"We are far from home, we samurai. Each new land teaches us new things. Each new ally makes us stronger. The shugoki: once our guardians, they have become as family. And what more fierce protectors could we ask for? The kanabo is an unreasonable weapon; clumsy, dangerous... unless you possess the strength of a demon and an unbreakable will."
Shugoki is a playable hero class in For Honor.
Overview
The Shugoki appear slow and cumbersome. Don’t let that fool you -- they possess the strength of a giant and an indomitable will. It takes incredible fortitude to be the guardians of your people. You must defend them at all costs and put their needs above your own. This has never been an issue for the Shugoki. Their weapon of choice seems unwieldy, but in their hands, it is as deadly and precise as any blade.
Armor
The Shugoki wears massive wooden plates protecting his torso and arms. An obi sash around his waist and a nawa belt hold the garments together. Unlike their comrades, he only wears a hakama with cloth and leather straps attached, with no noticeable shirt or torso garment under their wooden plates.
The Shugoki does not wear a kabuto but instead wears a somen mask that gives him the face of an Oni, a Japanese demon with the superhuman strength to wield the kanabo with ease. The somen is typically accompanied by a cloth neckguard and a topknot in various styles.
Weapon
Kanabo - This traditional club is so large that it takes a powerful, but also skilled warrior to wield it correctly, even more than the nodachi. It can deliver a crippling blow with every hit, but its weight tends to leave the user open for counter-attacks if it misses.
Kanabo
Trivia
- Shugoki (Kanji: 守護鬼) literally translates to 'guardian demon' in Japanese.
- Unlike other Samurai Heroes whose mask is either the military half mask, the menpo (Kensei and Orochi), or a non-military full mask (Nobushi and Hitokiri), the mask the Shugoki wears is the military full face mask, the somen.
- Two of the Shugoki's newest helm cosmetics from the Marching Fire update, Kiku no Sekku and Ryutora, do use a mask similar to a menpo.
- It is greatly hinted through the Hero Trailer that the Shugoki were not originally of the Samurai, but instead natives of the Myre who became a part of the Samurai when they first settled, becoming integrated into its society overtime as indicated by the "once our guardians, they have become as family" line.
- This is apparent in other details, such as how Shugoki is the only Samurai Hero to feature hair colors not found on other Samurai Heroes. Compare how all the Samurai only have dark brown, white or black hair, while the Shugoki has light brown, blonde and even red hair.
- The Shugoki is the largest hero in the game, even taller than other tall Heroes such as the Lawbringer or the Warlord. He used to feature the highest amount of health at 160 before the maximum health a Hero can have was capped at 140.
- Shugoki is also one of two Heroes who has the ability to heal themselves without the aid of Feats, Perks or Boosts, as his Demon's Embrace move heals him upon a successful hug. The other Hero is Shaman.
- He was also the Hero who could achieve the highest movement speed without the aid of Feats, Perks or Boosts, at 9.5 meters per second when using Charge of the Oni; Shinobi during their Super Sprint only reaches 8.5 m/s. This was nerfed to 8.5 m/s with his Testing Ground Update changes at the start of Year 5 Season 2, further decreased to 7.25 m/s with a balance patch during the midseason change of Year 5 Season 3.
- The Shugoki's design is based off of the Oni (鬼; lit. "demon" or "ogre"), having the stature of one, wearing a mask with the face as fierce as an Oni and carrying a kanabo, which is a weapon greatly associated with the Oni (to the point that there is an idiom for their relation).
- Some of his moves also reference the Oni, such as Demon's Embrace and Charge of the Oni. Even his out of lock running attack move, Crashing Thunder, makes reference to the Oni as they are often depicted as bringers of thunderstorms.
- The design of the kanabo is also likely inspired by Japanese folklore of the Oni. Whereas the kanabo in actual warfare was much more slim, akin to a bat, those seen used by an Oni in fiction have a much thicker, thus heavier, end to reflect the immense strength required to wield the exaggerated weapon.
- Coincidentally, "Oni" was the pre-release name of the Orochi.
- It is also very apparent that aside from the Oni, the Shugoki received influences from Sumo and their wrestlers.
- This is apparent in a couple of factors, such as their large and thick body (compared to the more muscular body physique the Oni are usually depicted with), along with mannerism that resembles a stereotypical sumo wrestler, especially the idea of them slapping their belly. Some cosmetics also reflect elements of sumo:
- Some of the chest armor pieces, such as the Okuda set, includes a tsuna (綱, lit. "rope"), a special belt that is the recognizable symbol of the Yokozuna, the highest rank achievable by a sumo wrestler.
- The Sumo and the Sole T emotes mimic the ritualistic stomping before a Sumo match.
- The Kimarite and Kinjite executions, and the Kachi-nokiri and Joi-jin signatures. All noted below.
- This is apparent in a couple of factors, such as their large and thick body (compared to the more muscular body physique the Oni are usually depicted with), along with mannerism that resembles a stereotypical sumo wrestler, especially the idea of them slapping their belly. Some cosmetics also reflect elements of sumo:
- Shugoki is the only Hero whose walking animation is the same as his free roam animation, likely due to his free roam (2.45 m/s) being the slowest, therefore having the smallest gap between speeds with the Walking Speed (1.5 m/s). See more information here.
Executions & Emotes
- The "One Inch Punch" execution is a reference to the martial arts move made famous by Bruce Lee. It is intended to be a practice exercise, but has become popularized more as a special combat move in pop media.
- The "Shugoki Smash!" execution is likely a reference to the Hulk, who is known for his popular shout, "Hulk! Smash!" along with scenes where the Hulk swings his adversary above before slamming them into the ground.
- The execution "The Mountain" is a reference to Game of Thrones, specifically the character Gregor Clegane whose nickname is "The Mountain who Ride" or simply "The Mountain." In one scene in the series, Gregor kills his foe by crushing their head in a similar way Shugoki does in this execution.
- The "Pinch Hitter" execution refers to the baseball term for a substitute batter. Pinch hitters are typically substituted in when a player has been injured or when the pinch hitter may have a better chance of reaching a base or helping runners to score.
- The execution "Dyspepsia" is named after the medical term for indigestion, referring to when discomfort or pain is felt in the upper abdomen, typically after having eaten something.
- The execution "Kimarite" refers to the Sumo term for "finishing blow" (決まり手). This reference to Sumo is clear in the use of the harite (張り手; "slap strike") together with the ritualistic stomping.
- The execution "Kinjite" translates to "forbidden move" or "forbidden hand" (禁じ手), referring to moves that are illegal or a foul in Sumo and Shogi, or are restricted (hence forbidden) by one's own spiritual policies in martial arts.
- In Sumo's list of forbidden moves, both the act of jabbing the solar plexus and grabbing the opponent's throat are listed. In the execution, Shugoki performs both of these actions.
- It is noted in the list that the harite noted above for Kimarite is a move restricted from use by junior wrestlers, but are allowed for use by senior ones.
- The execution "Samurai Senton" references the pro wrestling move where the attacking wrestler jumps onto an opponent. Unlike a press or splash, the attacker falls on their opponent (usually around their torso region) with either their lower back or buttock first.
- The signature "Chu!" is named after the Japanese onomatopeia for kissing, which Shugoki affectionately performs on his Kanabo during the signature.
- The signature "Kachi-nokori" refers to the Sumo term for "the winner who remains" (勝ち残り).
- During a day of sumo, power water (力水; chikara-mizu) is handed to a wrestler by either the winner of the previous match if they are on their side of the ring or for the losing side the next wrestler from their side of the ring. This is done because receiving water from a loser or the opposite side of the ring would be bad luck.
- This is important because for the last bout at the end of the day, both sides won't have a next wrestler while one side won't have a winner from the previous round. For this reason, the last wrestler to have won on that side of the ring (the kachi-nokori) will remain to give the last wrestler the power water.
- The signature "Joi-jin" translates to "high rank wrestler" (上位陣) in sumo terms. This term is loosely used for wrestlers who are expected to face a yokozuna during a tournament.
- For the most part, this term is typically applied to wrestlers who are in the top-most sumo division Makuuchi (of Sumo's six divisions), and are of the upper Maegashira rank or above (for reference, Maegashira is the lowest rank of the Makuuchi division).
- "Nebari wo Kakuru" (ねばりをかくる) translates to "Apply binding."
- The name of this execution is in reference to a technique from Miyamoto Musashi's Book of Five Rings where your intent is to keep your blade interlocked with the opponent's when they enter such a state.
Quotes
- Japanese: 潔く死ね (Isagiyoku shine) - English: "Prudently die!" or "Accept your death!"
- Successful Demon's Embrace
- Japanese: 我が手中にあり (Waga shuchuu ni ari) - English: "It is within (the grasps of) my hands."
- Charging Heavy Attack
- Japanese: これまでじゃ (Koremade ja) - English: "This is it!" or "This is as far as you'll go!"
- Kinjite (Execution)
- Japanese: この手で葬ってやろう (Kono te de houmutte yarou) - English: "You'll be buried by my hands!"
- Shiryou Avenger (Execution)
- Japanese: 頭を叩き割ってやらねばな― (Atama wo tatakiwatte yaraneba na) - English: "I've gotta crush that skull of yours!"
- Samurai Senton (Execution)
Fighting Style
The Shugoki are the disruptor Tank. Their high health, together with their ability to be unflinching through their uninterruptible attacks, make the Shugoki a Hero who can make trades most wouldn't be able to commit to. He's excellent at dealing crippling blows to enemies with his massive kanabo.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Disabler fighting style
- Hard hitter
Special Capabilities
- Most attacks and moves are uninterruptible
- Charging heavy attacks that become unblockable when fully charged
- Demon's Embrace: Special pinning move that heals Shugoki
Perks
Available Perks for the Shugoki can be viewed on the Perks page.
Feats
| Number | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speed Revive
Passive | Rapidly revive fallen teammates Unlocked at level 1   |
Iron Lungs
Passive | You can still Sprint when Out of Stamina Unlocked at level 5   |
Throw Farther
Passive | Throw enemies farther Unlocked at level 13   |
| 2 | Short Tempered
Passive | Upon being hit by an enemy Hero, deal increased damage for a short time. Unlocked at level 1   |
Smoke Bomb
Throw down a bomb that stuns enemies for a moderate duration of time. Unlocked at level 7   |
Juggernaut
You're slowed and gain high Damage reduction, Slippery and Uninteruptible Unlocked at level 15   |
| 3 | Punch Through
Passive | Deal Damage on Blocked Attacks Unlocked at level 1   |
Long Bow
Fire a long bow for moderate Damage (85 dmg) Unlocked at level 9   |
Hard to Kill
Passive | Losing Health increases your Damage reduction Unlocked at level 17   |
| 4 | Staggering Blow
Heavy Attacks and Throws cause enemies to fall Unlocked at level 1   |
Arrow Storm
Aerial Attack that deals medium Damage in multiple areas Unlocked at level 11   |
Regenerate
Passive | Regenerate your Health when out of combat Unlocked at level 19   |
Moveset
General
- Renown: Heavy - Earn more Renown by assisting or saving Heroes, and holding objectives to unlock your feats in a match.
- Revenge Mode - Boosts Damage and Health. All Attacks are Uninterruptible. Parry and Throws knock enemies down. Attacks are Auto-Parried on activation.
- Defense: Static - Your Guard Stance remains active in the direction you designate, even when performing a Dodge.
Hero Specific
- Uninterruptible Stance Attacks - Heavy Attack moves, Zone Attack, Crashing Thunder and Crashing Thunder Alternate have Uninterruptible Stance during their Startup.
- Enhanced Lights - Light Attacks are not interrupted if blocked. Does not apply when blocked by a Superior Block.
- Charged Heavy Attack - Hold RMB (PC), RT (XB1), or R2 (PS4) when initiating a basic chain Heavy Attack to finish a chain with a Charged Heavy Attack. Holding this move allows for variable timing.
- Charging Phases - Charging a Heavy Attack has two phases, and has to enter its second phase (shown with the Unblockable sign) for the Heavy Attack to receive the Fully Charged Heavy properties. If the attack is only in its first phase when released, Shugoki will initiate a normal Heavy Attack.
- Fully Charged Heavy - If a Heavy Attack is fully charged, it will receive increased damage and become Unblockable.
- Charging Heavy Attack: Chain End - Charged Heavy Attacks cannot be chained into another move.
- Charging Heavy Attack Cancel - Charging Heavy Attacks can be canceled with B (XB1), ◯ (PS4) or E (PC), which can be performed even after the Charging Heavy Attack has become Unblockable.
- Chain Openers - Zone Attack, Crashing Thunder and Crashing Thunder Alternate count as Chain Openers and can chain into a Heavy Finisher or a Headbutt (using Guardbreak).
- Headbutt - Can be initiated from a Forward or Side Dodge, or after any Chain Opener. It can be chained into a Heavy Finisher, even on miss.
- Health Damaging Headbutt - Unlike other Bash-like moves, Headbutt will apply direct Health damage to the target instead of dealing Stamina damage.
- Demon's Embrace - Demon's Embrace can be accessed either from neutral or after a Guardbreak Throw. A successful Demon's Embrace pins the target. It will deal 20 damage to the target and heal Shugoki for 10 Health, before Shugoki tosses the target behind himself. It will also replenish both Shugoki and the target's Stamina.
- Charge of the Oni - Enter Charge of the Oni by releasing and pressing the sprint button/key. Consumes Stamina to increase Sprint Speed by ~31.5%. Release and press the sprint button/key again to go back to normal sprint. During Charge of the Oni, Shugoki will lose some control over his ability to turn or stop for the duration of the Charge; Shugoki can attack from Charge of the Oni.
- Special Knock Downs - Although the target of Demon's Embrace and Demon Ball will be knocked down at the end of the move, they won't be counted as being on the floor for moves such as Centurion's Eagle's Talon and Jormungandr's Hamarr Slam.
Moves
(From Guard Mode)
| Type | Name | PC | XB1 | PS4 |
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Bash and Smash | LMB, RMB | RB, RT | R1, R2 |
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Bonecrusher | RMB, RMB | RT, RT | R2, R2 |
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Crashing Thunder (Not in Guard Stance) | ↑ + RMB | LS↓(press to sprint) + RT | L3↓(press to sprint) + R2 |
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Crashing Thunder Alternate (Forward Dodge Heavy) | W + Space, RMB | LS + A, RT | LS + X, R2 |
 
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Charge of the Oni | ↑, ↑ | LS↑, LS↑ | LS↑, LS↑ |
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Demon's Embrace | S + MMB | LS↓ + X | LS↓ + ⬜ |
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Demon's Embrace from Throws | Press MMB during a throw | Press X during a throw | Press ⬜ during a throw |
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Demon Ball | MMB ♦, RMB | X ♦, RT | ⬜ ♦, R2 |
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Headbutt | MMB (After any Starter, Crashing Thunder and Zone Attack) | X (After any Starter, Crashing Thunder and Zone Attack) | ⬜ (After any Starter, Crashing Thunder and Zone Attack) |
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Dodge Headbutt | A or W or D + Space, MMB | LS← or LS↑ or LS→ + A, X | LS← or LS↑ or LS→ + X, ⬜ |
Equipment
*Star weapon
**Unknown rarity
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Executions
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Emotes
Passive Stance
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Fighting Stance
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Executions
 Requiescat In Pace |
 Rampage Of Ragnarok |
 Cheaty Flute |
 Blow Your Own Horn |
 Harpy Hey Joe |
 Lute Not |
 Sylvan Vaporization |
 Horkos Pharmakos |
 Sylvan Metamorphasis |
 Revenant Slayer |
 Ulfhednar Killer |
 Shiryo Avenger |
 Jiangshi Banisher |
 Minified And Put Aside |
 Minified And Magnified |
 Minified And Stomped |
 Minified And Kicked Away |
 Wolf Among Sheep |
 Ilma's Scythe |
 Cane You Feel It |
 Brought You A Gift |
 Chimera Salvation |
 Blades of the Vanguards |
 Resounding Defeat |
 Deadly Hare |
 Sylvan Detachment |
 To The Great Beyond |
 Feast Upon The Weak |
 The Masquerade Is Over |
 Unquenchable Wolf |
 Farewell, Chimera Music Box |
 Farewell, Chimera Zither |
 Farewell, Horkos Bagpipe |
 Farewell, Horkos Violin |
 Wrathful Concision |
 Willful Concision |
 Sorrowful Concision |
 Artful Concision |
Emotes
Passive Stance
 The Bard's Instrument |
 Sword In The Stone |
 Ready To Rumble |
 Volcanic Destruction Blast |
 Jack O Lantern |
 Leap Of Faith |
 Penguin Walk |
 Vortiger's Ascent |
 Shadows of the Hitokiri |
 Zhanhu's Fire |
 Dubious Assessment |
 One Of Your Shrugs |
 Howl At The Moon |
 Confused Warrior |
 Skeptically Swaying |
 Horkos Grimoire |
 Sylvan Book |
 Sylvan Meditation |
 In ChaRAHcter |
 Muscular Archer |
 Muscular Biceps |
 Message Board |
 Sylvan Panacea |
 Selfish Drinker |
 Chimera Bagpipe |
 Chimera Music Box |
 Chimera Violin |
 Chimera Zither |
 Horkos Bagpipe |
 Horkos Music Box |
 Horkos Violin |
 Horkos Zither |
 Odaiko |
 Raising Glasses |
 Suspended Gong |
 The Bodhran |
 The Field Drum |
 Suspicious Tumbleweed |
 Elegant Dance |
Fighting Stance
 Snowball Fight! |
Executions
 Futsunomitama |
 Ware Shinaba |
 Death By Arrows |
Emotes
Passive Stance
 Down The Hatch! (Samurai) |
 Rub Salt In The Wound (Samurai) |
 Banner Of Arms (Samurai) |
.jpg "Shugoki (In-game).jpg (125 KB)")
| Heroes | |
|---|---|
| Knights | Warden - Conqueror - Peacekeeper - Lawbringer -Centurion
Gladiator - Black Prior - Warmonger - Gryphon |
| Samurai | Kensei - Shugoki - Orochi - Nobushi |
| Vikings | Raider - Warlord - Berserker - Valkyrie |
| Wu Lin | Tiandi - Jiang Jun - Nuxia - Shaolin - Zhanhu |
