The Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut released for PS4 and PS5 brought exclusive content for players. Gamers all over the world were delighted when they found out about the Iki Island expansion in this version of the game. This expansion became one of the most popular DLCs ever created for a game in recent years.

Among the many missions included in the Iki Island expansion one of the most challenging is the duel with Sao. To face Sao players will have to enter the Hidden Cove Tournament. The tournament features a lot of duels and only after defeating a handful of them, you will get the chance to fight Sao. Like all the foes in Ghost of Tsushima, defeating Sao is a daunting task. In this guide, we have explained in detail how you can defeat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut.

Participate in the Hidden Cove Tournament to face Sao

To start the duel with Sao, players will have to reach an area called Fune’s Refuge where the Hidden Cove Tournament ring is located. The area is situated right next to the North port where the Mongol cargo ship will be after completing the Jin from Yarikawa tale.

As the Hidden Cove Tournament begins you will be given the choice to pick from one of three opponents. Once you have beaten all three opponents, then the fourth opponent will be unlocked. Among the three opponents, two are almost of the same difficulty.

How to Defeat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima

Players will get the opportunity to face Sai by defeating three opponents before him. To face all of these opponents players will have to take part in Ghost of Tsushima‘s Hidden Cove Tournament. Sao being the final opponent is a little more difficult to defeat than the previous opponents. Sao is a dye merchant who will face Jin Sakai during the final confrontation of the tournament.

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Sao has a wide range of attacks at his disposal which will come your way rapidly. Most of his attacks are altered versions of the attack combos of the previous opponents. Keep in mind that the developers have put this fight in the end to test your patience and perseverance. Since most of Sao’s moves are predictable, it is only a matter of enduring through the fight and keeping your attention focused on his moves.

Sao will come charging towards you from the beginning. Although most of his attacks can be parried away, Sao’s Heavy Attack can cause you to lose your composure in the fight. The Heavy Attack comes by sweeping low to the ground and it flicking up dirt into your face. Quickly tap the dodge button to evade this attack. Sao will follow up the Heavy Attack with another quick attack.

Stay right on your ties to block this attack. While you are busy in evading Sao’s attacks, the Crimson Fisherman will try to make your job difficult by assisting Sao. Watch out as the fisherman will throw a bottle of sake to stun you. Avoid it by performing a rolling dodge and while you are at it Sao will launch another quick attack that can be blocked or parried.

In the fight with Sao, players will have to make maximum use of their memory by learning his attack combos. By observing and memorizing the attacks you will be able to predict Sao’s upcoming attacks. Once players have learned Sao’s skills in Ghost of Tsushima they will be able to beat him at his won game in the tournament.

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As his moveset becomes predictable, this dye will bring variation in his combos after landing a couple of blows. An unblockable strike will come your way right after the Heavy Attack opener. This attack must be evaded by dodging away. After executing the dodge you will get an opportunity to strike back at Sao.

Sao is a formidable foe and beating him will require every ounce of your energy and gameplaying skills. You need to be careful while dodging. If you dodge back too far on any of these moves, Sao will rush towards you with a running attack that he will use to close the distance. Focus on parrying the attacks and delivering counterattacks.

Before participating in the Hidden Cove Tournament it is obvious that you will spend some time on Tsushima Island. Make sure to unlock all the important fight techniques like Perfect Parry, Roll, Dodging Slash and Perfect Dodge. These will allow you to have maximum options to fight and defeat Sao. Next, make sure to equip yourself with the Sarugami Armor you get by completing The Legend of Black Hand Riku. While fighting look out for openings to use the blinding sweep counterattack. This attack is very useful because it increases the window for Perfect Parry and Perfect Dodge. Another way to increase your window for performing Perfect Parries and Dodges is by equipping the Charm of Mizu-no-Kami.

After defeating Sao you will be granted special rewards for winning the Hidden Cove Tournament. These rewards include a moderate Iki Island Legend increase, 3 Silk, The Hidden Heart sword set, and the Crimson Dye Merchant. After defeating Sao a cutscene will begin where all the participants of the Hidden Cove Tournament will congratulate you.

Once you have defeated Sao you can continue with your journey on the Iki Island, for more guides like this be sure to check out our other guides!