How to Beat Sao in Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima: Director's Cut finally hit the shelves this year on PlayStation 5, touting the great Iki Island expansion. In this DLC, Jin travels to neighboring Iki Island to further his vendetta against the Mongols. While reaping his vendetta, he finds some interesting side quests, including the most challenging Hidden Cove Tournament.

The Hidden Cove Tournament is located inside Fune's Refuge and becomes available after completing the mission "Jin From Yarikawa.". There are four relatively intense battles associated with this tournament. Defeat the first three challengers and then take on the final, tougher opponent, which is Sao the Crimson Fisherman.

Setup of Sao the Crimson Fisherman

Sao, the final opponent of Ghost of Tsushima's Hidden Cove Tournament, is definitely a harder nut to crack than either of his predecessors. His moveset is pretty varied, with variations of attacks seen earlier in the tournament. However, upon closely monitoring his patterns, it is most certainly possible to take advantage of Sao's predictability. Parrying and counter-attacks would be perfectly suitable against him.

Sao's attacks often open with a wide, sweeping attack low, so a well-timed dodge is all that's needed to avoid it. He sometimes follows up an opening attack with a quick one that can be blocked or parried. He may throw a sake bottle in an attempt to stun Jin, in which case a rolling dodge is required. Be ready to counterattack after blocking or dodging either of these initial moves.

Easy/Medium Mode Defeat Sao-Jumping Attack Method

A simple way to beat Sao includes just using the Wind Stance and spamming jump attacks. At this difficulty, Sao reacts much slower and is pretty weak to this approach.

Stay really close to Sao at all times during this duel, so he can't build up momentum easily and so you're always in range.

Note, however, that this method will not work in Lethal Mode, as Sao's defenses will increase significantly and he'll deflect overheads with much more efficiency.

Defeat Sao in Hard/Lethal Mode: Surging Strikes Method

For beating Sao on Lethal Mode, you want to wear the Water Stance and, if you have it, the Surging Strikes unlocked.

When the fight starts Sao will immediately do his unblockable sweeping attack; time the dodge so you dodge backwards and continue through his follow-up attacks until he stops. Take this opportunity to do Surging Strikes, the quicker the better. If you start charging Surging Strikes and see the red glint of an attack, follow through with the attack since you have a better chance at landing a strike.

If Sao manages to dodge your Surging Strikes, then keep trying. Sometimes he might miss a dodge or two, and you can get a strike in. In any case, remember the only way to have good distance in preparing Surging Strikes is always to long dodge (double tap), as Sao may counterattack during the charge-up animation.

Equipping the Charm of Mizu-no-Kami will make perfect dodges easier, which helps a great deal in avoiding Sao's attacks and landing counterattacks.

Follow these steps, and you'll be the master of the Water Stance and Surging Strikes, defeat Sao, and win the Hidden Cove Tournament. Defeating Sao This will reward you by adding a moderate level of Iki Island Legend, as well as 3 Silk, the sword set called The Hidden Heart, and Crimson Dye Merchant.