In the brutal and unforgiving world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, mastering every available tool is crucial for surviving the many deadly encounters players will face. One such tool is Bestowal Ninjutsu, a powerful ability that can turn the tide in combat by imbuing Sekiro’s sword with a spectral extension after performing a backstab deathblow. It creates a swirling, wide-reaching weapon that can hit multiple enemies, offering crowd control in situations that would otherwise be overwhelming. Finding the Bestowal Ninjutsu location, however, requires effort, exploration, and facing one of the more intense optional bosses in the game. For players looking to complete their ninjutsu arsenal, knowing where and how to acquire this technique is essential.
What Is Bestowal Ninjutsu?
A Spectral Weapon Enhancement
Bestowal Ninjutsu is one of three ninjutsu techniques that Sekiro can acquire throughout his journey. It differs from the others Bloodsmoke and Puppeteer by focusing on direct offensive enhancement rather than stealth or utility. After successfully executing a backstab deathblow, Bestowal Ninjutsu activates automatically, causing wisps of energy to coil around Sekiro’s blade. This spectral enhancement lasts for a short period and increases the range and area of effect of attacks.
This makes it particularly effective when dealing with groups of enemies, allowing for safer engagements and giving players more room to control chaotic situations. It’s not just a flashy trick it can significantly enhance Sekiro’s combat potential, especially in areas swarming with enemies.
Where to Find Bestowal Ninjutsu
The Required Boss Fight: Headless Ape
To obtain Bestowal Ninjutsu, players must defeat the Headless Ape, an optional boss located in the Ashina Depths. This boss fight is unique, as it revisits a previous encounter but with a twist this time, the ape is not alone. Players previously defeated the Guardian Ape in the Sunken Valley, but its undead form returns in a two-phase fight that ends with the opportunity to unlock the ninjutsu.
- Location: Ashina Depths Poison Pool area
- Prerequisite: Must have defeated the Guardian Ape in the Sunken Valley
- Reward: Bestowal Ninjutsu
Once the Guardian Ape has been killed in the story, a second encounter becomes available in the Poison Pool area. Players should head to the Guardian Ape’s Burrow and prepare for a two-versus-one fight that will test their reaction speed, patience, and mastery of Sekiro’s mechanics.
How to Reach the Boss Location
Getting to the Poison Pool
To get to the Headless Ape and obtain the Bestowal Ninjutsu, follow these steps:
- From the Ashina Depths idol, proceed through the Mibu Village area.
- Defeat the Corrupted Monk (or use stealth and bypass methods if you prefer).
- After defeating the Monk, continue forward until you reach the Poison Pool Sculptor’s Idol.
- From here, make your way toward the Guardian Ape’s Burrow.
Inside the arena, you’ll face the undead version of the Guardian Ape. However, the twist is that once you reduce its health bar, a second ape appears, turning the encounter into a dual battle. You’ll need to manage spacing, dodge patterns, and use prosthetic tools wisely to survive both phases.
Boss Fight Tips: Headless Ape
Phase One Headless Guardian Ape
The first phase of the fight is similar to the previous Guardian Ape encounter, except that this version cannot be permanently killed with a deathblow. Be prepared for familiar attacks like the overhead sword swings, sweeping charges, and poison vomit. Despite being headless, the ape remains fast and aggressive. Using the Firecrackers prosthetic can help interrupt its attack patterns, giving you windows for counterattacks.
Phase Two Dual Apes
Once the first health bar is depleted, a second ape appears wielding a sword. This turns the encounter into a challenging two-on-one scenario. Focus on spacing and use the environment to avoid being cornered. It’s best to take out the weaker ape first it has less health and fewer moves so you can go back to a one-on-one rhythm.
- Use Ichimonji: Double for posture damage and to recover posture safely.
- Keep the second ape in your peripheral vision to avoid surprise attacks.
- Deflecting both enemies consistently is difficult; don’t hesitate to run and heal.
Receiving Bestowal Ninjutsu
Once you defeat both apes, the game rewards you with Bestowal Ninjutsu as a permanent upgrade. It becomes selectable at any Sculptor’s Idol under the Ninjutsu tab, provided you have the appropriate Spirit Emblems to use it. This ability doesn’t stack with other ninjutsu, so choose wisely before a battle.
Activation and Spirit Emblem Cost
Bestowal Ninjutsu costs 6 Spirit Emblems per use and requires a successful backstab deathblow to activate. It’s best utilized in stealth-focused approaches where you can initiate fights with a deathblow or in areas dense with enemies, where its extended hitbox and sweeping attacks provide a major advantage.
Where Bestowal Ninjutsu Shines
Best Use Cases
- Crowd Control: Great for dealing with multiple enemies in fast-paced scenarios.
- Mid to Late Game Areas: Especially useful in Fountainhead Palace and Ashina Castle post-invasion.
- Spirit Emblem Management: Combine with Spiritfall Candy for more aggressive engagements.
While it isn’t as situationally versatile as Puppeteer or as stealthy as Bloodsmoke, Bestowal Ninjutsu allows an aggressive playstyle that can overwhelm weaker enemies quickly. It also pairs well with high-damage combat arts or tools like the Sabimaru or the Mist Raven for evasive combos.
Bestowal Ninjutsu is a powerful and stylish addition to Sekiro’s arsenal, offering players a unique way to extend their offensive capabilities. Though locked behind one of the tougher optional boss fights in the game, the reward is worth the effort especially for those who enjoy controlling crowds and dealing heavy damage across wider ranges. If you’re aiming to fully explore Sekiro’s mechanics and tools, acquiring the Bestowal Ninjutsu from the Headless Ape fight in the Ashina Depths is a must. Plan your approach, sharpen your blade, and be ready for one of the most memorable battles in the game.