Sifu is plenty difficult even for those who perfectly understand its mechanics and progression system. There is no need for players to make it harder for themselves by making foolish mistakes. These are not necessarily the player's fault, though.
Sifu does not thoroughly explain how it works. Once players figure it out, the brawler from developer Sloclap becomes significantly more manageable. There are few games like Sifu, so even experience in previous brawlers won't save most players from falling into bad habits and making mistakes that cause some easily avoidable deaths that quickly shoot up the protagonist's age.
10 Button Mashing
Randomly mashing the two attack buttons will only result in enemies and bosses blocking and then punishing. Instead, Sifu encourages blocking and parrying until the enemy leaves themselves open for attack.
One should also remember some decently powerful combos and become accustomed to the different types of enemies in each level. Bosses, in particular, are impossible without understanding how to block and parry their specific moves.
9 Being Too Old By The Middle Of The Game
The average player will die a lot in Sifu, and this is okay. If the player is already near age 70 by the third level, they have no hope of actually progressing any further. Any player who finds themselves in such a situation should repeat the first or second level to finish it at an earlier age.
Most progress is lost, but permanently unlocked abilities and the Detective Board are intact, meaning shortcuts can be used to make the levels shorter. In general, try to be at age 30 or so by the end of the second level, and then between 40 and 50 by the last level.
8 Not Taking Advantage Of Certain Abilities
There are several abilities players should permanently unlock as soon as possible. Without them, average enemies and certain bosses are significantly harder.
One should have Weapon Catch permanently learned before finishing The Museum level because it helps during the boss' second phase. Environmental Mastery also helps eat enemies' health from a distance. Strong Sweep Focus and Slide Kick are also great for putting enemies on the floor quickly.
7 Leaving Leftover XP At The End Of A Run
As previously mentioned, going back to older levels eliminates all progress except for permanently unlocked abilities and the Detective Board. As such, it is advised to use all the XP available before going back to earlier levels.
If the player is about to die in the middle of a level and reach age 70 for the game over, they should spend all experience points since it is unlikely they will finish the level. It is frustrating to feel like one is not making progress, so spend these points to make it feel like the protagonist is growing.
6 Ignoring The Focus Bar
Moves that require the Focus Bar give players a serious advantage. Most of them can also be used against bosses.
As such, it is not only important to have a couple of moves using the focus bar, particularly the aforementioned Strong Sweep Focus, but also to make sure to upgrade it at the Shrines. Have at least two bars by the end of the second level. It helps with all the boss fights, except the last one.
5 Ignoring Weapons
Sifu is about more than just using fists as weapons. There are also plenty of melee armaments in the levels, ranging from pipes and bottles to poles with increased range. Enemies have no problem using these, and players should also pick one up whenever they show up.
Not only are they powerful, but throwing them is also a great way to immediately stun opponents. By the third level, enemies start attacking with sharp blades. Once the protagonist has one in their hand, it is easy to take out foes in just a few quick slashes.
4 Blocking And Parrying Too Much Without Building Up Structure
Enemies and the player are on even footing in a lot of ways. They have a Structure bar players build up in order to daze them, and the player similarly has their own.
Every time players block or parry, it builds up a bit. While it is good to parry, letting enemies fill up the Structure Bar will have the player dazed and open to a hit. Players need to dodge attacks and make sure the yellow bar does not fill up all the way.
3 Missing Important Shrines
Shrines are used to upgrade certain stats and also give players the opportunity to purchase abilities in the middle of a level without dying. They are important, so use as many of them as possible. Even when running through a level for the fifth time, be sure to take the time and pick these up.
Even if players are taking the shortcut, they can still pick up some shrines that are out of the way. The Museum has one that is on the fourth floor and is easy to quickly get while still taking the shortcut directly to the boss.
2 Fighting Enemies Who Would Not Fight The Protagonist
Some NPCs simply talk and have no intention of fighting. The room in The Club right before the three trials lets players avoid a fight with a large handful of foes.
Don't engage with the people training. Walk up to the door and the NPC will explain that three trials await. The protagonist should say they are ready, and then they can walk through the door without causing a fight.
1 Letting Enemies Finish Talking
Sometimes before a fight, the enemy will give a small speech. Players can use this opportunity to get in a free hit. The first time through, some might want to hear this, but there is no reason to let them finish talking on future runs.
Players should immediately give them a sweep kick and put them on the floor before they finish their sentence. Some especially tough enemies do this, so take any opportunity to get the upper hand.
Sifu is out now for PS5 and PC