Upgrade materials are essential for enhancing Sekiro's Shinobi Prosthetic Tools, granting him new abilities and improving existing ones. These materials are scattered throughout the world, often found in chests, dropped by enemies, or purchased from merchants, and are crucial for overcoming increasingly difficult challenges.
Types of Upgrade Materials
Sekiro's prosthetic tools can be upgraded by the Sculptor at the Dilapidated Temple. The materials required vary depending on the tool and the level of upgrade. Common materials include:
- Scrap Iron: Found in abundance early in the game, often dropped by basic enemies.
- Gunpowder: A more potent material, often found in later areas or dropped by stronger foes.
- Black Gunpowder: An even rarer form of gunpowder, required for higher-tier upgrades.
- Adamantite: A rare and valuable material needed for the most powerful upgrades.
- Various unique components: Such as Iron Ram parts, Fulminated Mercury, and other specific items tied to certain prosthetic tools.
Where to Find Upgrade Materials
Upgrade materials can be acquired through several methods:
- Enemy Drops: Many enemies, particularly tougher ones like Taro Troops or Ashina Samurai, have a chance to drop crafting materials.
- Chests and Hidden Locations: Explore every nook and cranny of the game world. Materials are often hidden in chests, behind breakable walls, or on ledges.
- Merchants: Certain merchants, like Anayama the Peddler and Fujioka the Info Broker, sell several upgrade materials. Their stock often refreshes as you progress.
- Boss and Mini-Boss Rewards: Some significant enemies may drop specific materials upon defeat.
The Importance of Upgrading
Upgrading your Shinobi Prosthetic Tools is vital for Sekiro's combat effectiveness. Each upgrade can:
- Increase Damage: Make your tools hit harder.
- Enhance Range: Extend the reach of your attacks.
- Add New Effects: Grant tools secondary abilities, such as increased stun or burn damage.
- Reduce Spirit Emblem Cost: Make certain tools more efficient to use.
Prioritizing which tools to upgrade based on your playstyle is key. For example, if you rely heavily on the Loaded Axe, focus on gathering the materials needed to enhance its power.