The Taro Troop (Wooden Mallet) is a formidable enemy encountered in Ashina Outskirts, known for its heavy-hitting attacks and resilience. Defeating this foe requires careful timing, effective deflection, and strategic use of Sekiro's tools to overcome its powerful swings and break its posture.
Encountering the Taro Troop
The Taro Troop (Wooden Mallet) is typically found in the Ashina Outskirts. You'll often encounter them after navigating through areas with other Ashina Soldiers. One notable location is near the broken house where you meet Inosuke Nogami's Mother. They are usually accompanied by other enemies, so it's advisable to thin out the surrounding threats before engaging the Taro Troop directly.
Combat Strategy
The Taro Troop wields a large wooden mallet, which it uses to deliver devastating overhead slams and sweeping attacks. These attacks deal significant Vitality and Posture damage. To effectively combat them:
- Deflection is Key: Master the art of deflecting their attacks. Their swings are telegraphed, and perfectly timed deflections will build their Posture bar quickly.
- Watch for the Perilous Attack: The Taro Troop can perform a perilous sweep attack. Be ready to jump over this attack to avoid damage and potentially counter.
- Utilize Prosthetics: The Loaded Axe prosthetic tool can be very effective. If you can land a hit after deflecting, the axe can deal substantial Posture damage and stagger them. The Flame Vent can also be used to apply burn damage over time.
- Stealth Attacks: If possible, try to initiate combat with a stealth deathblow on the Taro Troop, especially if they are isolated from other enemies.
- Manage Distance: When they are winding up for a heavy attack, create some distance to avoid the impact, then close in to punish their recovery.
Rewards for Defeat
Defeating a Taro Troop typically rewards Sekiro with experience points (XP) and Sen. They may also drop useful items such as Mibu Balloon of Wealth, which increases the amount of Sen gained from enemies. Their presence often indicates a slightly more challenging encounter, so be prepared.
Progression Sificance
The Taro Troop serves as a stepping stone, introducing players to more robust enemy types that require a deeper understanding of Sekiro's combat mechanics. Overcoming them is crucial for progressing through Ashina Outskirts and preparing for tougher challenges ahead.