Howard Phillips Plains, Antarctica

Close Range Abilities: A variety of combo attacks

Long Range Abilities: None

Strategy: Epigonos has a wide variety of attack combos, somewhat similar to Hayabusa’s attacks. However, the first battle against him is relatively easy.

Wait for Epigonos to get close and block his first combo (usually three or five hits). Slide to evade the third attack, then counterattack immediately with an Izuna Drop.

It is also possible to use a continuous series of Strong Attack combos instead of the Izuna Drop. If the twin uses Wind Run into Flying Swallow repeatedly, block the attack, then counter with a barrage of Strong Attacks.

When the twin kneels down, walk toward him and press any attack button, then rapidly tap Strong Attack ( or ) when prompted. After a brief cinematic, continue the battle with Epigonos in final form.

Close Range Abilities: Shadow Dodge, Dragon Sword Combos, Dragon’s Claw Combos, Eclipse Scythe Combos, Scythe Toss (with Eclipse Scythe equipped)

Long Range Abilities: Slide, Dark Void Ninpo, Flying Swallow (with Dragon Sword equipped), Unblockable Grab (with Eclipse Scythe equipped), Charge Wave (with Eclipse Scythe equipped)

Strategy: The final form of Epigonos is more aggressive than the previous variation, and has several of the weapons Hayabusa used in Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 .

He starts with the Eclipse Scythe and changes to the Dragon Sword and Dragon’s Claw throughout the battle.He has the same combos Hayabusa had with these weapons.

Be careful when he uses the Scythe because it has deceptive range, an Unblockable Grab attack and the ability to hit Hayabusa from a good distance with the Charge Wave attack (when the twin charges up an attack, then unleashes a near-invisible projectile wave).

Epigonos also uses the unblockable slide when the Dragon’s Claw is equipped. However, the slide does not inflict much damage. Stay away from Epigonos until he changes to the Dragon Sword or Dragon’s Claw.

If he has the Eclipse Scythe equipped and enters a charging stance that resembles Hayabusa’s Ultimate Technique, stay as far away from him as possible to avoid the incoming Charge Wave attack.

Remain blocking while Epigonos uses a combo. Most combos have a Strong Attack that breaks Hayabusa’s guard and leaves him open to attack.

Slide to avoid this attack, which is the third and fifth attacks with the Dragon Sword, the third attack with the Dragon’s Claw, and the second attack with the Eclipse Scythe.

When the combo concludes (usually three or five attacks), follow the same strategy as before and use the Izuna Drop or a continuous barrage of Strong Attack combos.

When Hayabusa builds up to an Ultimate Technique, rapidly press Strong Attack ( or ) as prompted, then back away and use the Ultimate Technique as quickly as possible.

When Epigonos charges up his Ninpo ...

... stay close and slide to either side or behind him to avoid it.

Continue this same strategy until Epigonos begins to charge up the Dark Void Ninpo. Stay as close as possible to Epigonos, sliding to stay behind him or to either side.

This is the best way to avoid the Ninpo. If Hayabusa is close enough when the twin begins the Ninpo charge, interrupt the attack with an Izuna Drop.

Eventually Hayabusa’s arm begins to hurt. Walk toward Epigonos and attack him to trigger a short TBP event. Press Strong Attack ( or ) and Shuriken ( or ) when prompted to finish the battle.