Ashina Castle: Why Can’t I Get In? A Sekiro Expert’s Guide
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So, you’re bashing your head against the (literal and figurative) walls of Ashina Castle in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, wondering why you’re suddenly locked out? You’re not alone, Wolf. The short answer is: Ashina Castle’s accessibility changes depending on your progress through the game’s story. You might be locked out because you’ve advanced to a point where the normal routes are blocked, forcing you to find alternative paths, or because you’ve reached a story point that necessitates progressing elsewhere before the castle reopens. Different events, like defeating certain bosses or making specific story choices, directly impact which entrances are available. The castle’s defenses adapt to your actions, reflecting the ongoing war within Ashina. Let’s delve into the specifics and get you back inside!
Navigating the Shifting Sands of Ashina Castle
Ashina Castle isn’t a static location. Its accessibility is a direct reflection of the game’s dynamic narrative and your progress. Several factors can contribute to your inability to enter:
- Story Progression: This is the most common reason. After defeating Genichiro Ashina, the castle undergoes significant changes. The normal front gate becomes inaccessible, and new enemies appear. The area has shifted!
- Boss Battles: Defeating key bosses triggers changes in the world. Reaching specific points in the game, often marked by boss encounters, alter the environment and enemy placement, which in turn affects access to areas.
- The Abandoned Dungeon Route: When the main entrances are sealed, the Abandoned Dungeon becomes your primary entry point. This involves diving into the moat and navigating underwater tunnels.
- The “Iron Code” Decision: Obeying the Iron Code leads to a significantly altered game route, bypassing areas and boss fights, and making portions of Ashina Castle unavailable.
- Nightjar Fortress Infiltration: In some instances, accessing Ashina Castle requires utilizing grappling points and rooftops, effectively infiltrating via the Nightjar Fortress.
Understanding these factors is crucial for navigating the game effectively. Don’t be afraid to explore alternative routes and check your surroundings carefully. Sekiro rewards curiosity!
Finding Alternate Routes
If the main gates are locked, don’t despair! Here’s how to find your way back in:
- Abandoned Dungeon Entrance: This is often your go-to solution. From the Abandoned Dungeon Entrance Idol, dive into the moat and swim through the underwater tunnel.
- Rooftop Access: Look for grapple points that allow you to climb the rooftops of the surrounding buildings. This can provide a sneaky way around blocked entrances.
- Nightjar Monocular: Use the monocular to scout for new paths and grapple points you might have missed.
- Listen Carefully: Sometimes, NPCs will offer clues about alternative routes. Pay attention to their dialogue!
Remember, persistence and exploration are key.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get inside Ashina Castle when all the gates are locked?
The most reliable method is to fast travel to the Abandoned Dungeon Entrance Idol. From there, dive into the moat and swim through the underwater tunnel. This will lead you back inside the castle grounds.
2. Ashina Castle Reservoir is inaccessible. What do I do?
The Ashina Castle Reservoir being inaccessible usually indicates a change in the game’s story. Typically, you’ll need to progress through another area (like the Sunken Valley Passage or Senpou Temple) before it reopens. Check your quest log and talk to NPCs for guidance.
3. What happens if I obey the Iron Code? Does it lock me out of Ashina Castle permanently?
Obeying the Iron Code significantly alters the game’s path. It locks you out of certain areas and boss fights, leading to a shorter ending. While it doesn’t permanently lock you out of all of Ashina Castle, it does make certain sections unavailable. This is a pivotal choice with major consequences.
4. How do I get to Ashina Castle after obtaining the Shelter Stone?
After obtaining the Shelter Stone, the path back to Ashina Castle might seem unclear. Return to the Abandoned Dungeon Entrance Idol and proceed through the underwater tunnel. This route will allow you to progress back through the castle.
5. Is the Corrupted Monk fight mandatory?
There are actually two Corrupted Monk fights! The first one, an illusion located near the Wedding Cave Door in Mibu Village is indeed mandatory to progress the story and obtain the Shelter Stone. The second encounter, the True Corrupted Monk in the Fountainhead Palace is also mandatory for achieving certain endings.
6. How many Prayer Necklaces can I find in Sekiro?
There are a total of 40 Prayer Beads scattered throughout the world of Sekiro. Collecting four Prayer Beads allows you to create a Prayer Necklace, which increases your Vitality and Posture.
7. Where is Genichiro Ashina located in Ashina Castle?
You’ll find Genichiro Ashina at the very top of Ashina Castle. Head through the open window left of the Ashina Elite and grapple up to initiate the boss fight cutscene.
8. Should I always stay loyal to Kuro?
Staying loyal to Kuro opens up the majority of the game’s content, including all areas and boss fights. Betraying Kuro to side with your father will shorten the game significantly, locking you out of content. For your first playthrough, siding with Kuro is highly recommended.
9. What does defeating the Corrupted Monk reward me with?
Defeating the Corrupted Monk in Mibu Village rewards you with the Memory: Corrupted Monk (allowing you to increase your attack power) and the Mibu Breathing Technique Skill.
10. Is there a hidden boss in Ashina Castle?
While Genichiro Ashina is a major boss encountered within Ashina Castle, exploring thoroughly may lead you to encounter mini-bosses, such as the Ashina Elite.
11. What is Dragonrot and can I avoid it?
Dragonrot is a disease that spreads among NPCs when you die repeatedly without successfully resurrecting. While you can’t completely avoid Dragonrot, you can mitigate it by using resurrection sparingly and prioritizing the use of Dragon’s Blood Droplets to cure it.
12. How many times do I fight the Corrupted Monk?
You encounter the Corrupted Monk twice during the game. Once as an illusion in Mibu Village, and again as the True Corrupted Monk in the Fountainhead Palace. The fight in the Fountainhead Palace is considerably more challenging.
13. What is the “Dragon’s Homecoming” ending and how do I achieve it?
The “Dragon’s Homecoming” ending is one of the more complex endings in Sekiro, considered by many to be the most optimistic. Achieving it requires completing a series of specific steps related to the Divine Child of Rejuvenation. This involves considerable backtracking and side-questing.
14. What’s the best ending to get in Sekiro?
The best ending is subjective and depends on your preferences. Many players consider the “Purification” ending to be the most satisfying, as it requires significant effort and provides closure for several characters. However, the “Dragon’s Homecoming” ending, while difficult, offers a more hopeful outlook for the future.
15. How does Sekiro’s gameplay relate to educational concepts?
The demanding gameplay of Sekiro reinforces concepts like persistence, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. The need to learn enemy attack patterns, adapt strategies, and overcome challenges aligns with educational goals that promote critical thinking and resilience. Exploring the links between gaming and education is a fascinating field studied by organizations like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Thoughts
Getting locked out of Ashina Castle is a common hurdle in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Understanding the game’s story progression, exploring alternative routes, and remembering these tips will help you overcome the challenges and continue your journey to protect Kuro. Remember, hesitation is defeat! Keep practicing, keep exploring, and you’ll conquer Ashina Castle and beyond.