How To Beat The Swordsman (Genzaburo’s Soldiers) in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Discover The Swordsman’s location and how to defeat him for the Genzaburo’s Soldiers quest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

The Genzaburo’s Soldiers organization can be found on the Objective Board after talking to Koshiro for the Fallen Soldiers Naoe side quest. Koshiro requests that you take down all four of Genzaburo’s warriors and the leader himself before they can exact their vengeance for Beesho Harumasa’s death.

Among Genzaburo’s Soldiers, The Swordsman is perhaps the most challenging to beat in a direct fight. He stands ominously on a bridge, surrounded by defeated foes, and issues a challenge to a duel when he sees you. 

Genzaburo’s Swordsman Location in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

All of Genzaburo’s soldiers have scattered after their failed attempt to kill their former comrade-in-arms, Koshiro. You need to track them down individually and assassinate them. Koshiro’s intel on The Swordsman’s whereabouts states:

• He is in Harima
• He is in northwest Engyoji 
• He duels people on a bridge

The Swordsman stands on the bridge in front of Nagusano Falls, near Mitsunodo Hall. The closest fast-travel location to The Swordsman is the Inariyama Kakurega. After fast-traveling there, head directly west past Hideyoshi Camp. You will see Genzaburo’s Swordsman standing at the center of the bridge upon reaching the river. 

How to Beat Genzaburo’s Swordsman in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Duel

The Swordsman is a high-level opponent wearing armor and itching for a fight. Facing him head-on can be a test of your dueling skill, as you will not be interrupted by any other enemies. If you choose to do so, be sure to pick a weapon with armor-piercing damage and equip single-target burst-damage skills. Here are The Swordsman’s attacks:

Attack	Description	Counter
Wide Slash (Red)	He will spin and deliver an unblockable slash in a wide arc	Dodge when you see his sword glow red
Ascending and Descending Cut (Red)	An unblockable two-move combo of vertical slashes	Dodge away when his sword glows red
Triple Slash (Blue)	A methodical three-hit combo of slashes	Dodge or parry each time the sword glows blue
Double Slash (Blue)	A downward cut followed by a spinning slash	Dodge or parry each time the sword glows blue

Stealth

If you want to eliminate Genzaburo’s Swordsman quickly, stealth is the way to go. Approach the bridge and use the Observe skill to mark The Swordsman. If he is facing away from you, sneak up close and assassinate him. If he is facing your side of the bridge, skirt around to the other side while remaining hidden.

Approach him from behind while crouched and assassinate him. Eliminating The Swordsman will reward you with 2,000 XP, two Mastery Points, Inari’s Bounty – Epic Long Katana, and 280 Mon.

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