Where To Go After Killing Guardian Ape

Alright, so you've taken down the Guardian Ape in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Congratulations! Seriously, that's a big accomplishment. Think of it like finally assembling that ridiculously complex IKEA furniture piece without any leftover screws. You feel like a champion, right?

But now you're standing there, amidst the ape's remains, maybe a little unsure of what to do next. Don't worry, you're not alone. It's like finishing a really good book and suddenly realizing you have no idea what to read next. That post-ape slump is real.

So, where do you go after you've faced (and defeated!) that oversized, headless primate? Let's break it down. It's not as daunting as another boss fight, promise!

Option 1: Sunken Valley Passage - Dive Deeper (Literally!)

The most straightforward path, and honestly the one the game wants you to take, is down. Remember that Sculptor's Idol near the Guardian Ape's Watering Hole? It's time to revisit it. You might have even noticed something interesting near it earlier, but were too busy, you know, fighting a giant ape.

Grappling Hook Time!

Look around for a grappling point that wasn't accessible before. Now that the Ape is dead, the area opens up and invites exploration. Time for some classic Sekiro platforming. This grappling point leads down, into the Sunken Valley Passage. Think of it as going from a relatively sunny forest clearing to a damp, claustrophobic cave. Fun, right?

Why Bother?

The Sunken Valley Passage is important for a few key reasons:

• Progression: It's the main path forward. You need to explore this area to continue the story and eventually reach the next major boss and important locations.
• Loot: Who doesn't love loot? You'll find new items, upgrade materials, and maybe even some surprises to help you on your journey.
• New Enemies: The Sunken Valley Passage introduces new enemy types, each with their own attack patterns and weaknesses. It's a good opportunity to hone your combat skills and learn new strategies. Get ready for some gun-wielding baddies!

Imagine finding a hidden gem in your old jeans pocket after laundry. That's the feeling of discovering a valuable item in this new area.

Option 2: Abandoned Dungeon - A Quick Detour

Okay, this isn't strictly where you have to go, but it's a good detour that can make your life easier later on. Remember the Abandoned Dungeon? It's connected to the Ashina Outskirts and Ashina Castle. Think of it as a creepy, underground subway line.

Why Go Back to the Dungeon?

There's a merchant there named Doujun, and talking to him triggers a side quest. This quest involves... well, let's just say it involves finding some test subjects for Doujun's, shall we say, unconventional research.

The Benefits of Being Helpful (Sort Of)

While the ethics of this quest are questionable, completing it can unlock some valuable rewards, including prosthetic tools and other useful items. Besides, exploring the Abandoned Dungeon further can also net you some valuable items you might have missed on your first playthrough.

Think of it as taking a scenic route on your commute. You might get there a little later, but you'll see some interesting sights along the way (and maybe even grab a coffee at a new cafe!).

Option 3: Explore Ashina Castle (Again!)

Things have changed in Ashina Castle since you beat the Guardian Ape. Without giving away too much, let's just say that the castle is no longer quite as... organized as it once was.

What's Different?

Enemies have been repositioned, new areas might be accessible, and old areas might be blocked off. The entire landscape of the castle has been reshaped by recent events. It's like returning to your childhood home after a renovation – familiar, but different.

Why Go Back to Ashina Castle?

• New Encounters: You'll find new enemies and challenging mini-bosses guarding key locations.
• Story Progression: Talking to certain NPCs in the castle will advance the story and provide clues about your next objective.
• Secrets: Ashina Castle is full of secrets, and now's a good time to uncover them. Explore every nook and cranny, and you might just find something valuable.

Imagine finding a secret room in your house that you never knew existed. That's the kind of excitement you can expect from exploring Ashina Castle after the Guardian Ape.

The Important Thing: Keep Exploring!

Ultimately, the most important thing is to keep exploring. Sekiro rewards curiosity and encourages you to venture off the beaten path. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new things, and see where the game takes you.

Think of it like going on an adventure. You might not always know where you're going, but the journey is often more rewarding than the destination. And hey, if you get lost, you can always look up a map (or, you know, read another helpful article like this one!).

The world of Sekiro is vast and intricate, filled with secrets and challenges waiting to be discovered. Don't let the post-Ape blues get you down. Embrace the adventure, sharpen your sword, and get back out there!

And remember, even if you get stuck, there's no shame in taking a break, grabbing a snack, and coming back to it later. Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective (and maybe a little bit of chocolate) to overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Good luck, Wolf. Your journey is far from over. You've slain a mighty beast but there are far greater challenges ahead. Stay strong!