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How to Beat Zuo Shang - Phantom Blade Zero

DeanLast Updated: November 4, 2026 at 6:29 AM
Table of Contents

Zuo Shang Summary

Zuo Shang is a tutorial boss encountered during Diverging Paths, the game's prologue. Also a master of the blade, he used to be one of Soul's allies before becoming of his most formidable foes.

QuestDiverging Paths
LocationN/A
Recommended WeaponN/A

Zuo Shang Attack Patterns

The following table lists each attack Zuo Shang uses.

AttackDescription
Leap Slamleap slam
A forward leap attack with a slam of his sword.
Lunge Combocombo1
A flurry of strikes that ends with a wide blue-flash attack.
Ranged Comboranged combo1
Consecutive ranged attacks.
Blade Barrageblade barrage
A barrage of conjured flying blades.
Sword Spinsword spin
A sword throw with a powerful spin.
Push Combothrust combo
A short combo that ends with a strong palm strike.
Rifle Barragerifle barrage
A barrage of shots from conjured rifles.
Thrust Combocombo2
A flurry of strikes that ends with a thrust blue-flash attack.
Vortex Slashwind smash
A powerful charged red-flash attack.

How to Beat Zuo Shang

[1] Be ready for his powerful attacks.

thrust dodge

Take advantage of his powerful attacks with Ghoststep. Counter the blue-flash attacks with a perfect parry and the red-flash attacks with a perfect dodge.

[2] Parry his projectiles.

parry projectiles

A lot of his ranged attacks are fast projectiles that he would mix into his combos, so be ready to block.

[3] Use Power Surge when available.

ability

Every weapon has a Power Surge, use it when available for flashy combos and massive damage.

[4] Unleash flurries after breaking his guard.

parry break

After parrying enough of his attacks, his guard will eventually break. Take advantage and unleash Soul's powerful combos during that window.

[5] Be aware of his combos' variations.

double slam

Zuo Shang likes to combine his moves into different combos. Learn each move and their tells to lessen the surprises.

If the combat is giving you trouble, check our guides on the Combat System and the Difficulty Settings.

Related Guides

Phantom Blade Zero Wiki