Rise of the Ronin Before the Dawn Quest Guide
Find out how to complete Before the Dawn quest in Rise of the Ronin in this guide. We’ll explain everything you need to know!
Embark on the thrilling conclusion of Rise of the Ronin with the Before the Dawn quest, where players will navigate through a series of intense battles, emotional revelations, and critical decisions that will shape the fate of Japan.
Rise of the Ronin Before the Dawn Quest Guide
This comprehensive guide will walk adventurers through the quest’s objectives, provide strategies for overcoming powerful bosses, and offer insights into the gripping storyline that unfolds in Rise of the Ronin.
Step 1: Meeting with Katsura and Saigo, then Return to Edo
Begin the quest by speaking with Katsura and Saigo at the Satsuma Clan’s Kyoto estate in the Marutamachi district.
After a brief conversation with Saigo and Katsura, prepare to return to Edo, marking the final transition between regions in the game’s main story. Upon arriving in Edo, players will have the opportunity to revisit previous maps using the Testament of the Soul at the Longhouse.
Step 2: Consulting with Katsu and Heading to Edo Castle
Once back in Edo, make your way to the Katsu Kaishu Estate and speak with Katsu to learn about the current situation. Following a lengthy discussion, head to Edo Castle in the Kojimachi district and locate Koto Nakazawa near the southwestern gate. Engage in a conversation with her to initiate the Patriots’ Reward sub-mission.
Step 3: Patriots’ Reward – Infiltrating the Castle
In the Patriots’ Reward sub-mission, players must navigate through an underground passage towards the main keep of Edo Castle. Be cautious of traps such as tripwires and rolling logs, and eliminate enemies along the way. Collect valuable loot from chests and fallen enemies, and defeat Sozo Sagara as a boss guarding key areas.
Rewards for this Patriots’ Rewards mission are:
- Odachi
- Japanese Photo Album
- Luminous Medicine
- Silver Coin x18
Step 4: Boss Battle – Sozo Sagara
Confront Sozo Sagara, a skilled odachi wielder, in a challenging boss battle. Adapt to his quick movements and wide-ranging attacks, using the environmental weapons like scattered katanas to gain an advantage.
Here is the breakdown for Sozo Sagara’s attacks:
| Moves | Description |
| Martial Skill 1 | Five consecutive sword attacks, with the final attack being unblockable. |
| Martial Skill 2 | Pause briefly, then execute an unblockable dash attack. |
| Martial Skill 3 | Perform an unblockable downward attack while jumping. Sometimes follows a combo. |
| Martial Skill 4 | Drag sword on the ground, sending a vertical blood arc towards the opponent. |
| Arc Slash combo | Throw one to three arcs, then dash for a final strike. |
| Upper Cut combo | Perform an upward slash, followed by an aerial attack. |
| Jump combo | Dash away, then jump into the air for an attack. |
Pay close attention to his martial attacks, such as the charging slash and jumping overhead slam, and time your countersparks accordingly. Upon defeating Sozo, proceed to Princess Atsuko’s location to trigger a cutscene.
Step 5: Lifelong Vow
Embark on the Lifelong Vow sub-mission, where players must traverse a dangerous battlefield to deliver a message from Princess Atsuko.
In this submission, you need to fight through waves of enemies, including powerful enemies and bosses such as Hanjiro Nakamura and Kiyotaka Kuroda. Use grappling points and ranged weapons to take out distant threats, like cannon operators on ships.
Rewards for this sub-mission are:
- Bond Jewel x3
- Japanese Poetry Anthology
- Jizo Statuette
- Panacea Powder
- Silver Coin x3
Step 6: Boss Battle – Hanjiro Nakamura
Engage in a boss battle against Hanjiro Nakamura, an odachi-wielding enemy with slow but powerful attacks. Be wary of his martial attacks, including the charging overhead strike and the double spinning slash at the end of combos.
| Moves | Description |
| Martial Skill 1 | Hanjiro charges, delivering an unblockable downward slash, followed by two more attacks if unparried. |
| Martial Skill 2 | Hanjiro raises his blade overhead, then brings it down heavily. |
| Martial Skill 3 | Hanjiro executes a horizontal slash, followed by two more if unparried. |
| Four Slash combo | Hanjiro performs four consecutive sword attacks. |
| Aggressive combo | Hanjiro rapidly strikes with his sword, delivering between six to eight blows. |
Adapt your weapons and combat style to exploit his weaknesses and emerge victorious. Upon defeating Hanjiro, obtain the Main Gate Key to progress further.
Step 7: Boss Battle – Kiyotaka Kuroda
Next, you need to confront Kiyotaka Kuroda, another powerful armed boss with a katana, pistol, and grappling hook. Be prepared for his ability to light his sword on fire and unleash devastating attacks, such as the alcohol-fueled fire breath.
| Moves | Description |
| Martial Skill 1 | Kiyotaka performs four downward slashes, concluding with an unblockable attack. |
| Martial Skill 2 | Kiyotaka raises his sword above his head and delivers a powerful downward strike. |
| Long combo | Kiyotaka executes four sword slashes, followed by a kick, a thrown bomb, and a grapple shot. |
| Fire Breathe | Kiyotaka breathes fire in front of him while his sword is ablaze, covering a short distance. |
| Rapid Attack | Kiyotaka shoots his grapple, pulling himself towards the opponent, then unleashes up to eight rapid slashes. |
| Wall Jump | Kiyotaka grapples to a wall and performs a diving attack upon jumping off it. |
Dodge his grapple hook attacks and martial skills, like the overhead smash and the nine-hit combo ending with an unblockable strike. Adapt your strategies and utilize countersparks to overcome this challenging opponent.
Step 8: Boss Battle – Takamori Saigo and Tsun
Face off against the imposing duo of Takamori Saigo and his loyal companion, Tsun. Saigo wields a massive iron staff, delivering powerful blows and explosive attacks enhanced by gunpowder. Be cautious of his martial attacks, especially the spinning staff throw that can hurl characters off the platform.
Here is the breakdown for Takamori Saigo’s move set:
| Moves | Description |
| Martial Skill 1 | Takamori holds his weapon above his head and brings it down onto the opponent, sometimes concluding a combo. |
| Martial Skill 2 | Takamori performs three spinning attacks followed by an unblockable toss that throws the opponent if it lands. |
| Martial Skill 3 | Takamori drops his shoulder and charges at the opponent. |
| Martial Skill 4 | Takamori slams the end of his weapon on the ground, dealing damage in a small area. |
| Martial Skill 5 | Takamori throws sparkly dust, then slams his weapon down, creating an explosion. |
| Five Hit combo | Takamori swings his weapon twice, delivers two punches, and finishes with another weapon swing. |
| Shoulder Charge | Takamori performs a shoulder drop and charge, but it’s not an unblockable attack. |
| Leap | Takamori spins his weapon, jumps up, and slams it down on the opponent. |
| Cannon Blast | Takamori breaks a cannon in the arena, picks it up, fires four shots, and then throws the cannon at the opponent. |
Tsun, while not as powerful as Saigo, can still pose a threat with his pouncing attacks and ability to hold characters in place. Divide and conquer, focusing on Tsun first before turning your attention to Saigo.
Here is the summary for Tsun’s move set:
| Moves | Description |
| Martial Skill 1 | Tsun pulls his head back, charges up, then rushes towards the opponent to deliver a powerful bite. |
| Martial Skill 2 | Tsun jumps into the air and spins forward, propelling himself towards the opponent. |
| Bite | Tsun swings his head forward to attempt a bite attack. |
| Headbutt | Tsun dashes forward, aiming to headbutt the opponent. |
| Three Hit combo | Tsun swings his head back and forth, unleashing three consecutive attacks. |
Use countersparks, weapon advantages, and ally support to emerge victorious for these two boss battles.
Step 9: The Veiled Edge – The Final Confrontation
As the story reaches its climax, players will undertake the Veiled Edge sub-mission, leading to a climactic battle against their Blade Twin. Before engaging in this final confrontation, take the time to bid farewell to your allies scattered throughout the Katsu Kaishu Estate.
Speak with Ryoma (or Ryo Narasaki if Ryoma didn’t survive), Jules Brunet, Eiichi Shibusawa, Yukichi Fukuzawa, Igashichi Iizuka, Toshimichi Okubo, Fumi Sugi, and Kogoro Katsura to reflect on your shared experiences and strengthen your resolve.
Step 10: Boss Battle – Blade Twin
Prepare for the ultimate challenge as you face your Blade Twin in a grueling battle that will test your skills and determination. The Blade Twin is an incredibly agile and versatile opponent, capable of wielding various weapons and imbuing them with fire and electric damage.
Adapt to their constantly changing combat style, from the rapid combos of the paired swords to the devastating strikes of the odachi and oxtail blade.
Be prepared for the Blade Twin’s explosive attacks, as they use their demon claw arm to launch themselves across the arena and unleash powerful martial skills.
Here is the breakdown for Blade Twin’s attacks:
| Moves | Description |
| Martial Skill 1 | Twin Blade fires their grappling hook and swings it around in a circle multiple times. |
| Martial Skill 2 | Twin Blade dashes backwards, then launches at the opponent with a flaming sword. |
| Martial Skill 3 | Twin Blade dashes into the air, performing an unblockable attack downward. If unparried, follows up with spinning strikes. |
| Martial Skill 4 | Twin Blade pulls back their left hand, then punches the opponent, placing an explosive on them. |
| Martial Skill 5 | Twin Blade pulls back their left-handed sword, delivering an unblockable horizontal slash. |
| Sword Slash combo | Twin Blade executes two sword attacks, spins in the air while swinging their sword, and finishes with two more attacks. |
| Air Dash | Twin Blade dashes into the air using blasts from their arm, then dashes towards the opponent to attack. |
| Spinning Combo | Twin Blade performs six consecutive attacks, with the middle two being spinning slashes. |
As the battle progresses and the Blade Twin’s health diminishes, they will become increasingly aggressive, leaving little room for error. Manage your health and stamina carefully, as healing opportunities will be scarce.
Study the Blade Twin’s moveset, anticipate their martial attacks, and exploit any weaknesses in their defense.
Completing Rise of the Ronin Before the Dawn Quest
After defeating Blade Twin, players must choose whether to spare or kill them. This decision slightly affects the game’s ending, but the changes are minor. Regardless of the choice made, players receive a unique armor set for the post-game.
With the main story of Rise of the Ronin ended, players can bask in the satisfaction of having cleared Chapter 3 and unlocked the “The Dawn of a New Japan” achievement.
Rise of the Ronin Post-Game Content
After the credits, players return to the game world to explore and complete any remaining tasks. The Testament of the Soul feature lets you replay missions and revisit world maps, perfect for players aiming for 100% completion.
More Rise of the Ronin Quest Guides:
The Bridge to Yokohama | Follow Your Blade Twin | Veiled Edge Village | Yokohama’s Shadow | Infiltrating the Black Ship | The Setting Sun | Cultural Exchange | Those Who Know Shoin | Those Who Gather at Edo | Decisions | Looking Ahead | Those Who Lead | It Hurts to Be Good | A New Path | A Mighty Soldier | Reinventing the Shogunate | The End of Shogunate | Wildfire
