Beginner's Guide
Essential tips for new Sifu players.
Understand the Aging System
Each death ages you. A death counter increases with each death, adding more years. Dying at age 70+ means permanent death. Minimize deaths to finish younger.
Master the Structure System
Both you and enemies have a structure meter. When full, it breaks guard leaving you stunned. Parrying fills enemy structure fast. Do not block everything.
Parry Over Block
Blocking fills your structure meter. Parrying (blocking at the exact moment of impact) fills the enemy structure instead. Master parry timing for every enemy type.
Use Focus Attacks
Focus abilities target specific body parts. Sweep knocks down, eye strike stuns, palm strike pushes. Use them to control crowds and create openings.
Replay Levels for a Younger Age
You can replay earlier levels to finish them at a younger age, which carries forward. Aim to finish level 1 at age 20-25 for the best start.
Permanently Unlock Skills
Buying a skill 5 times permanently unlocks it across all runs. Prioritize Environmental Mastery and Weapon Catch for permanent unlocks first.
Use the Environment
Throw bottles, chairs, and other objects. Kick enemies off ledges and into walls. Environmental damage does not cost you anything and deals good damage.
Avoid Groups
Do not fight large groups head-on. Funnel enemies through doorways, isolate individuals, and use crowd control moves. Fighting 1v1 is always safer.
Shrine Bonuses Stack
Shrines between fights offer permanent bonuses for the run. XP bonuses, extra structure, focus charge, and health recovery. Choose based on upcoming challenges.
Patience Beats Aggression
Sifu rewards patience. Wait for enemy attacks, parry or dodge, then punish. Mashing attacks will get you killed, especially against bosses.