Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - Ashina Outskirts Walkthrough

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Alright, so you've just stepped into the world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and the first real hurdle is Ashina Outskirts. Don't let the name fool you; this place is anything but peaceful. It's your first major test, throwing a bunch of new enemies and mechanics at you. We'll get you through it, step by step.

Walkthrough

1
You'll start near the first Sculptor's Idol in Ashina Outskirts. Head forward, and you'll immediately encounter a couple of Ashina Soldiers. These guys are pretty basic, so practice your parries and counter-attacks here. Don't get greedy; focus on deflecting their blows and finding openings.
2
After dealing with the first group, you'll come to a more open area with more soldiers and a few riflemen on a higher ledge. Prioritize taking out the riflemen first, as their ranged attacks can be a real nuisance. You can often sneak up on them or use the environment for cover while you close the distance.
3
Continue pushing through the outskirts. You'll encounter more varied enemies, including some tougher samurai. Remember to observe their attack patterns. Most of their combos can be deflected, but watch out for unblockable grabs or thrusts, which you'll need to dodge or counter with the Mikiri Counter if you've learned it.
4
There's a mini-boss encounter here, the Chained Ogre. This guy is fast and hits hard. His main gimmick is a grab attack that can deal massive damage. Dodge sideways when he lunges for you, and then counter-attack. Don't try to block his grabs; they're unblockable.
5
Keep progressing, and you'll eventually reach the Ashina Castle Gate. This area is heavily guarded. You'll need to fight your way through more soldiers and archers. Use stealth when possible to thin out the numbers before engaging the main force.
6
The path leads you towards the main castle. You'll encounter more challenging foes, including the Lone Samurai, a tougher variant of the standard samurai. Focus on breaking his posture by deflecting his attacks consistently.
7
Eventually, you'll make your way to the Ashina Reservoir area, where you'll face the first major boss: General Tenzen Yamauchi. He's a formidable opponent with a wide range of attacks. Learn his tells, especially for his sweeping attacks and his perilous thrust.

Tips

Always be aware of your surroundings. Enemies can come from unexpected angles, especially in the more open areas.
Don't be afraid to use your Prosthetic Tools. The Shuriken can be great for interrupting ranged enemies, and the Loaded Axe can deal significant posture damage.
If you're struggling with a particular enemy or boss, don't hesitate to retreat and explore other paths or areas to level up your skills or find useful items.
Master the Mikiri Counter. It's essential for dealing with thrust attacks and is a huge part of Sekiro's combat.
Keep an eye on your Posture bar. If it fills up, you'll be vulnerable to a deathblow. Defending or running away for a short period can help it recover faster.

Successfully navigating Ashina Outskirts will grant you access to Ashina Castle and further progress the main story, unlocking new areas, enemies, and boss encounters.

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