Silent Hill f: How to defeat the Sakuko-like monster

Silent Hill f’s first real combat test comes in the form of a Dark Shrine monster that shares Sakuko’s voice and iconic pigtails. This enemy serves as the final boss of the Dark Shrine segment that begins after you are pushed down the stairs by Rinko. Several healing items can be found near the Horoka (save point) just before the fight, and a few can also be found scattered throughout the boss arena.

Keep an eye out for her long-reaching kagura suzu attacks

The boss fight will always begin with the Sakuko monster throwing her kagura suzu bell staff at you. This is the monster’s longest-reaching attack and is often combined with a follow-up that can catch you off guard.

*Keep a close eye on the Sakuko monster’s face to determine if she will commit to a follow-up attack*

The best way to avoid getting hit is to dodge the first attack, then pay close attention to the Sakuko monster. If she turns her head towards you, the monster will follow up with a pull-back attack. Quickly dodge the second attack and, depending on your distance to the boss, get in close for some good damage or hang back and wait for a better opportunity.

Beware of the Sakuko monster’s combo attacks

The Sakuko monster’s longest combo consists of two swipes followed by either a third swipe or an overhead attack. Depending on the situation, the boss will adjust the number of moves she commits to, so you need to watch her movements. None of the attacks in her combo have a red distortion effect, so they cannot be countered.

In addition to the full three-attack combo, the Sakuko monster may follow up with a spin attack that covers her surrounding area. You’ll know she is gearing up for it when she quickly drops her weapon to the ground, signaling that you should back off.

Don’t forget her grab and overhead moves

One of the Sakuko monster’s most damaging single-hit attacks is her grab. After shouting “Dodge THIS!” and spreading her arms out wide, the boss will run headfirst towards you. This attack cannot be countered and must be dodged in order to avoid it.

Another of the Sakuko monster’s moves is a quick step followed by an overhead slam. This is one of the easier attacks to counter, as the animation leading to the slam is slow and telegraphed. Press the heavy attack button when the red distortion effect glows around the boss to stun her, leaving her open to your own attacks.

Tips on defeating the Sakuko monster at the end of Silent Hill 2's Dark Shrine. A breakdown of attacks and how to deal with them.

The Suzu Bell attack is the strongest move in the Sakuko monster’s arsenal

About halfway through the boss fight, the Sakuko monster will slam her weapon together and disappear, disorienting you in the process. Using audio cues and the bright light emanating from the boss, you must quickly find and attack her before she can fully charge her Suzu Bell attack.

After doing this for the first time, the Sakuko monster will add the Suzu Bell attack to her repertoire of moves until you defeat her. Finishing the fight without her ever pulling off the Suzu Bell attack will award you with “The Sound of Silence” achievement.

As the fight goes on, Sakuko will occasionally beg you to stop attacking her. Ignore her false cries for help (this does not affect any of the endings) and continue to push the offensive. Make use of heavy attacks to stun her and create openings. These openings can be used to attack or to restore health, stamina, or Sanity. You’ll know the fight is over once a cutscene plays and the nightmare ends.

Silent Hill f launches September 25 for the PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X|S. Advanced access for deluxe edition adopters has already begun.

Silent Hill f actress “felt her own sanity almost slipping” in protagonist’s role