Hirata Estate is an early-game area accessible via the Young Lord's Bell Charm, offering valuable items and challenging encounters. This serene yet dangerous location is crucial for acquiring key prosthetic tools and progressing through the game's narrative, featuring unique enemies and a memorable boss fight.
Accessing Hirata Estate
To reach Hirata Estate, you must first obtain the Young Lord's Bell Charm. This item is given to Sekiro by Inosuke Nogami's Mother, whom you'll find in the Ashina Outskirts after defeating the Taro Troop (Wooden Mallet). After receiving the charm, return to the Dilapidated Temple and speak with the Sculptor. He will instruct you to pray at the nearby Kind-Faced Buddha, which will transport you to Hirata Estate.
Exploration and Key Items
Upon arriving, you'll find yourself near a Sculptor's Idol. From here, explore the estate carefully. You'll encounter various enemies, including Ashina Soldiers and the formidable Taro Troop. Look for opportunities to use stealth and your grappling hook to navigate the rooftops and bypass groups of enemies. Key items to find include:
- Pellet: A consumable that restores a small amount of Vitality.
- Flame Vent: A prosthetic tool that allows you to breathe fire, excellent for dealing with certain enemies and bosses. You'll need specific materials to craft it.
- Ungo's Sugar: A consumable that temporarily reduces Vitality damage taken.
- Fistful of Ash: A consumable that can temporarily blind enemies.
- Light Coin Purse: Provides Sen that cannot be lost upon death.
Notable Enemies and Encounters
Hirata Estate is home to several challenging foes. Pay close attention to enemy patrol patterns and utilize the environment to your advantage. The Shinobi Hunter Enshin of Misen is a particularly tough mini-boss guarding a Prayer Bead. Mastering deflection and counter-attacks is essential for overcoming him.
The First Boss: Lady Butterfly
The culmination of your exploration in Hirata Estate is the boss fight against Lady Butterfly. This agile shinobi is a master of illusions and swift attacks. Her fight has two phases, and she summons phantom butterflies that can disorient and damage you. Focus on deflecting her combos, dodging her perilous attacks, and punishing her openings. Using the Flame Vent can be effective in this fight.
Progression and Rewards
Defeating Lady Butterfly yields a Memory, which can be used to increase your Attack Power. You will also acquire a Sakura Dance Combat Art. After this encounter, you can continue exploring the estate for any missed items or return to the Dilapidated Temple to progress further in the main story.