Combat basics: Sha-Chi, parries and weapon swaps
Learn a repeatable attack-and-defend loop before extending your combos.
Quick answer
Blocking spends your Sha-Chi, and running out can leave you staggered. Mix short attacks, defensive responses and weapon swaps; exploit openings instead of attacking without a pause.
On this page
Build a repeatable combat loop
An editorial practice sequence, not a fixed combo or timing chart.
Holding a block and timing a parry are different decisions. Watch the cost of sustained blocking, and leave yourself able to answer the next attack.
Default PS5 controls
| Action | Input | Practice focus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic attack | Square | Short pressure |
| Stronger attack | Triangle | Use a safe opening |
| Block / parry | Hold / tap L1 | Separate holding from timing |
| Dodge | R1 | Read the incoming move |
| Main weapon swap | D-Pad Left | Work with both weapons |
| Power Surge | L2 | Use when charged |
These inputs follow PlayStation’s official article. Remapped controls and PC bindings should be checked in your own settings.
Three focused practice attempts
- Watch yourself: notice your resource bar after a block.
- Watch the opponent: use a short sequence, then stop to answer its response.
- Add a swap: change weapons at the end of your sequence, then begin again.
This is a learning exercise, not a no-damage strategy. If you keep getting interrupted, shorten the sequence before trying to improve its damage.
Two distinctions that matter
Sha-Chi and Sha-Chi Essence serve different roles. Keep track of both your defensive state and the charge for your offensive option.
A weapon swap does not mean the enemy has stopped attacking. Judge its animation before continuing. Follow the current tutorial for special attack signals rather than applying an unverified universal colour rule.
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Sources
Checked October 29, 2026. Source-based guidance; not a claim of an in-house playthrough.
Before you progress
One-handed Phantom Execution variants
| Variant | Sha-Chi required | Action prompt | Shared cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lv.1 | >90% | Power Surge + Interact | Consumes all Sha-Chi; main-weapon swapping is locked for 15 seconds. |
| Lv.2 | >75% | Block + Execute | Consumes all Sha-Chi; main-weapon swapping is locked for 15 seconds. |
| Lv.3 | >50% | Block + Execute | Consumes all Sha-Chi; main-weapon swapping is locked for 15 seconds. |
If Lv.2 or Lv.3 breaks the target’s guard during the slash, use Heavy before the move ends for a follow-up. The source lists these in a one-handed context without specific unlock levels. Their version numbers are not weapon levels or a universal three-tier training progression. Follow the current action prompts and your bindings rather than assigning one fixed combination to all variants.