How to Use Ashes of War: A Guide to Unlocking Your Sekiro Protagonist’s Full Potential
The Ashes of War in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a unique skill system that allows your character, the Wolf, to harness the power of ancient dragons to perform extraordinary feats in combat. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to use and how. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Ashes of War, providing you with a comprehensive guide on how to use them effectively.
Contents
What are Ashes of War?
Ashes of War are ancient dragon arts that the Wolf can tap into, granting him special abilities and enhancements in battle. These skills are powered by a unique system known as the "Dragon Dance," which allows the player to perform a variety of actions, such as transforming into a wolf, shooting fireballs, and slashing enemies with incredible speed. There are over 20 Ashes of War to collect throughout the game, each with its own unique abilities and effects.
Selecting the Right Ashes of War
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right Ashes of War can be daunting. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your skills:
- Match the skill to your playstyle: If you prefer a more aggressive approach, choose skills that enhance your attack power or speed. If you’re more defensively inclined, choose skills that improve your evasion or survival abilities.
- Look for synergies: Consider which skills work well together, such as combining a defensive skill with an offensive skill to create a balanced set.
- Prioritize skills with utility: Skilled with abilities that help you in exploration, such as the ability to swing from ropes or deflect enemies, can be incredibly helpful.
Here are some must-have Ashes of War for beginners:
| Ashes of War | Ability | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grayscraper | Transform into a wolf | Allows you to climb walls and traverse certain areas quickly |
| Dragon’s Fang | Shoot fireballs | Adds a ranged attack option in combat |
| Windstance | Enhances evasion | Improves your survival chances by allowing you to dodge attacks more effectively |
| Tiger Strikes | Enhances slashing attacks | Increases your overall attack power and speed in combat |
Equipping Ashes of War
Once you’ve selected your Ashes of War, it’s time to equip them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to equipping your skills:
- Open the Prosthetic Tools menu: You can find this menu in the character menu or by pausing the game.
- Select the Ashes of War tab: This tab will list all the Ashes of War you’ve collected.
- Choose the desired Ashes of War and confirm:
Tips for Effective Execution
- Practice with each Ashes of War: Get familiar with how each skill works and use them in different situations.
- Combine Ashes of War with prosthetics: Some prosthetics work well with certain Ashes of War, such as using the Grapple Hook to swing and then transform into a Wolf to quickly get to the other side of the arena.
- Experiment with different builds: Try different combinations of skills to find what works best for you.
Unlocking Advanced Features
To unlock advanced features in your Ashes of War, you’ll need to satisfy certain conditions. Here’s a brief overview of some of the advanced features available:
- Procedural Abilities: Unlock powerful abilities that adapt to specific situations, such as the "Dragon’s Roar" ability that creates a shield around you.
- Enhanced Prosthetic Tools: Upgrade your prosthetic tools to increase their effectiveness in combat and exploration.
- Enhanced Dragon Dance: Increase your Dragon Dance meter capacity by collecting Dragon’s Tear fragments, allowing you to perform more actions while the meter is filled.
Conclusion
Using Ashes of War effectively can be a game-changer in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. By understanding which skills to choose, how to equip them, and how to execute them in combat, you’ll unlock new strategies and gameplay styles. Remember to practice, experiment with different builds, and unlock advanced features to take your gameplay to the next level.
