Sekiro's prosthetic arm is more than just a replacement; it's a versatile weapon and toolset. The Sculptor, a one-armed hermit, crafts and upgrades these Prosthetic Tools using various materials found throughout the world. Mastering these tools is crucial for overcoming Sekiro's challenging foes and navigating the environment.
The Sculptor and Prosthetic Arm
Upon losing his arm, Sekiro is fitted with a Shinobi Prosthetic by the enigmatic Sculptor, who resides in the Dilapidated Temple. This prosthetic serves as the foundation for all other tools. The Sculptor is the primary NPC for managing and upgrading your prosthetic arm. He requires specific materials, often found after defeating certain enemies or bosses, and Sen (the in-game currency) to enhance your tools.
Prosthetic Tool Categories
Prosthetic Tools are broadly categorized by their function and the materials required for their upgrades. These include:
- Offensive Tools: Desed to deal damage, break enemy posture, or inflict status effects. Examples include the Loaded Shuriken, Loaded Axe, and Flame Vent.
- Defensive/Utility Tools: Primarily used for evasion, parrying, or environmental interaction. The Mist Raven and Loaded Umbrella fall into this category.
- Support Tools: These tools offer buffs or unique combat advantages, such as the Sabimaru's poison effect or the Firecrackers' stun.
Upgrading Prosthetic Tools
Each Prosthetic Tool can be upgraded multiple times, with each upgrade offering increased damage, effectiveness, or new abilities. The upgrade path often requires specific materials like Scrap Iron, Black Gunpowder, or rare components like the Fulminated Mercury. Some upgrades also require defeating specific bosses to unlock new functionalities. For example, the Loaded Axe can be upgraded to the Shinobi Axe of the Monkey, which deals increased damage and can stagger larger enemies.
Key Materials for Upgrades
Gathering materials is a core part of the upgrade system. Keep an eye out for:
- Scrap Iron: Common material found throughout the world.
- Black Gunpowder: Dropped by certain enemies or found in specific locations.
- Spirit Emblems: Consumed when using Prosthetic Tools, but also sometimes required for upgrades.
- Unique Components: Rare items like Fulminated Mercury, Adamantine, or specific boss drops are needed for advanced upgrades.
Strategically choosing which tools to upgrade based on your playstyle and the challenges ahead is vital for success in Sekiro.