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Where is the AXE in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? A Comprehensive Guide

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The Axe, officially the Loaded Axe, is one of the early and most useful Prosthetic Tools in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Acquiring it significantly enhances your combat options, allowing you to break enemy shields, stagger heavily armored foes, and generally deal substantial posture damage. So, where do you find it?

The Loaded Axe is located in the Outskirts Wall – Stairway idol area of the Ashina Outskirts. You will find a dilapidated building. Inside this building, you will find the Hirata Axe. This is the base version of the Axe Prosthetic.

Obtaining the Loaded Axe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the Loaded Axe isn’t difficult, but it requires a bit of exploration in the early game. Follow these steps to acquire this valuable tool:

Progress through the Ashina Outskirts: Begin your journey by progressing through the Ashina Outskirts region, following the main path. You’ll eventually reach the Outskirts Wall – Stairway Idol.
Locate the Dilapidated Building: From the Outskirts Wall – Stairway Idol, proceed forward towards the staircase guarded by a few soldiers. Instead of going up the stairs, look to your left. You should see a dilapidated building.
Enter the Building and Defeat Enemies: Carefully approach the building, as there are several enemies inside, including a larger, armored foe. Engage them cautiously. Using stealth can be incredibly helpful here to thin their numbers before a direct confrontation.
Find the Treasure Chest: After clearing the enemies, search the building for a treasure chest. The Hirata Axe is inside the chest.
Equip the Prosthetic Tool: Once you have the Hirata Axe, return to the Dilapidated Temple and speak to the Sculptor. He will install the Hirata Axe as a Prosthetic Tool.

Upgrading the Loaded Axe

The Loaded Axe has several upgrades that make it even more powerful. These upgrades are obtained by giving certain Prosthetic Tool Materials to the Sculptor. Here are the upgrade paths:

Loaded Axe -> Loaded Axe – Spring Load: This early upgrade increases the speed of the Axe’s swing.
Loaded Axe – Spring Load -> Loaded Axe – Flame Vent: This upgrade adds a fire effect to the Axe, dealing extra damage and potentially burning enemies.
Loaded Axe – Spring Load -> Spark Axe: This upgrade further increases damage and posture damage.
Spark Axe -> Flame Axe: Combines the benefits of the Flame Vent with the power of the Spark Axe. This is the ultimate Axe upgrade.

Combat Applications of the Loaded Axe

The Loaded Axe is effective against several enemy types and situations:

Breaking Shields: The most obvious use is breaking enemy shields. A single swing of the Loaded Axe will shatter most shields, leaving the enemy vulnerable.
Staggering Armored Enemies: Heavily armored enemies are often resistant to standard sword attacks. The Loaded Axe deals significant posture damage, allowing you to break their guard and create openings.
Dealing High Posture Damage: Even without shields, the Loaded Axe is a reliable way to build up an enemy’s posture, leading to a Deathblow.
Interrupting Enemy Attacks: The slow but powerful swing can interrupt certain enemy attacks, giving you an advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I miss the Loaded Axe early in the game?

You can still obtain the Loaded Axe later in the game, but it’s highly recommended to get it as soon as possible in the Ashina Outskirts. Missing it early won’t prevent progression, but you’ll miss out on a valuable tool for certain encounters. The chest containing the Hirata Axe will remain in the dilapidated building until you open it.

2. Do I need to beat a boss to get the Loaded Axe?

No, you do not need to defeat any bosses to obtain the Loaded Axe. It is located in a relatively early area and is accessible after progressing through the Ashina Outskirts to the Outskirts Wall – Stairway Idol.

3. Is the Loaded Axe upgrade path worth it?

Yes, absolutely. The Loaded Axe upgrade path is highly worthwhile. Each upgrade enhances the Axe’s damage, speed, or adds new effects like fire, making it an increasingly powerful tool throughout the game. The Flame Axe especially, is incredibly useful.

4. What are the best Prosthetic Tool Materials for upgrading the Loaded Axe?

Key Prosthetic Tool Materials for upgrading the Loaded Axe include Scrap Iron, Gunpowder, and Adamantite Scrap. Farming these materials can be done in various locations.

5. How do I equip the Loaded Axe?

After giving the Hirata Axe to the Sculptor and having him install it as a Prosthetic Tool, you can equip it by pressing the Prosthetic Tool button (usually L2/LT) after selecting it in the menu.

6. Can I use the Loaded Axe against all enemies?

While the Loaded Axe is effective against many enemies, it’s not a universal solution. Faster enemies might be able to evade its slow swing. Experiment with different tools and combat strategies to find what works best.

7. Does the Loaded Axe consume Spirit Emblems?

Yes, each swing of the Loaded Axe consumes Spirit Emblems. Manage your emblems wisely, especially during boss fights.

8. What is the best way to farm Spirit Emblems?

Spirit Emblems can be farmed by defeating enemies, particularly those with high health and posture. Areas with easily repeatable encounters are ideal for farming. Certain enemies, when defeated, guarantee a Spirit Emblem drop.

9. Is the Loaded Axe better than other Prosthetic Tools?

The usefulness of the Loaded Axe depends on your play style and the specific encounter. It excels in breaking shields and staggering armored enemies, but other tools like the Shuriken or Firecrackers might be more effective in different situations.

10. Does the Loaded Axe affect my stealth?

Using the Loaded Axe will likely alert nearby enemies due to the noise of the swing. However, equipping it doesn’t affect your base stealth capabilities.

11. Can I upgrade the Loaded Axe more than once?

Yes, the Loaded Axe has multiple upgrade paths. You can upgrade it to Loaded Axe – Spring Load, then choose to upgrade further into either the Spark Axe or Loaded Axe – Flame Vent, eventually leading to the Flame Axe.

12. How much posture damage does the Loaded Axe deal?

The Loaded Axe deals a significant amount of posture damage compared to standard sword attacks. The exact amount varies based on the enemy’s posture resistance and your Axe upgrade level.

13. Does the Loaded Axe work on bosses?

Yes, the Loaded Axe can be effective against certain bosses, especially those with shields or heavy armor. It can help break their guard and create openings for attacks.

14. Are there any combat arts that synergize well with the Loaded Axe?

While there aren’t specific Combat Arts designed to directly synergize with the Axe, arts that focus on quick follow-up attacks after a stagger can be effective. Experiment with different combinations.

15. Can I sell the Hirata Axe after obtaining it?

No, the Hirata Axe, once acquired, cannot be sold. It’s a key item required for equipping the Loaded Axe Prosthetic Tool.