Defeating the Guardian Ape in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a monumental milestone that tests every aspect of your combat prowess. Once the giant beast falls, many players find themselves standing in the sunken watering hole wondering what steps to take next. The branching pathways of Ashina can make progression confusing, but specific objectives await your attention to advance the narrative.
Gather the Lotus of the Palace
Immediately after the battle, look around the watering hole for a newly opened cavern pathway. Inside this narrow passage, you will find the Lotus of the Palace, a crucial quest item required by Kuro. Picking up this rare flower triggers major political shifts back at the castle, altering the game world for the final acts.
Make sure to activate the nearby Sculptor's Idol to secure your progress before moving on. If you have not explored other major regions yet, this is the perfect moment to check your inventory. You will need multiple historical artifacts to help the young lord achieve his ultimate goals.
Venture Deep into the Ashina Depths
If you have already acquired the Mortal Blade and the Shelter Stone, your next destination lies within the eerie Poison Pool. You can access this area by traveling through the Bottomless Hole located near the Abandoned Dungeon. Navigating this toxic cavern requires careful movement as deadly snipers and environmental hazards await your arrival.
As you venture further past the toxic waters, you will eventually find yourself in a massive hidden cavern. Players who beat the giant beast early might encounter a startling surprise waiting for them in this dark cave. Preparing your inventory with pacifying agents and offensive tools will ensure you survive the upcoming challenges safely.
Explore the Rest of Mibu Village
Once you successfully clear the dangerous caverns, the path opens directly into the misty borders of Mibu Village. This atmospheric settlement is filled with aggressive villagers and unique miniboss encounters that reward valuable upgrade materials. Exploring every corner allows you to gather hidden items that enhance your physical attributes before the late game.
Following the main road through the village leads toward a magnificent shrine structure at the very end of the valley. Inside this sanctuary, you can claim the essential stone object needed for Kuro's divine ritual. Completing this area marks a point of no return for several early-game side quests and character storylines.
Return to Ashina Castle for the Endgame Trigger
After collecting the lotus flower, the stone, and the sacred blade, you must make your way back to Kuro's room. You will quickly notice that many fast travel checkpoints around the central castle grounds have become locked or disabled. This indicates that a massive military invasion is currently underway, forcing you to infiltrate the fortress manually from the outskirts.
Fighting your way back up to the castle rooftop will lead you to a historic narrative choice that shapes your ending. Choosing your allegiance carefully will determine which final bosses you face and which areas you can explore next. Successfully managing these paths ensures you extract the maximum enjoyment out of this masterfully designed adventure.
