils. Ancient constructs and relentless spirits guard the way, testing your mettle and demanding unwavering resolve. Stay alert, adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, and seize opportunities to replenish your resources.

When facing Orin, engage with calculated precision. Study his patterns, identify his weaknesses, and exploit them mercilessly. Utilize crowd-control abilities to neutralize his summoned guardians and disrupt his devastating spells. Maintain constant pressure, keeping Orin off balance and preventing him from unleashing his full fury. In the heat of battle, remain calm and focused, executing your strategy with unwavering determination. With each successful strike and dodged attack, you inch closer to victory. But be warned, Orin’s power is immense, and a single misstep could turn the tide of battle against you. Embrace the challenge, summon your inner strength, and let the annals of history record your triumph over this formidable foe.

Mastering Orin’s Movement Patterns

Orin possesses a diverse range of movement patterns that require a comprehensive understanding to overcome in Honor Mode. The following detailed breakdown will provide a thorough analysis of Orin’s movements:

Phase 1: Beginning of the Encounter

Melee Strikes: Orin initiates combat with standard melee attacks, employing sweeping overhead strikes and quick thrusts. These attacks are relatively easy to dodge with timely rolls or backward movements.
Charge Attack: Occasionally, Orin charges forward with a devastating dash. This attack covers a significant distance and deals heavy damage upon impact. Anticipate the charge and evade it with a swift dodge.
Homing Bolts: Orin summons clusters of homing bolts that fly towards the player. These bolts can track you for a short distance, so staying mobile and dodging them in unpredictable directions is crucial.

Phase 2: Orb Phase

Orb Summon: Orin summons a pair of magical orbs that orbit her. These orbs shoot concentrated beams of energy at the player. Maintaining distance from the orbs is essential to avoid their attacks.
Orb Teleport: Orin teleports to the location of either orb and fires a large energy beam from the orb. Pay attention to her movements and anticipate her teleports.
Orb Explosion: When Orin’s health is low, the orbs will explode upon her death, dealing significant damage to nearby players. Distance yourself from the orbs before Orin’s demise to prevent being caught in the explosion.

Movement Pattern	Evasion Strategy	Tips
Melee Strikes	Rolls or backward movements	Time your dodges carefully to avoid taking damage.
Charge Attack	Swift dodge	Anticipate the charge and evade it quickly.
Homing Bolts	Unpredictable dodging	Keep moving and change directions frequently to avoid getting hit.
Orb Summon	Maintain distance	Stay away from the orbs to avoid their energy beams.
Orb Teleport	Anticipate teleports	Pay attention to Orin’s movements and predict her teleport locations.
Orb Explosion	Distance yourself	Move away from the orbs before Orin’s death to prevent damage.

Utilizing Secondary Mechanics

Orin’s moveset contains various secondary mechanics that, if not properly understood, can swiftly disable and ultimately lead to the demise of the player. Below is a detailed description of each mechanic and how to counter it effectively.

Phase One: Desolation

Desolation is a state inflicted upon the player when they are hit by Orin’s Desolation Strike or caught in the area of effect of her Desolation Field. Desolation drains the player’s stamina and rapidly depletes their health over time. To counter Desolation, players must possess high stamina regeneration or employ consumables that reduce its duration. Additionally, standing in the center of the Desolation Field will negate its effect.

Phase Two: Fury

Fury is a state that Orin enters periodically during the battle. In this state, her attacks gain additional speed, range, and damage. To counter Fury, players must adopt a defensive stance, prioritize evading and blocking attacks, and only attempt to strike during opportune moments. Additionally, using consumables or abilities that reduce Orin’s attack speed or damage can be beneficial.

Phase Three: Desperation

Desperation is the final and most dangerous phase of the battle. Orin enters Desperation after being depleted to 20% of her maximum health. In this phase, she gains access to new and extremely powerful attacks that can inflict heavy damage and debilitating effects. To counter Desperation, players must be highly vigilant, constantly move and dodge, and utilize any and all available resources, such as protective amulets, potions, and stun abilities, to minimize the impact of Orin’s attacks.

Mechanic	Effect	Counter
Desolation	Drains stamina and HP over time	High stamina regeneration, consumable reduction, standing in field center
Fury	Increased attack speed, range, and damage	Defensive stance, evasion, blocking, consumable/ability reduction
Desperation	Access to powerful attacks	Vigilance, dodging, protective amulets, potions, stun abilities

Exploiting Orin’s Weaknesses

Orin is a powerful boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but he has several weaknesses that can be exploited to make the fight easier.

Use the Anti-Air Deathblow

Orin’s most vulnerable state is when he jumps into the air to perform his spinning attack. You can use this opportunity to perform an Anti-Air Deathblow, which will instantly kill him. To do this, simply jump into the air and press the attack button when Orin is at the peak of his jump.

Deflect His Combos

Orin’s attacks are very fast and aggressive, but they can be deflected just like any other enemy’s. When he starts to attack, focus on deflecting his blows and don’t try to attack back until he leaves a small opening.

Avoid His Thrust Attack

One of Orin’s most dangerous attacks is his thrust attack. This attack can be identified by the red kanji that appears above his head. When you see this kanji, dodge to the side or jump over Orin’s head. If you get hit by this attack, it will deal massive damage and knock you down.

Use the Flame Vent

The Flame Vent is a powerful prosthetic tool that can be used to deal fire damage to Orin. This damage will gradually build up over time, and when it reaches a certain point, Orin will be knocked down. You can then use this opportunity to perform an Execution Deathblow.

Managing Orin’s Aggression Level

Orin’s aggression level is a crucial factor to consider in the fight. It affects the frequency and intensity of his attacks, making it essential to keep it under control. Here are some strategies to effectively manage Orin’s aggression level:

Keep Your Distance: Maintaining a safe distance from Orin prevents him from using his close-range attacks. By staying away from him, you can mitigate the damage he inflicts and force him to use ranged options.
Parry and Dodge His Attacks: Orin’s attacks are relatively predictable, making them easy to parry or dodge. Practice timing your parries and dodges to avoid taking unnecessary damage. This strategy is crucial for conserving health and maintaining control over the fight.
Use Spirit Arts to Stagger Him: Spirit Arts are powerful attacks that can temporarily stagger Orin. Staggered enemies are unable to attack, giving you a window of opportunity to heal or counterattack. Utilize Spirit Arts wisely to gain an advantage and interrupt Orin’s aggression.
Use the Environment to Your Advantage: The arena contains pillars and other obstacles that can be used to block Orin’s attacks. Positioning yourself behind these obstacles can effectively reduce the damage you take and force Orin to change his approach.
Attack When Orin’s Aggression is Low: Orin’s aggression level fluctuates throughout the fight. After certain attacks or missed moves, he becomes less aggressive, giving you an opportunity to counterattack. Pay attention to these patterns and exploit them to your advantage.

Utilizing the Environment to Your Advantage

The battlefield is your ally. Learn to use the environment to your advantage. Orin’s arena is filled with various obstacles that you can use to your advantage. These obstacles can be used to disrupt Orin’s attacks, create distance, or even deal damage

Pillars

The pillars are large structures that can be used to break line of sight with Orin. This can be useful for avoiding his ranged attacks or healing without being interrupted.

Platforms

The platforms are raised areas that can be used to gain a height advantage over Orin. This can be useful for getting a better view of the battlefield or for landing jump attacks.

Walls

The walls are tall structures that can be used to block Orin’s attacks. This can be useful for creating a safe zone where you can heal or regroup.

Barrels

The barrels are explosive objects that can be used to damage Orin. When a barrel is hit, it will explode, dealing damage to anything nearby. This can be useful for dealing damage to Orin or for clearing out a group of enemies.

Traps

The traps are hazards that can be triggered to damage Orin. There are two types of traps in the arena: spike traps and fire traps. Spike traps will damage Orin if he steps on them, while fire traps will damage him if he gets too close.

Obstacle	Uses
Pillars	Break line of sight, avoid ranged attacks, heal
Platforms	Gain height advantage, get a better view, land jump attacks
Walls	Block attacks, create a safe zone, regroup
Barrels	Damage Orin, clear out enemies
Traps	Damage Orin (spike traps and fire traps)

Employing Advanced Tactics

To emerge victorious against Orin in Honor Mode, you’ll need to employ a combination of cunning strategies and precise execution. Master these advanced tactics to gain the upper hand and secure your triumph.

Stagger Manipulation

Stag gering Orin can create crucial openings for you to strike. Bait his heavy attacks by dodging or parrying, then unleash a powerful counterattack while he’s vulnerable.

Environmental Advantages

Utilize the environment to your advantage. Knock Orin into walls or pillars to damage him and create distance. The arena’s raised platforms provide vantage points for ranged attacks.

Weapon Swapping

Experiment with different weapons to exploit Orin’s weaknesses. Fast weapons like daggers are effective for quick strikes, while heavy weapons like axes deal significant damage with each swing.

Dodging Techniques

Master the art of dodging to avoid Orin’s lethal attacks. Predict his movements and use the dodge roll or quick steps to evade his strikes and close the distance.

Parrying and Guarding

Parrying Orin’s attacks is a risky but rewarding technique. Time your parries perfectly to deflect his blows and leave him vulnerable for a counterattack. Alternatively, use your shield to guard against his weaker attacks.

Spellcasting Strategy

Utilize spells to enhance your combat abilities. Heal and buff yourself, while simultaneously weakening Orin with debuffs. Time your spellcasting carefully to maximize their impact.

Patience and Focus

Defeating Orin in Honor Mode requires patience and unwavering focus. Don’t rush into engagements; instead, observe his attack patterns and exploit his weaknesses. Maintain your composure and stay alert throughout the fight.

Adapting to Orin’s Dynamic Behavior

Orin’s behavior shifts throughout the fight, demanding constant adaptation from the player. Understanding these changes is crucial for victory.

Phase 1

Orin mainly uses swordplay and projectiles. Avoid her relentless strikes by dodging and parrying, while also blocking or rolling through projectiles.

Phase 2

Orin’s attacks become more aggressive and she gains a new ability: summoning phantom blades. Stay on the move to dodge these blades and use cover to block projectiles fired from them.

Phase 3

Orin’s speed and power increase significantly. Her most dangerous attack is a charging slam that deals massive damage. Evade or parry this attack to avoid being stunned.

Phase 4

Orin unlocks her ultimate ability: a devastating wave of energy. This attack has a large area of effect, so stay far away or use a shield to block it.

Phase 5

Orin’s attacks become more unpredictable and she gains a new ranged attack: a homing orb. Keep moving to avoid the orb and focus on dodging and parrying her sword strikes.

Phase 6

Orin’s agility and power reach their peak. Her swordplay becomes lightning-fast, and she gains the ability to teleport. Stay alert and use your instincts to predict her movements.

Phase 7

Orin’s health regenerates in this phase, making it crucial to end the fight quickly. Focus on dealing as much damage as possible while avoiding her attacks and staying on the move.

Phase 8

Orin undergoes her final transformation, gaining ethereal wings and enhanced abilities. Her attacks become even more powerful and her movements unpredictable. Adapt to her new patterns and use every skill at your disposal to defeat her.

Phase	Key Attacks	Strategies
1	Swordplay, Projectiles	Dodge, Parry, Block
2	Phantom Blades	Evade, Use Cover
3	Charging Slam	Evade, Parry
4	Energy Wave	Stay Far, Block
5	Homing Orb	Keep Moving
6	Teleporting	Predict Movements
7	Health Regeneration	Deal Max Damage
8	Ethereal Wings	Adapt to New Patterns

Overcoming the First Phase

1. Understand Her Attack Patterns

Orin’s first phase consists of three primary attacks: a six-hit combo, a quick slash, and a delayed thrust. Study these patterns to predict her moves and react accordingly.

2. Parry the Six-Hit Combo

The six-hit combo is Orin’s most predictable attack. Parry the initial two hits and then deflect the remaining four for a perfect parry.

3. Dodge or Block the Quick Slash

When Orin charges up a quick slash, dodge away or block it. Be prepared for her to follow up with another quick slash or a delayed thrust.

4. Bait and Punish the Delayed Thrust

Orin’s delayed thrust has a long windup animation. Bait it out by attacking and then quickly retreating. Once she performs the thrust, punish her with a jump attack or close-range combo.

5. Use a Ranged Weapon

A ranged weapon, such as a bow or crossbow, can help you stay out of Orin’s immediate reach. Use it to distract her or deal damage from afar.

6. Utilize Charge Attacks

Charge attacks, such as a heavy swing or thrust, can break Orin’s poise and stagger her. Use them to create an opening for a follow-up attack.

7. Jump Over Her Leaping Attack

Orin may attempt a leaping attack from a distance. Jump over it to avoid damage and potentially counterattack while she’s airborne.

8. Watch for Her Parry

Orin is capable of parrying your attacks. Be patient and wait for an opening before striking.

9. Exploit Her Weakness to Fire Damage

Fire-based attacks inflict increased damage on Orin. Use fire bombs, incantations, or a fire weapon to gain an advantage.

Triumphizing over the Second Phase

Conquering Orin’s second phase in Honor Mode demands unwavering focus and precise execution. Adopting the following strategies will bolster your chances of achieving this formidable goal:

Evade the Blades of Judgment: These devastating spectral swords inflict immense damage upon contact. Time your movements carefully to dodge them, as they have a wide arc of attack.
Time the Wrath of the Heavens: Orin periodically releases orbs of Wrath that explode into fiery projectiles. Predict their trajectory and move accordingly to minimize damage.
Deflect the Spear of Destiny: Orin’s Spear of Destiny is a powerful homing projectile that can pierce through obstacles. Use your shield or a Crystal Tear to deflect it.
Block the Shadow Thrust: Orin’s Shadow Thrust is an unblockable attack that can deal significant damage if you are not prepared. Time your blocking carefully to mitigate the impact.
Heal When Necessary: Don’t hesitate to use healing items to restore your health during the battle. However, keep an eye on your resources and prioritize evading attacks.
Use Aggro Management: If you are playing with companions, ensure proper aggro management to divert Orin’s attention away from your main character.
Target the Weak Points: Orin’s weak points are marked by glowing orbs. Focus your attacks on these areas to deal increased damage.
Utilize Buffs and Debuffs: Empower yourself with buffs to enhance your stats and weaken Orin’s abilities. Additionally, apply debuffs to reduce his damage output.
Watch for Phase Transitions: Pay attention to the environmental cues that indicate Orin’s transition to the next phase. Anticipate his attacks and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Remain Patient and Persistent: Defeating Orin in Honor Mode requires patience and perseverance. Stay focused and don’t give up, even if you encounter setbacks. Learn from your mistakes and fine-tune your tactics until you achieve victory.

How to Defeat Orin in Honor Mode

Orin is a formidable boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and defeating him in Honor Mode is a particularly challenging task. However, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

Phase 1: Stay Close and Parry Her Attacks

Orin’s first phase is relatively straightforward. She will use a variety of sword attacks that can be parried or deflected. Stay close to her and focus on parrying her attacks. Once you have parried a few attacks, you will have an opportunity to land a few hits of your own.

Phase 2: Watch Out for Her Sweeping Attacks

In her second phase, Orin will begin using sweeping attacks that can cover a wide area. These attacks are difficult to avoid, so it is important to be aware of them and move out of their range as soon as possible. She will also summon two spirit allies to assist her. Focus on taking out the spirit allies first, as they can be a distraction.

Phase 3: Be Careful of Her Grab Attack

In her third and final phase, Orin will use a grab attack that can deal massive damage. This attack is indicated by a red kanji above her head. When you see this kanji, dodge out of the way immediately. Orin is also very aggressive in this phase, so be prepared to dodge and parry her attacks frequently.