Deepwoken Vow of Iron Guide (March 2026) How to Beat Shogun Boss

Updated by Sunny Kaushik
December 19, 2025
RobloxGaming

Vow of Iron stands as one of the most challenging game modes ever introduced to Deepwoken, completely transforming how you approach progression, survival, and boss encounters. Many players find themselves stuck early on because they mistakenly treat it like a standard Pathfinder run. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about Vow of Iron, from understanding its core mechanics to mastering the Shogun boss fight without wasting countless runs.

Quick Reference: Vow of Iron Essentials

Aspect	Key Information
Game Mode Type	Hardcore difficulty with permadeath mechanics
Starting Location	Cerebral Spire
Key Progression	Boss fights at Power 5, 10, and 15
First Major Boss	Shogun Captain (Power 5 uncapping)
Best Starter Memento	Berserker (highest damage/survivability)
Healing System	Edicts Flask with limited charges
Death Consequence	Sent directly to The Depths

What Is Vow of Iron in Deepwoken?

Vow of Iron is essentially Deepwoken’s hard mode, designed to punish mistakes relentlessly and reward strategic planning. This exclusive gamemode takes you back 38 years before the Pathfinder timeline, letting you relive the events of Zi’eer’s rise to power through Mementos—the memories of fallen warriors that you, as The Inheritor, wield to understand what became of the world during these tumultuous times.

Core Differences from Pathfinder

The Vow of Iron experience differs dramatically from the standard Pathfinder mode:

Mementos and Progression System

Instead of building your own character, you choose from preset Mementos that embody fallen warriors’ memories
Each Memento comes with unique restrictions, stat distributions, and potential flaws
Progression requires purchasing Power Ups from the Reclaimer of the Recollection in The Cerebral Spire
Talents must be purchased directly and depend on your current Power level and chosen Memento
Boss fights at Power 5, 10, and 15 are mandatory to unlock further progression

Combat and Survival Changes

Zero health regeneration outside of specific healing sources
Edicts Flask provides limited healing (30% HP per charge) with only one use at character creation
Campfires remain available for health restoration
Death sends you directly to The Depths with a unique trial system
Auto Parry has been completely removed, requiring manual parry timing for continuous attacks

Loot and Economy Overhaul

Enemies drop only one item when defeated
ALL chests must be carried to specific NPCs to be opened, yielding loot and large amounts of notes
Getting hitstunned or ragdolled causes you to drop carried chests
Some locations offer ground loot, including specific weapons found in predetermined areas

World and Map Changes

The Etrean and Eastern Luminant are combined into a single map
Ziplines are heavily distributed for quick traversal
Gliders have unlimited uses
World Events feature unique bosses like The Doom of Caeranthil and Interluminary Parasol

Best Mementos for Vow of Iron Success

Choosing the right Memento is crucial for your Vow of Iron journey. Based on current game balance and community feedback, here are the top options:

Starter Mementos (Free Unlock)

Berserker Memento – Currently Meta

Why it’s best: Highest damage output and survivability combination
Stats: Heavy focus on Strength and Fortitude
Playstyle: Aggressive melee combat with high health pools
Pros: Excels in both PvE and PvP situations, forgiving for newer players
Cons: Limited ranged options, requires good positioning

Flame Worshipper Memento

Stats: High Flamecharm and Charisma
Playstyle: Magic-focused with fire-based abilities
Pros: Strong area damage, good for crowd control
Cons: Squishier than Berserker, requires mana management

Rogue Assassin Memento

Stats: High Agility and Intelligence
Playstyle: Stealth-based with critical hit focus
Pros: High burst damage, good for hit-and-run tactics
Cons: Low health pool, unforgiving mistakes

Saint Jay Memento

Stats: High Frostdraw and Willpower
Playstyle: Ice magic with defensive capabilities
Pros: Good control and survivability
Cons: Lower damage output, requires precise timing

Sightless Memento

Stats: High Intelligence and Willpower
Playstyle: Blind-fighting specialist with unique perception abilities
Pros: Unique mechanics, strong in specific situations
Cons: High skill ceiling, challenging for beginners

Unlockable Mementos

Additional Mementos can be unlocked through various challenges within Vow of Iron, each offering unique playstyles and stat combinations. These typically require completing specific memory missions or defeating certain bosses under particular conditions.

Fastest Path to Power 5

Reaching Power 5 quickly is essential for accessing the Shogun boss fight and unlocking further progression. Here’s the most efficient method:

Trial of One Farming Strategy

The Trial of One memory represents the fastest way to accumulate notes and reach Power 5:

Step-by-Step Process:

Teleport to Merit Peak Boundary – Use the boundary system to quickly access this location
Return to Cerebral Spire – This resets the available memories
Check Available Memories – Talk to the power-up NPC to see current options
Reset if Necessary – If Trial of One isn’t available, wipe and retry the process
Enter and Complete – Trial of One rewards approximately 8,000 notes per completion

Why Trial of One is Best:

Consistent 8,000 note reward (enough for Power 5 + essential talents)
Relatively quick completion time compared to other memories
Teaches essential combat mechanics useful for the Shogun fight
Can be repeated until desired Power level is reached

Alternative Progression Methods

If Trial of One isn’t available or you prefer variety:

Memory Completion

Complete available memories for note rewards
Each memory offers different challenges and rewards
Some memories may provide unique items or bonuses

Chest Collection and Trading

Collect chests throughout the world
Carry them to appropriate NPCs for opening
Higher-risk, higher-reward alternative to memory farming

Enemy Elimination

Defeat enemies for single item drops
Sell or use acquired items for progression
Slower but more varied gameplay experience

Maximizing Your Edicts Flask Charges

While optional, upgrading your Edits Flask to maximum charges (5) significantly increases your chances of surviving the Shogun boss fight. Here are all the locations:

Flask Upgrade Locations

Location	Difficulty	Notes
Songseeker	High	Inside buildings guarded by strong NPCs. Avoid fighting, grab quickly and leave.
Mini Tiera	Medium	Similar structure to Songseeker. Quick grab-and-run strategy recommended.
Mount’s Landing (Right Side)	Low	Easy to access with minimal enemy presence.
Star Swype	Medium	Closest to Shogun boss area. Best done last when preparing for the fight.

Strategic Flask Management

When to Use Charges:

During intense boss fights (especially Shogun)
When caught in overwhelming enemy situations
Before attempting risky maneuvers or exploration

When to Save Charges:

Regular enemy encounters (learn to dodge instead)
Minor environmental damage
Situations where campfires are nearby

Pro Tips:

Flask charges restore when returning to Cerebral Spire
Plan your route to collect all upgrades before attempting Shogun
Consider the risk/reward of each flask location based on your current Power level

Complete Shogun Boss Fight Guide

The Shogun of the Prophet’s Guard (formerly known as Shogun Captain) serves as the first major progression gate in Vow of Iron. Defeating this boss is mandatory to uncap Power 5 and continue your journey.

Preparation Phase

Before Entering the Boss Arena:

Set your spawn point near the dungeon entrance for quick recovery
Ensure you have maximum Edicts Flask charges (recommended 4-5)
Choose appropriate talents and mantras for your Memento
Consider bringing items that boost defense or provide temporary invincibility

Recommended Power Level:

Minimum: Power 5 (required to attempt)
Optimal: Power 8-10 (for easier fight)
Note: Higher Power doesn’t guarantee victory—pattern recognition is key

How to Reach the Shogun:

Make your way to the Deep Thresher Nest area
Navigate below the trenches near the Deep Widow location
Instead of heading toward the Deep Widow, go in the opposite direction
Enter the boundary to load into the instanced boss area
Approach the standing Shogun to initiate the fight

Attack Indicators and Responses

Mastering the color-coded attack system is crucial for survival:

Color	Required Response	Damage Type
Green	Parry only	Parryable, undodgeable
White	Jump over	Unparryable, unblockable
Blue	Block or crouch	Unparryable, blockable
Red	Dodge	Unparryable, unblockable

Complete Shogun Moveset Breakdown

The Shogun has no set attack pattern and chains moves randomly, making adaptability essential. Here’s every attack in his arsenal:

Basic Attacks (★☆☆ Difficulty)

High Cleave

Visual: Simple upward slash to the right with no highlight
Response: Parry
Timing: Standard parry window
Follow-up: Usually chains into other basic attacks

Crush & Rend

Visual: Kick forward with dust cloud effect, then downward slash
Response: Parry both parts
Timing: Slight delay between kick and slash
Follow-up: May transition into combo sequences

Low Cleave

Visual: Simple slash with Blue highlight
Response: Crouch or block
Timing: Moderate speed
Note: Cannot be parried, must be blocked or dodged

Intermediate Attacks (★★☆ Difficulty)

Graceful Slicer

Visual: Green highlight, leaps backward then slashes twice in opposing directions
Response: Parry both slashes
Timing: First slash after leap, second immediately after
Warning: Undodgeable—must be parried

Severing Flourish

Visual: Red highlight, spinning into two devastating slashes
Response: Dodge both slashes
Timing: First slash heavily delayed, requires roll cancel
Warning: Unparryable and unblockable

Shogun’s Brutality

Visual: White highlight, brisk stomp followed by fast slashes
Response: Jump over stomp, parry slashes, jump over final leg slash
Sequence: Stomp → Slash → Slash → Leg slash
Complexity: Multi-stage attack requiring precise timing

Advanced Attacks (★★★ Difficulty)

Serpent-Slaying Sweep

Visual: Crouching motion, left slash, Red highlight, then two spinning slashes
Response: Parry first slash, dodge Red attack, parry final two slashes
Timing: Small delay between third and fourth slashes
Identification: Distinguish from High Cleave by crouching start

Mortal Draw: Sakura Dance (Ultimate Attack)

Visual: Distinct roar, then combo sequence
Trigger: Only at 50% HP or lower
Sequence: Two rapid slashes (no highlight) → Two Red slashes → Four Green slashes
Response: Parry first two → Dodge next two → Parry final four
Warning: This attack can only be used once per fight

Battle Strategy and Phase Management

Phase 1 (100% – 50% HP)

Focus on learning basic attack patterns
Prioritize survival over damage output
Use Edicts Flask charges sparingly
Practice parry timing on basic attacks
Look for openings after complete attack sequences

Phase 2 (50% – 0% HP)

Ultimate attack (Sakura Dance) becomes available
Attack frequency increases
Chains become longer and more complex
Save at least one flask charge for emergency healing
Focus on perfect parries for maximum damage windows

General Combat Principles:

Patience Over Aggression: Never rush attacks—wait for complete sequences to end
Positioning Matters: Stay at medium range to avoid immediate attacks but close enough to react
Learn Visual Cues: Each attack has distinct animations—learn to recognize them instantly
Resource Management: Conserve flask charges for critical moments
Adaptability: No fixed patterns mean you must react dynamically

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Deadly Errors:

Greedy Attacking: Attacking during attack sequences instead of waiting for openings
Wrong Responses: Using dodge on parry-only attacks or vice versa
Panic Healing: Using flask charges unnecessarily during minor damage
Poor Positioning: Getting cornered or stuck against walls
Ignoring Tells: Not watching for the distinct visual cues of each attack

Recovery Strategies:

If you make a mistake, immediately create distance
Use the arena space to your advantage—kite when needed
Don’t be afraid to take a few hits to reposition safely
Remember that one perfect parry can turn the tide of battle

Post-Shogun Progression

Defeating the Shogun removes your Power 5 cap and opens up new progression opportunities:

Immediate Benefits:

Access to Power 6-10 levels
New talent and mantra options
Ability to attempt higher-level memories
Preparation for the next boss gate at Power 10

Long-term Goals:

Continue collecting flask upgrades for future challenges
Experiment with different Memento builds
Prepare for the Power 10 boss encounter
Explore more challenging areas of the map

Recommended Next Steps:

Power up to at least Power 8 before attempting new content
Complete remaining memories for additional resources
Consider unlocking additional Mementos for variety
Join the community for updated strategies and patch information

Advanced Tips and Pro Strategies

Movement and Positioning

Arena Control:

The Shogun fight arena offers limited space—use it wisely
Keep the boss centered when possible to avoid corner traps
Use diagonal movement to create angles for safer attacks
Practice slide-jumping for quick repositioning during combos

Advanced Dodging Techniques:

Learn to “dodge cancel” for extended evasion windows
Use jump-dodge combinations for complex attack sequences
Master the timing for iframe (invincibility frame) usage
Practice directional dodging to create counter-attack opportunities

Memento-Specific Strategies

Berserker Optimization:

Leverage high health pool for aggressive playstyle
Use heavy attacks during safe windows for maximum damage
Consider talents that boost critical hit chance
Balance offense with defensive cooldowns

Flame Worshipper Tactics:

Maintain distance for spell casting
Use area denial spells to control boss movement
Prioritize mana management talents
Combine fire spells with physical attacks for burst damage

Rogue Assassin Approach:

Focus on stealth and surprise attacks
Use critical hit talents for maximum burst potential
Maintain mobility to avoid prolonged engagements
Time attacks with boss recovery periods

Community Resources and Updates

Official Sources:

Deepwoken Discord server for real-time discussions
Official Twitter account for patch notes and announcements
Wiki pages for updated mechanics and boss information
Developer streams and Q&A sessions

Community Guides:

Video tutorials for visual learners
Speedrun strategies for optimized progression
Community-discovered cheese methods (use at your own risk)
Patch-specific adjustments and meta changes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Memento for beating Shogun in Vow of Iron?

The Berserker Memento is currently considered the best choice for defeating the Shogun due to its high damage output and survivability. Its balanced stat distribution allows for both aggressive offense and defensive play, making it more forgiving for players learning the boss patterns. However, skilled players can succeed with any Memento by mastering their specific mechanics and playstyle.

How many Edits Flask charges do I need for the Shogun fight?

While technically possible with the default single charge, having 4-5 Edits Flask charges significantly increases your chances of success. Each charge restores 30% HP, providing crucial healing during the intense second phase when the Shogun uses his ultimate attack. Collect all flask upgrades before attempting the fight for the best odds.

Can I beat Shogun at exactly Power 5?

Yes, it’s possible to defeat the Shogun at Power 5, but it’s significantly more challenging. Most players find it easier to reach Power 8-10 before attempting the fight, as the additional stats and talents provide more margin for error. However, if you’ve mastered the attack patterns and have perfect timing, Power 5 is achievable.

What happens if I die to the Shogun?

Death to the Shogun sends you to The Depths, where you’ll face a unique trial featuring Bone Keeper, Parliament, Prime Megalodaunt, and Nautilodaunt Officiate. You’ll need to escape The Depths and make your way back to the Shogun arena to attempt the fight again. All your progress and items are retained, but you may need to recollect some resources.

Are there any cheese methods for beating Shogun?

While some players have discovered cheese methods using specific Mementos or environmental exploits, these are often patched quickly in updates. The most reliable approach is learning the legitimate attack patterns and responses, as this knowledge remains valuable regardless of patches. Check community resources for the most current information on potential cheese strategies.

How long does it typically take to learn the Shogun fight?

Most players require 5-10 attempts to learn the Shogun’s attack patterns sufficiently for a consistent victory. The learning curve varies based on your experience with similar games and ability to recognize visual cues. Focus on mastering one or two attacks at a time rather than trying to learn everything at once.

What should I do after beating the Shogun?

After defeating the Shogun, focus on powering up to at least Power 8, complete any remaining memories for additional resources, and begin preparing for the Power 10 boss encounter. This is also a good time to experiment with different Mementos and explore more challenging areas of the Vow of Iron map.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Mastering Deepwoken’s Vow of Iron mode and defeating the Shogun boss represents a significant achievement that requires patience, practice, and strategic thinking. This guide has provided you with the knowledge needed to succeed, but victory ultimately comes down to your ability to execute the strategies and adapt to the boss’s unpredictable attack patterns.

Remember that Vow of Iron is designed to be challenging—each death is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to mastery. The satisfaction of finally defeating the Shogun and unlocking Power 5 progression is well worth the effort, opening up new content and challenges in this hardcore game mode.

Key Takeaways:

Choose the Berserker Memento for the best balance of offense and defense
Master the color-coded attack response system (Green=Parry, White=Jump, Blue=Block/Crouch, Red=Dodge)
Collect all 5 Edits Flask charges before attempting the Shogun fight
Practice patience and pattern recognition over aggressive playstyle
Learn from each attempt and focus on gradual improvement

Stay Updated: The Deepwoken meta evolves with regular updates, so be sure to check official sources and community discussions for the latest strategies and changes. Join the Discord server, follow developer announcements, and participate in community discussions to stay ahead of the curve.

Your journey through Vow of Iron has just begun—defeating the Shogun is the first major milestone in a much larger adventure. With the knowledge from this guide and dedication to mastering the mechanics, you’re well-equipped to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead in Deepwoken’s most demanding game mode.

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