Quick answer
Combat revolves around Sha-Chi, a bar that is stamina and guard at the same time. Parry blue flashes with a tap of guard, dodge red ones and empty the enemy’s Sha-Chi to execute them. You carry two weapons: switching between them refills your Sha-Chi.
Read the enemy’s colors
What to do with each flash
Blue → parryRed → dodgeDark → always dodgeNo flash → block carefully
- Parryempties their Sha-Chi
- Guard-Brokenthey are stunned
- Executehuge damage
- Switch weaponsrecover your Sha-Chi
Combat glossary
| Concept | What it is |
|---|---|
| Sha-Chi | Yellow bar under your health. Blocking and heavy attacks drain it. At zero, you are stunned. |
| Sha-Chi Essence | Fills up as you hit and parry. You spend it on Power Surge. |
| Standard Combo (Square) | Costs no Sha-Chi. |
| Sha-Chi Combo (Triangle) | Stronger; costs Sha-Chi and breaks a lot of guard. |
| Power Surge (L2) | Spends one Essence. With many weapons it cannot be blocked. |
| Phantom Edges (R2) | Secondary weapons with charges (Remnant Sparks) that recharge at bells. |
| Parry or deflect (tap L1) | Against the blue flash. Costs none of your Sha-Chi and empties the enemy’s. |
| Guard Stance (hold L1) | Every hit costs Sha-Chi. |
| Dodge (R1) | Against the red flash. A perfect dodge opens counterattacks. |
| Execution and assassination | Finisher after breaking the guard, or a stealth attack from behind or from above. |
| Remnant Dust | The currency for upgrading and buying. You lose it when you die. |
Attack colors
- Blue: parry it.
- Red: it can’t be blocked; dodge it.
- Dark or black: always dodge it; blocking it empties your Sha-Chi.
- No flash: block in moderation.
Combat tips
- Switch weapons when your Sha-Chi is low: it refills and you launch a chainable attack.
- Weapon upgrades unlock skills at levels 5, 10, 15 and 25.
- The Endless Renewal skill restores health and Sha-Chi after assassinations and executions.
- Bleed builds up a meter: when it fills, the target takes a burst of damage all at once.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phantom Blade Zero like Sekiro?
Yes in the weight of parrying and guard breaking, although it is faster, with two swappable weapons and Phantom Edges.
