Where is the Guardian Ape?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Guardian Ape in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice can be found in the Sunken Valley Passage. More specifically, he initially resides in the Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole, a location deep within the Sunken Valley. After defeating him once, he doesn’t disappear. Instead, he relocates to the Bodhisattva Valley area, specifically to the cave behind the Hidden Forest idol, where he must be fought a second time alongside his mate.
Finding the Guardian Ape: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reaching the Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole requires traversing a significant portion of the Sunken Valley Passage. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Ashina Depths: The journey typically begins from the Ashina Depths.
- Hidden Forest: Navigate through the eerie Hidden Forest, grappling between branches and avoiding the illusions.
- Sunken Valley Passage: Proceed past the Hidden Forest idol, descending further into the Sunken Valley Passage. This area is characterized by its narrow paths, gun-wielding enemies, and perilous drops. Be prepared for ambushes.
- Gun Fort: Continue through the Gun Fort. This heavily guarded area requires stealth and strategic combat. Defeating the enemies here, especially the mini-boss, will make the passage smoother.
- Poison Pool: After the Gun Fort, you’ll encounter the Poison Pool. This area is exactly what it sounds like: a pool filled with potent poison. Utilize Antidote Powder or the “Contact Medicine” skill to mitigate the poison buildup.
- Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole: At the end of the Poison Pool, you will find the Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole, and the first encounter with the Guardian Ape. The idol is just outside the arena.
Facing the Beast: First and Second Encounters
The Guardian Ape is a formidable opponent. Here’s what to expect:
- First Encounter (Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole): This encounter features the Guardian Ape in his more animalistic form. He uses powerful swipes, throws rocks, and unleashes a fearsome scream. Firecrackers are particularly effective in stunning him, providing opportunities for attack.
- Second Encounter (Bodhisattva Valley): After defeating the Guardian Ape the first time, a gruesome cutscene plays, revealing the centipede within him and triggering his revival. He then relocates to a cave in the Bodhisattva Valley, accessible from the Hidden Forest idol. This time, he is joined by a headless ape. The headless ape is easier to kill, but both apes must be defeated to fully overcome the encounter. Focus on quickly eliminating the headless ape before dealing with the Guardian Ape. The Loaded Spear is very effective at pulling out the centipede from the headless ape, immediately defeating it. The Divine Confetti is effective on the Guardian Ape in this phase.
FAQs About the Guardian Ape
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Guardian Ape, offering further insights into this challenging boss and his location:
1. Can I skip the Guardian Ape?
No, the Guardian Ape is a mandatory boss in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You must defeat him to progress the main storyline.
2. What is the best strategy for the first Guardian Ape fight?
Utilize Firecrackers to stun the Guardian Ape. They will create openings for you to land several hits. Also, learn his attack patterns and dodge accordingly. Stay aggressive but be mindful of your posture.
3. What is the best strategy for the second Guardian Ape fight?
Quickly eliminate the smaller, headless ape first. The Loaded Spear, specifically the Spear Whistle upgrade, is highly effective. Then, focus on the Guardian Ape, using Divine Confetti if available. Deflect his perilous attacks carefully and look for openings to attack.
4. Is the Guardian Ape weak to any particular element?
In the first phase, the Guardian Ape is vulnerable to Firecrackers. In the second phase (headless ape), Divine Confetti is effective.
5. What rewards do I get for defeating the Guardian Ape?
Upon defeating the Guardian Ape the first time, you receive the Slender Finger prosthetic tool. Defeating him the second time grants you the Memory: Guardian Ape (used to increase your Attack Power) and Bestowal Ninjutsu.
6. Where is the Bodhisattva Valley Idol located?
The Bodhisattva Valley Idol is located just outside the cave where you fight the second phase of the Guardian Ape encounter. It is close to the Hidden Forest idol.
7. What happens if I die during the Guardian Ape fight?
You will respawn at the nearest Sculptor’s Idol. You must then return to the Guardian Ape’s location to re-engage the fight.
8. Is the Guardian Ape considered a mini-boss or a full boss?
The Guardian Ape is a full boss, as indicated by the two health bars and the “Memory” it grants upon defeat.
9. Can I use resurrection on the Guardian Ape?
No, you cannot use resurrection on the Guardian Ape.
10. How do I reach the Hidden Forest idol?
The Hidden Forest idol is located within the Ashina Depths. You need to progress through the Mibu Village and traverse a series of paths through the forest to reach it. Watch out for illusion enemies in this area.
11. What are the implications of choosing to fight the Guardian Ape early?
While you can reach the Guardian Ape relatively early in the game, he is a challenging boss. Fighting him early means you may have fewer upgrades and less experience, making the fight significantly harder.
12. Does the difficulty of the Guardian Ape change on New Game Plus?
Yes, the Guardian Ape’s health and attack power will increase on New Game Plus, making him even more challenging.
13. Are there any NPC interactions related to the Guardian Ape?
While there aren’t direct interactions centered solely on the Guardian Ape, progressing his defeat impacts the broader narrative and unlocks paths for other side quests and NPC storylines.
14. How important is stealth in approaching the Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole?
Stealth is crucial in surviving the journey to the Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole. The Gun Fort and surrounding areas are heavily guarded, and attracting too much attention will quickly lead to your demise.
15. What does the Slender Finger prosthetic do?
The Slender Finger prosthetic allows you to perform the Finger Whistle, which attracts and confuses enemies. It’s particularly useful against illusion-based enemies and can be upgraded to even more potent forms.