In the early stages of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, acquiring a significant amount of Sen can be a challenge, but several effective methods exist to build a foundational income. The area around the Ashina Outskirts is a prime location for early-game Sen farming. Specifically, clearing out the cluster of Ashina Soldiers near the Ashina Outskirts Stairway Sculptor's Idol offers a consistent, albeit small, Sen return. These soldiers are relatively weak and can be dispatched quickly with basic attacks and deflections. Another viable strategy involves targeting the Ashina Samurai found in the same general vicinity. While they are slightly tougher than the regular soldiers, they offer a slightly better Sen drop. You can create a loop by defeating these enemies, resting at the Sculptor's Idol to reset them, and repeating the process. It is important to note that selling any excess crafting materials or duplicate items found during exploration can also contribute to Sen accumulation, though this is generally less efficient than direct enemy farming.
A common mistake for new players is to neglect Sen accumulation in the early game, only to find themselves struggling to afford essential items like Healing Gourd Seeds or useful Prosthetic Tool upgrades later on. To mitigate this, aim to perform short, focused farming runs whenever they find themselves with a surplus of time or a need for a few extra Sen. The enemies in the Ashina Outskirts, particularly the Ashina Soldiers and Ashina Samurai, are ideal for this purpose due to their predictable spawn points and relatively low difficulty. You can also consider engaging with the merchant, offering any unwanted items for a small Sen payout. While the returns are modest, every bit counts in the early game. The key is consistency; even a few hundred Sen gathered through repeated runs can make a noticeable difference when purchasing a vital upgrade or a handful of useful consumables like Pellets.