Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Prosthetic Tool Upgrades & Materials — Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Guide

Upgrade your Shinobi Prosthetic tools in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Find required materials like Adamantite and learn how to enhance your gear for new combat o.

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Prosthetic Tool Upgrades & Materials

The Shinobi Prosthetic is a versatile weapon, and its true potential is unlocked through strategic upgrades. These enhancements not only improve existing tools but also unlock entirely new variations, offering a wider array of combat options. Upgrading requires both Sen (the in-game currency) and specific crafting materials, which become increasingly rare as you progress.

All prosthetic tool upgrades are performed by the Sculptor at the Dilapidated Temple. Simply speak with him and select the "Upgrade Prosthetic Tools" option. Prioritize upgrades that complement your playstyle and the challenges you're currently facing.

Understanding Upgrade Paths

Each base prosthetic tool has multiple upgrade paths, often branching into different elemental or functional specializations. For example, the Loaded Axe can become the Sparking Axe for fire damage or the Lazulite Axe for enhanced posture damage and deflecting capabilities. Carefully consider which path best suits your needs, as some materials are finite per playthrough.

Essential Upgrade Materials and Where to Find Them

Gathering materials is crucial for maximizing your prosthetic's effectiveness. Here's a breakdown of key materials and strategies for acquiring them:

1. Scrap Iron

  • Description: A common material used in early-game prosthetic upgrades.
  • Locations:
    • Ashina Outskirts: Found frequently as drops from basic enemies like Ashina Samurai and spearmen. Look for glowing item pickups throughout the area.
    • Hirata Estate: Similar to Ashina Outskirts, common enemy drops and environmental pickups.
    • Merchants: The Crow's Bed Memorial Mob in Ashina Outskirts and the Dungeon Memorial Mob in Ashina Castle will often sell limited quantities.
  • Strategy: Early game, simply defeating enemies and exploring thoroughly will net you plenty. Don't hoard it; use it for your initial upgrades.

2. Black Gunpowder

  • Description: Used for tools involving explosives or increased impact.
  • Locations:
    • Ashina Outskirts: Drops from riflemen and some larger enemies.
    • Ashina Castle: Found on Ashina Riflemen and other elite samurai.
    • Senpou Temple, Mt. Kongo: Drops from the various monks and centipede enemies.
    • Merchants: The Crow's Bed Memorial Mob and the Dungeon Memorial Mob often stock it.
  • Strategy: Target enemies wielding firearms or those with explosive attacks. Farming the riflemen near the Ashina Outskirts - Outskirts Wall - Stairway Sculptor's Idol is an efficient method.

3. Yellow Gunpowder

  • Description: A more potent form of gunpowder, crucial for advanced explosive tools.
  • Locations:
    • Sunken Valley: Drops from the rifle-wielding enemies and the "Long-Arm Centipede" enemies.
    • Ashina Depths: Found on certain enemies and as environmental pickups.
    • Fountainhead Palace: Drops from the Okami Warriors.
    • Merchants: The Exiled Memorial Mob in the Sunken Valley and the Pot Noble Harunaga (Hirata Estate) or Pot Noble Koremori (Fountainhead Palace) may sell it in exchange for Treasure Carp Scales.
  • Strategy: The most reliable farming spot is in the Sunken Valley - Gun Fort area, repeatedly defeating the riflemen.

4. Scrap Magnetite

  • Description: A metallic material used for tools requiring enhanced durability or magnetic properties.
  • Locations:
    • Ashina Castle: Drops from elite samurai and some larger enemies.
    • Senpou Temple, Mt. Kongo: Found on the stronger monks and centipede enemies.
    • Sunken Valley: Drops from the gun-wielding enemies and some larger beasts.
    • Merchants: The Dungeon Memorial Mob and Exiled Memorial Mob will occasionally sell it.
  • Strategy: Focus on mini-bosses and stronger standard enemies in the mid-game areas. The samurai in Ashina Castle are a good source.

5. Fulminated Mercury

  • Description: A rare and powerful material, often required for the final upgrades of many prosthetic tools.
  • Locations:
    • Fountainhead Palace: Drops from the Okami Warriors and other elite enemies.
    • Ashina Castle (Late Game): During later invasions, certain elite enemies will drop it.
    • Ashina Depths: Found on some of the more challenging enemies in the Mibu Village area.
    • Boss Drops: Occasionally dropped by certain mini-bosses or main bosses.
    • Merchants: Very rarely sold by merchants, often in extremely limited quantities.
  • Strategy: This is a late-game material. The most efficient farming involves repeatedly defeating the Okami Warriors in Fountainhead Palace, particularly those near the Great Sakura Sculptor's Idol.

6. Adamantite Scrap

  • Description: An incredibly tough material, used for the most resilient and powerful prosthetic upgrades.
  • Locations:
    • Fountainhead Palace: Drops from the stronger Okami Warriors and the Palace Nobles.
    • Ashina Castle (Late Game): During the final invasion, certain elite enemies and mini-bosses will drop it.
    • Boss Drops: Guaranteed drops from some late-game bosses.
    • Limited Quantity: Often found as unique, one-time pickups in hidden areas.
  • Strategy: This material is extremely rare. Prioritize exploring every nook and cranny in late-game areas. The Palace Nobles in Fountainhead Palace are a potential source, but it's not a guaranteed drop.

7. Lapis Lazuli

  • Description: The rarest and most valuable upgrade material, reserved for the ultimate prosthetic tool upgrades. Only a handful exist per playthrough.
  • Locations:
    • Great Serpent Shrine (Ashina Outskirts): One can be found after defeating the Great Serpent for the second time (the one in the Sunken Valley that you plunge attack). Return to the shrine and look for a hidden path.
    • Fountainhead Palace:
      • Defeat the True Corrupted Monk (main boss).
      • Defeat the Demon of Hatred (optional boss).
      • Purchased from Pot Noble Koremori in Fountainhead Palace for 6 Treasure Carp Scales.
  • Strategy: Due to its extreme rarity, plan your Lapis Lazuli usage carefully. It's best reserved for the final, most powerful upgrades of your preferred tools, such as the Lazulite Axe, Lazulite Shuriken, or Lazulite Sacred Flame.

Tips for Efficient Material Farming

  • Mortal Blade: Once acquired, the Mortal Blade's combat arts can significantly speed up farming by dealing massive damage to groups of enemies.
  • Bell Demon: Ringing the Demon Bell at the Bell Demon Temple (Senpou Temple, Mt. Kongo) increases item drop rates, but also makes enemies stronger. Use this for targeted farming runs.
  • Mibu Balloon of Wealth: Consuming this item temporarily increases the amount of Sen and item drops from defeated enemies. Ideal for short, focused farming sessions.
  • Sculptor's Idols: Utilize Sculptor's Idols to reset enemy spawns and quickly repeat farming routes.
  • Prioritize: Don't try to upgrade every tool immediately. Focus on one or two prosthetic tools that you use most frequently and gather materials for their specific upgrade paths first.

By understanding the materials required and where to find them, you can strategically enhance your Shinobi Prosthetic, transforming Sekiro into an even more formidable force against the horrors of Ashina.