The Prologue of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice sets the stage for the player's arduous journey, introducing the core mechanics and the immediate plight of the young Lord. This initial segment, set within the Ashina Outskirts, serves as a crucial tutorial, familiarizing players with the fundamental aspects of combat, movement, and interaction within the game world. Players will learn the importance of precise deflections to break enemy Posture, the utility of the grappling hook for traversal, and the basic enemy types they will encounter. The narrative unfolds as the protagonist, the one-armed Wolf, attempts to protect his young master, Kuro, from those who seek to abduct him. This early section is designed to be challenging but fair, offering opportunities to practice the skills that will be essential for survival in the more demanding areas to come. The environment itself, with its crumbling structures and watchful sentinels, provides a stark introduction to the Sengoku-era inspired setting.
As players navigate the Ashina Outskirts during the prologue, they will encounter various Ashina Soldiers and Ashina Samurai. These early adversaries, while not as formidable as later bosses, serve as excellent training grounds for mastering the deflection system. Successfully deflecting attacks fills the enemy's Posture gauge, opening them up for a Deathblow. Failing to deflect, or being hit too many times, will break the player's own Posture, leaving them vulnerable. The prologue also introduces the concept of stealth, allowing players to perform stealth Deathblows on unaware enemies, which can significantly ease combat encounters. Key items to look out for in this early area include basic healing items and potentially some early crafting materials. The path forward is often linear at first, guiding You through the initial challenges before opening up into more complex environments. Understanding the rhythm of combat and the importance of managing one's own Posture is paramount to surviving the initial onslaught and protecting Kuro.