Is Headless Ape Optional? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: No, the Headless Ape fight is not optional in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Progressing through the game and unlocking crucial areas and subsequent boss fights requires you to defeat the Headless Ape.
Understanding Headless Ape: A Mandatory Obstacle
The Headless Ape, encountered in the Sunken Valley Passage, is a formidable foe that stands between you and further progression in Sekiro. Unlike some mini-bosses or optional side areas, the Headless Ape acts as a gatekeeper, preventing you from accessing key locations and story elements. Defeating it is crucial for obtaining essential items needed to advance the narrative.
Why Headless Ape is Essential
The Headless Ape serves not only as a test of your combat skills but also as a critical milestone in your Sekiro journey. Overcoming this boss allows you to:
- Progress to the Ashina Depths: The Headless Ape fight is a prerequisite for accessing the Ashina Depths, a crucial area containing new challenges, items, and story revelations.
- Obtain the Mortal Blade: This legendary weapon is vital for progressing through the latter stages of the game and is a core requirement for achieving specific endings. Defeating the Headless Ape is a key step in ultimately obtaining the Mortal Blade.
- Unlock New Combat Arts and Skills: Defeating the Headless Ape will give you memories and unlocks new combat arts to make Sekiro more powerful.
- Advance the Story: The Headless Ape’s defeat is woven into the main storyline, and bypassing it would disrupt the narrative flow and prevent you from experiencing the complete Sekiro experience.
Preparing for the Headless Ape Encounter
The Headless Ape is a challenging boss that requires careful preparation and strategic execution. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Gather Resources: Stock up on vital items like Divine Confetti (for increased damage against apparitions), Pacifying Agent (to reduce terror buildup), and healing gourds.
- Upgrade Your Prosthetics: Upgrade your prosthetic tools, particularly the Firecrackers and Spear. Firecrackers can stagger the Ape, creating openings for attack, while the Spear is essential for the second phase of the fight.
- Master Deflection: Deflecting the Ape’s attacks is crucial for building up its posture and ultimately breaking its guard. Practice your timing and learn the attack patterns.
- Learn the Fight Mechanics: Understanding the Headless Ape’s moveset is critical for survival. Observe its attacks, identify safe openings, and learn how to effectively counter each move.
Headless Ape: Fight Breakdown
First Phase: The Beast’s Fury
In the first phase, the Headless Ape relies on brute strength and erratic attacks. Focus on deflecting its swings, using Firecrackers to create openings, and delivering calculated strikes. Be mindful of its perilous attacks and avoid getting caught in its grapples.
Second Phase: The Bride Arrives
After depleting the Ape’s health bar, a second Ape appears – the Guardian Ape’s Bride. This phase is arguably more challenging, requiring you to manage both enemies simultaneously.
- Prioritize the Headless Ape: Focus your attacks on the Headless Ape, as defeating it will end the fight.
- Use the Spear: After the Headless Ape collapses, use the Loaded Spear’s “Pull” upgrade on its neck to inflict significant posture damage. Repeat this process several times to break its posture and deliver the final blow.
- Manage the Bride: The Guardian Ape’s Bride will throw perilous attacks and attempt to inflict terror. Use Pacifying Agent to mitigate terror buildup and prioritize dodging her attacks while focusing on the Headless Ape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I try to skip the Headless Ape?
If you attempt to bypass the Headless Ape, you will be unable to access the Ashina Depths and obtain the Mortal Blade. This will significantly hinder your progress and prevent you from achieving certain endings.
2. Can I summon help for the Headless Ape fight?
No, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice does not feature multiplayer or summoning mechanics. You must defeat the Headless Ape solo.
3. What is the best prosthetic tool for the Headless Ape?
The Firecrackers and Loaded Spear are the most effective prosthetic tools for this fight. Firecrackers can stagger the Ape, while the Spear is crucial for inflicting posture damage in the second phase.
4. What is Divine Confetti and why do I need it?
Divine Confetti is a consumable item that increases your damage output against apparitions, including the Headless Ape. It is highly recommended to use Divine Confetti during this fight, especially in the second phase.
5. How do I counter the Headless Ape’s terror attacks?
Use Pacifying Agent to reduce terror buildup. Dodging attacks is also a critical strategy to avoid the terror status effect.
6. What is the Guardian Ape’s Bride and how does it affect the fight?
The Guardian Ape’s Bride is a second ape that appears in the second phase of the fight. It throws perilous attacks and attempts to inflict terror. Managing the Bride while focusing on the Headless Ape is crucial for victory.
7. Is the Headless Ape fight harder on New Game Plus?
Yes, the Headless Ape’s health and damage output will increase on New Game Plus, making the fight more challenging.
8. Can I use stealth to gain an advantage against the Headless Ape?
No, the Headless Ape fight is a direct confrontation, and stealth is not an option.
9. What stats should I prioritize before fighting the Headless Ape?
Prioritize upgrading your Vitality and Attack Power. Increasing your health will allow you to withstand more damage, while increasing your attack power will make the fight shorter.
10. Are there any specific skills I should unlock before fighting the Headless Ape?
The Mikiri Counter and Deflect skills are essential for this fight. Mikiri Counter allows you to effectively counter perilous thrust attacks, while Deflect is crucial for building up the Ape’s posture.
11. What’s the deal with the scream attack that builds up terror?
The Headless Ape will scream to inflict terror damage. To avoid this, immediately move away from the ape or use the loaded umbrella prosthetic tool.
12. How do I get Divine Confetti?
Divine Confetti can be found in various locations throughout the game, including Ashina Castle and Mibu Village. You can also purchase it from merchants, but the supply is limited.
13. What happens if I die during the Headless Ape fight?
If you die during the Headless Ape fight, you will be transported back to the last Sculptor’s Idol you rested at, and you will have to fight the Ape again from the beginning.
14. Is there a way to cheese the Headless Ape fight?
While there might be minor exploits, relying on cheese strategies often diminishes the intended challenge and satisfaction of overcoming the boss legitimately.
15. Is there a “right” way to play the Headless Ape encounter?
No, there’s no single “right” way. Experiment with different strategies, prosthetic tools, and combat arts to find what works best for your playstyle. Mastering the fundamentals of deflection, observation, and patience is key to success.