Stealth plays a significant role in Sekiro, offering a way to gain an advantage or bypass challenging encounters. The shinobi's agility and ability to cling to walls and grapple points allow for verticality and surprise attacks. Utilizing tall grass, shadows, and elevated positions can help you remain undetected. A successful stealth Deathblow can instantly eliminate weaker enemies or significantly damage tougher opponents, often bypassing the need for a prolonged combat engagement. This is particularly useful for thinning out groups of enemies before initiating direct combat, making subsequent fights more manageable.
Exploration in Sekiro is rewarded with valuable resources, hidden pathways, and lore. The world is designed with verticality in mind, and your grappling hook is an essential tool for navigating the environment. Look for grapple points, often indicated by a distinct visual cue, to ascend to higher vantage points or traverse large gaps. Many areas contain hidden alcoves or breakable walls that can lead to secret areas containing items such as Spirit Emblems, useful for prosthetic tools, or valuable crafting materials. Pay attention to the environment for subtle clues, such as unusual patterns in the terrain or the placement of enemies, which might indicate a hidden path or a secret item.
The Shinobi Prosthetic offers several tools that can aid in both combat and exploration. The Loaded Axe, for example, can break through certain wooden barriers, revealing new paths or hidden treasures. The Sabimaru, while primarily a combat tool, can also be used to poison certain environmental hazards or enemies. Always be on the lookout for items that can enhance your prosthetic, such as Scrap Iron or Gunpowder. Understanding the map and the flow of the world is crucial. Many areas loop back on themselves, allowing for quick traversal once you've unlocked shortcuts. Prioritizing the activation of Sculptor's Idols and exploring thoroughly around them will ensure you don't miss any crucial items or opportunities.