What to know
- Heavenly Slash is unlocked in the katana skill tree after obtaining an ultra reflection point.
- To use Heavenly Slash, press Circle and Triangle together (costs one Spirit).
- It’s an unblockable, fast attack that deals extra damage to staggered enemies.
- Best used to interrupt enemy attacks or when surrounded for a safe escape.
Heavenly Slash stands out in Ghost of Yotei as a crucial early skill, particularly when you want both defensive power and crowd control in melee combat. Mastering the input and timing can give you a powerful advantage in many challenging encounters.
Heavenly Slash quick reference guide
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Skill tree / unlock path | Under the Melee / Katana techniques via Altars of Reflection |
| Input / activation | Hold Triangle + Circle, then release to perform Heavenly Slash |
| Effect / behavior | Unblockable attack, interrupts enemy stances, breaks past defenses |
| Spirit cost | Yes (uses Spirit) |
| Best use cases | Against shielded or defensive enemies, when enemy is about to attack, or to disrupt combos |
| Limitations / cautions | Might misfire if mistimed; using too frequently drains Spirit; not a substitute for ranged or dodge in all situations |
How to use Heavenly Slash in combat
Step 1
Unlock Heavenly Slash from the katana skills tree after gaining an ultra reflection (earned by finding and praying at an Altar of Reflection).
Step 2
Ensure at least one Spirit is available, as the move spends this resource on use.
Step 3
Press Circle and Triangle together on your controller (hold, then release if instructed) while targeting an enemy.
Step 4
Aim for staggered enemies or time your strike to interrupt dangerous, glowing (charged) enemy attacks for maximum effectiveness.
Control options
Depending on your control scheme (Default or Alternate for left-handed players), the combo to trigger Heavenly Slash remains Circle + Triangle, though remapping individual abilities is not possible in Ghost of Yotei. Always verify you’re in melee stance before attempting the combo.
| Control Scheme | Heavenly Slash Activation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Default | Circle + Triangle (⭘ + △) | Requires 1 Spirit; standard face button combo |
| Left-Handed | D-Pad Left + D-Pad Up | Mirrored scheme using D-Pad for all actions |
| Melee Alternate | L1 + L2 | Trigger-based setup, similar to Souls-like control layout |
| Melee Alternate (LH) | R1 + R2 | Left-handed variant using opposite triggers for activation |
When and why to use Heavenly Slash
Heavenly Slash can be performed as soon as you unlock it via the skill menu, which becomes available after finding an Altar of Reflection. Using the attack costs one Spirit but enables you to break through enemy defenses and counter attacks that would otherwise be difficult to parry or dodge.
The animation’s quick, allowing you to interrupt even large, armored foes or escape from being surrounded. If the target is already staggered, the technique inflicts significantly increased damage.
Mastering Heavenly Slash
Heavenly Slash is a high-impact katana technique in Ghost of Yotei. Because it is unblockable and can interrupt enemy actions, it becomes a valuable tool in your toolkit — especially for tougher foes or defensive enemies.
But to use it well, you must manage Spirit, pick your moments, and pair it with strong defensive and timing mechanics. When used skillfully, it can shift the momentum of battles in your favor.
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