How to Get to Ashina Castle in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
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Ashina Castle is a central location in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, serving as a hub for much of the game’s story and gameplay. Getting there involves navigating through earlier areas and overcoming certain challenges. Simply put, to reach Ashina Castle, you must defeat Gyoubu Oniwa at the Ashina Outskirts and then proceed through the castle gate.
Reaching Ashina Castle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to get to Ashina Castle from the game’s starting area:
- Start at the Dilapidated Temple: This is where the game begins after Sekiro receives his prosthetic arm.
- Travel through the Ashina Outskirts: Proceed through the early areas of the Ashina Outskirts, defeating enemies and collecting items. This area is relatively linear, so follow the path forward.
- Defeat General Naomori Kawarada: He serves as a mini-boss encountered before reaching the Ashina Outskirts Stairway.
- Continue to the Ashina Outskirts Stairway: This area features more enemies and requires some platforming.
- Reach the Ashina Outskirts Gate Path: You’ll encounter more enemies and begin to see signs pointing towards Ashina Castle.
- Face Gyoubu Oniwa: This is the key boss you must defeat to enter Ashina Castle. He’s a powerful mounted general. Use your grappling hook to close the distance and exploit openings after his attacks.
- Proceed Through the Castle Gate: After defeating Gyoubu Oniwa, the gate to Ashina Castle will open. You can now enter the castle grounds.
Navigating Ashina Castle
Once inside the castle, you’ll find yourself in a complex environment with multiple levels, enemies, and secrets. Explore carefully, collect items, and be prepared for challenging encounters.
Initial Exploration
Upon entering Ashina Castle, you’ll immediately be greeted by new enemy types and a grand, imposing structure. Take your time to explore the initial courtyard and surrounding areas. Look for Sculptor’s Idols to unlock fast travel points.
Key Areas Within the Castle
Ashina Castle is divided into several distinct areas, including:
- Ashina Reservoir: Accessible through a hidden passage and crucial for understanding Sekiro’s past.
- Upper Tower – Antechamber: A challenging area filled with powerful enemies.
- Ashina Dojo: A training ground with formidable opponents.
- Upper Tower – Ashina Elite – Jinsuke Saze: A difficult mini-boss that guards the path further into the castle.
- Great Serpent Shrine: Accessible later in the game and relevant to certain storylines.
Overcoming Challenges in Ashina Castle
Ashina Castle is filled with formidable enemies and challenging boss fights. Be prepared to use all of Sekiro’s abilities, including:
- Deflection: Mastering deflection is crucial for survival against Ashina Castle’s enemies.
- Stealth: Utilize stealth to eliminate enemies silently and avoid overwhelming encounters.
- Prosthetic Tools: Experiment with different prosthetic tools to find effective strategies against different enemy types.
- Combat Arts: Unlock and master combat arts to deal significant damage and break enemy posture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ashina Castle
Q1: Is Ashina Castle the first major area in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
Yes, after completing the tutorial section at the Dilapidated Temple and progressing through the Ashina Outskirts, Ashina Castle is the first major, explorable area in the game.
Q2: Can I return to the Ashina Outskirts after reaching Ashina Castle?
Yes, you can freely travel between the Ashina Outskirts and Ashina Castle using the Sculptor’s Idols for fast travel.
Q3: What level should I be before attempting to enter Ashina Castle?
There isn’t a traditional leveling system in Sekiro. Focus on improving your skills and understanding the combat mechanics. Defeating Gyoubu Oniwa is a good indication that you’re ready to enter Ashina Castle. Collect prayer beads to improve your vitality and posture.
Q4: What are the most important items to find early in Ashina Castle?
Prioritize finding Sculptor’s Idols to unlock fast travel points. Also, look for new prosthetic tools or upgrades.
Q5: Are there any missable items in Ashina Castle?
Yes, like other areas in Sekiro, Ashina Castle contains items that can become inaccessible depending on your progress in the main story. Pay close attention to dialogues.
Q6: How do I deal with the gun-wielding enemies in Ashina Castle?
Use cover, deflection, and the Loaded Umbrella prosthetic tool to effectively counter gun-wielding enemies. Closing the distance quickly is also crucial.
Q7: What is the significance of the Ashina Reservoir?
The Ashina Reservoir is important for uncovering Sekiro’s past and provides crucial story context. It’s also connected to several important events and characters.
Q8: Can I access all areas of Ashina Castle immediately after entering?
No, some areas of Ashina Castle are initially inaccessible and require specific key items or story progression to unlock.
Q9: What happens to Ashina Castle later in the game?
Without spoiling too much, Ashina Castle undergoes significant changes as the story progresses. It’s important to revisit the area at different points in the game.
Q10: Who are some of the major bosses I’ll encounter in Ashina Castle?
Besides Gyoubu Oniwa (who is required to enter), you’ll face other significant bosses and mini-bosses within Ashina Castle, such as Genichiro Ashina and Ashina Elite – Jinsuke Saze.
Q11: Are there any hidden paths or secrets in Ashina Castle?
Yes, Ashina Castle is full of secrets and hidden paths. Explore thoroughly and look for clues in the environment. Pay attention to ledges, rooftops, and suspicious-looking walls.
Q12: What are some good strategies for dealing with the Ashina Elite enemies?
The Ashina Elite are fast and deadly. Focus on perfect deflections and exploiting their openings. Use the Mikiri Counter when they use perilous thrust attacks.
Q13: How do I use the grappling hook effectively in Ashina Castle?
The grappling hook is essential for navigating Ashina Castle. Use it to reach high areas, close the distance to enemies, and escape dangerous situations.
Q14: Does my playstyle affect the events that occur in Ashina Castle?
Yes, certain choices and actions you take throughout the game can influence the events that unfold in Ashina Castle, as well as the availability of certain endings.
Q15: What is the best way to prepare for the final boss fights in Ashina Castle?
Practice your deflection skills, upgrade your prosthetic tools, and collect all available healing items and combat arts. Understanding enemy attack patterns is also crucial for success. Make sure you are comfortable with the game’s combat system and have a solid grasp of the enemy behaviors.