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Where is the Corrupted Monk? A Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Defeating This Sekiro Boss

The Corrupted Monk in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice can be found in two distinct locations throughout the game, depending on which version you’re facing:

The first encounter (Phantom Corrupted Monk) takes place at the Mibu Village area, specifically within the large, dilapidated Mibu Manor. This encounter is required to progress the main story.
The second encounter (True Corrupted Monk) occurs in the Ashina Depths, at the Fountainhead Palace entrance. You’ll find her on the bridge leading into the palace area, after progressing through the Hidden Forest. This fight is optional but provides a valuable item needed for unlocking one of the endings.

Mibu Village: The Phantom Corrupted Monk

Reaching Mibu Manor

To find the Phantom Corrupted Monk in Mibu Village, you’ll first need to progress through the Ashina Depths. After defeating the Guardian Ape in the Sunken Valley Passage, you’ll enter the Ashina Depths. From the Hidden Forest, you will need to continue through the Water Mill to the Mibu Village. Progressing past the village will lead you directly to the Mibu Manor.

Finding the Phantom

The Phantom Corrupted Monk awaits you within the main hall of the Mibu Manor. You will immediately recognize her as she is standing near the end of the hall, right after entering the building. This version is a ghostly apparition, adding to the unsettling atmosphere of Mibu Village. Defeating her is a necessary step to advance the main storyline and open up new areas.

Ashina Depths: The True Corrupted Monk

Navigating to Fountainhead Palace Entrance

Finding the True Corrupted Monk requires significantly more exploration. You’ll need to have progressed through the game and reached the point where you can access the Fountainhead Palace. After obtaining the necessary items (the Shelter Stone, the Aromatic Flower, and the Frozen Tears) and speaking to Kuro in the Divine Child’s Realm, you’ll be transported to the Fountainhead Palace.

Locating the True Monk

Upon entering the Fountainhead Palace area, you will find yourself in the Mibu Village again in the Ashina Depths. Head through the Hidden Forest, past the Mist Noble, until you arrive at the area outside the palace entrance. The True Corrupted Monk blocks the bridge leading to the palace. Her imposing presence is hard to miss, and engaging her in combat is necessary to proceed into the palace. Defeating her is essential if you are aiming for any but the “Shura” ending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Corrupted Monk

1. Is the Corrupted Monk a difficult boss?

Yes, the Corrupted Monk can be challenging. Her long-reaching attacks and varied movesets, especially in her True form, can be overwhelming. Learning her patterns and utilizing effective combat strategies are crucial for victory.

2. What are the best combat strategies against the Phantom Corrupted Monk?

The Phantom Corrupted Monk is vulnerable to Firecrackers and Ashina Cross. Using these will allow you to deal vital posture damage. Also, her posture is more easily broken than her Vitality drained.

3. What are the best combat strategies against the True Corrupted Monk?

The True Corrupted Monk has three phases. During the first phase, use firecrackers and Mikiri Counter. For the second phase, she summons shadows. Use the Loaded Umbrella (Suzaku) and jump attacks to avoid and counter the shadows. The third phase is similar to the first, so continue using those tactics. You can also use the Puppeteer Ninjustu on the monkeys in the forest if you have it unlocked.

4. What rewards do I get for defeating the Phantom Corrupted Monk?

Defeating the Phantom Corrupted Monk grants you the Mibu Breathing Technique, which allows you to breathe underwater for extended periods.

5. What rewards do I get for defeating the True Corrupted Monk?

Defeating the True Corrupted Monk rewards you with Dragon’s Tally Board Piece, necessary to unlock the ability to purchase more items from merchants, and Memory: Corrupted Monk, which increases your attack power.

6. Is it possible to skip the Corrupted Monk fights?

You can’t skip the Phantom Corrupted Monk fight, as it’s essential for story progression. The True Corrupted Monk fight, however, is technically optional if you are aiming for the “Shura” ending.

7. What is the best Prosthetic Tool to use against the Corrupted Monk?

For both forms, the Firecrackers are useful. The Loaded Umbrella (Suzaku) is also effective against the True Monk’s second phase, and the Mist Raven Feathers can allow you to avoid hard-hitting attacks.

8. Is the Corrupted Monk the same person as the Folding Screen Monkeys’ caretaker?

No, the Folding Screen Monkeys’ caretaker is a different, unrelated character. The Corrupted Monk is a separate entity with her own backstory and motivations.

9. How do I prepare for the Corrupted Monk fight?

Before the fight, ensure you have upgraded your Prosthetic Tools, increased your attack power through memories, and stocked up on healing items and Spirit Emblems.

10. What is the lore behind the Corrupted Monk?

The Corrupted Monk was originally a pure acolyte who sought immortality by partaking of the Rejuvenating Waters. This act corrupted her, turning her into a grotesque, powerful being tethered to the mortal realm.

11. How do I deal with the Corrupted Monk’s perilous attacks?

The Corrupted Monk has several perilous attacks. Mikiri Counter her thrust attacks. For her sweeping attacks, jump over them.

12. Can I use stealth to gain an advantage against the Corrupted Monk?

No, both Corrupted Monk encounters require a direct confrontation. Stealth is not an option in either fight.

13. What stats should I focus on leveling up before fighting the Corrupted Monk?

Focus on increasing your Vitality and Posture to withstand her attacks. Also, increasing your Attack Power through defeating other bosses will make the fight easier.

14. Is it worth fighting the True Corrupted Monk even if I’m not going for a specific ending?

Yes, defeating the True Corrupted Monk provides valuable rewards. The Dragon’s Tally Board Piece is invaluable, as it unlocks new items from merchants, making your gameplay experience easier.

15. What is the significance of the Fountainhead Palace in relation to the Corrupted Monk?

The Fountainhead Palace is the source of the Rejuvenating Waters that corrupted the Monk. Fighting her at the entrance symbolizes the final obstacle to reaching the source of immortality and confronting the truths behind it. This is a very important area in the overall lore of the game.