Shenmue - Learning Swallow Flip and how to beat Chai in the final battle

This is it - learning Swallow Flip and beating Chai in battle are the last few things you need to do in Shenmue. And you thought the motorcycle rescue and beating the 70 Man Battle were tricky!

If you're looking for help with other parts of the game, our Shenmue guide and walkthrough and list of Shenmue tips can help.

Learning Swallow Flip and beating Chai

The final day sees you say goodbye to your home and town of Yokosuka. Then, at the harbour, you'll be taught one final move - Swallow Flip, which is pulled off by pressing:

Xbox / Dreamcast: Right + X, A
PlayStation: Right + Square, X

You'll then have to perform it against Gui Zhang to progress. Time the move just as you see his moving. It's surprisingly difficult, but there's no failure state - keep going until you get it right.

After some more Shenmue tips? Our full Shenmue walkthrough will guide you through ever step of the main story, from the Three Blades, to where to find Charlie, Warehouse No 8 and where to use the Mysterious Key. And, of course, exactly where to find sailors. We also have pages on Shemue's various extracurricular activities, like feeding the kitten, winning forklift races, Shenmue flashback locations, a full Shenmue Trophy and Achievements and Capsule Toys lists, too.

How to beat Chai in the final battle

After that, Chai appears one last time for a Free Battle, and arguably the toughest battle in the game (except, perhaps, your first run him with him at Yu Arcade).

Evasion is the name of the game here. Attack when there's an opening, but dodge as much as you can. If you get it right, there is safe distance you can be where he won't attack you (he'll simply advance, so just back away) allowing you to recover your health between bouts.

Once he's defeated, there is one final QTE:

Xbox / Dreamcast: Down, A, A, B
PlayStation: Down, X, X, Circle

With that done, the game is over. Enjoy the ending, and remember to keep hold of your save file - it can be imported into Shenmue 2, keeping hold of your move progress, collected items, and most importantly, your Capsule Toy collection. Best of luck in Hong Kong!