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How to Beat Shuten Doji - Gourd Drainer - Onimusha Way of the Sword

DaleLast Updated: September 14, 2026 at 5:58 AM
Table of Contents

Shuten Doji Summary

Shuten Doji is a formidable boss that has 3 distinct phases. He uses a giant saber and his gourd to fight, creating large pools of fire and dealing massive damage.

Shuten Doji Attack Patterns

The following table lists each attack Shuten Doji uses in its different forms.

AttackDescription
Breakdance Combo1 breakdance.gif
Kicks, falls backward, and spins to stand back up. Can be chained with other moves.
Double Slash1 double slash.gif
Slashes twice
Drink1 drink.gif
Takes a drink from his gourd and recovers HP
Drunken Slash1 drunken slash.gif
Slashes, stumbles, then slashes again
Gourd Explosion1 gourd explosion.gif
Drops his gourds and hits it to cause an explosion
Gourd Smash1 gourd smash.gif
Slams his gourd on the ground
Vacuum Slash1 vacuum slash.gif
Uses his gourd to pull you in and deliver a massive slash

How to Beat Shuten Doji

[1] Drinking heals Shuten Doji

drinking.png

Shuten Doji has a move where he drinks from his gourd and recovers HP. You can interrupt this move by dealing heavy damage or shooting his gourd with a bow.

[2] He can chain attacks and combos

chain

Shuten Doji can seemingly chain attacks out of nowhere, so keep your eyes peeled whenever he attacks. He sometimes mixes and matches his combos to keep you on your toes, so wait for the right moment to strike back.

[3] Shuten Doji has 3 Phases

phases

Phase 1 is Shuten Doji's normal state. After reducing his HP below 50%, he enters Phase 2 and starts using fire-based attacks.

After defeating him the first time, he now enters Phase 3 and starts using his floating severed head and decapitated body to attack.

[4] Extinguish flames immediately

flames.png

Shuten Doji's attacks can inflict a flame debuff that burns and deals damage over time. You can extinguish it by repeatedly evading, and ideally you must do so immediately to stem the loss of HP.

Shuten Doji Rewards

Shuten Doji drops the following rewards upon defeat:

  • Red Soul x 7,768
  • Tempered Iron x 2
  • Power Stone x 1
  • Oni Stone x 1

Related Trophy

TrophyHow to Get

Wide Awake
Defeat Shuten Doji.

Related Guides

List of Bosses

List of Walkthroughs