In the brutal world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, survival often hinges on the clever use of every tool in the player’s arsenal. Among the many items available to Wolf, the shinobi protagonist, one seemingly humble tool proves surprisingly effective: the Fistful of Ash. Though easy to overlook at first glance, this small item can turn the tide of battle when used wisely. Whether you’re facing a relentless boss or a crowd of agile enemies, mastering how and when to use the Fistful of Ash can create key openings and save your life in tense situations.
What Is Fistful of Ash?
Description and Lore
The Fistful of Ash is a throwable item found throughout the game world. It is essentially a handful of ash gathered from scorched remains, carried and used by shinobi to blind opponents temporarily. When thrown at enemies, it creates a cloud of dust that stuns or disorients them for a brief period. This window of opportunity allows players to land a free hit, recover posture, or reposition during combat.
The item also holds symbolic value. In the game’s war-torn setting, ash represents destruction, the aftermath of battle, and fleeting opportunities fitting metaphors for the tactical role it plays. While the game doesn’t deeply explore its backstory, the item’s flavor text hints at its widespread use among warriors who rely on trickery and swift strikes over brute force.
Where to Find Fistful of Ash
Item Locations and Acquisition
Fistful of Ash can be found in multiple locations throughout Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, especially in early-game areas like Ashina Outskirts and Ashina Castle. The item is often placed near dead bodies, burned grounds, or abandoned battlegrounds visually reinforcing its theme. It can also be purchased from merchants or dropped by certain enemies, though it’s typically more common as a pickup.
- Early locations: Near the General Naomori Kawarada mini-boss in Ashina Outskirts.
- Found near campfires and burned corpses look carefully around environmental details.
- Sold by the Memorial Mob merchant after unlocking access to key areas.
Stocking up on this item before a difficult encounter is always a good idea. While it’s not infinitely renewable, players can manage their usage to always keep a few on hand for emergencies.
How to Use Fistful of Ash in Combat
Strategic Utility
Though simple in function, the Fistful of Ash becomes a key tactical asset when used strategically. Its main use is to briefly stun enemies, which can interrupt attacks, delay aggression, or create openings for a deathblow. Here are some practical uses in combat:
- Interrupting enemy combos: If you’re being overwhelmed by a flurry of attacks, tossing ash can halt the enemy’s momentum.
- Creating distance: Use it to break away from close-range combat and heal or regroup.
- Setting up a deathblow: When stealth is broken or posture is maxed, a stunned enemy may be more vulnerable to a killing blow.
- Fighting multiple enemies: Against groups, ash helps control crowd pressure by stunning one enemy while focusing on another.
Timing is essential. Throwing the ash too early or too late will waste the item. Wait until an enemy is about to strike or is in mid-animation for best results. It is also important to note that certain enemies may be immune or less affected, so experimentation is necessary.
Best Situations to Use Fistful of Ash
Mini-Bosses and Boss Fights
Some of the most effective uses of Fistful of Ash come during encounters with difficult mini-bosses and full-scale bosses. While it won’t work on every enemy, a few notable encounters are prime opportunities for this item:
- General Naomori Kawarada: Early in the game, ash can break his aggressive stance and allow you to reset the fight.
- Chained Ogre: This powerful enemy can be stunned with ash, making it easier to land hits or run for cover.
- Seven Ashina Spears: Their relentless assault can be paused momentarily with ash, giving time to breathe.
Always approach each encounter with caution and observe how enemies react to thrown items. While ash won’t deal direct damage, its utility is in the time it buys, which in a game like Sekiro can be more valuable than health or strength.
Fistful of Ash vs. Other Throwables
Comparison With Other Tools
Sekiro features several throwables and quick-use items. It’s important to understand how Fistful of Ash compares with others like Ceramic Shards or Snap Seeds:
- Ceramic Shard: Primarily used to lure enemies or distract them for stealth. It lacks the combat utility of ash.
- Snap Seed: Extremely specific item used to counter illusion-based enemies; not useful in regular combat.
- Shuriken: Deals damage and interrupts enemy actions but lacks area effect and stun capabilities.
Fistful of Ash occupies a unique role: it is defensive and offensive at once. It doesn’t deal damage but provides a crucial pause in combat, allowing players to turn the tables or recover from a mistake. It’s more situational than shuriken but offers greater reward when used precisely.
Can Enemies Resist Fistful of Ash?
Limitations and Considerations
While Fistful of Ash is highly useful, it’s not foolproof. Some enemies are resistant or completely immune to its effects. Additionally, certain boss phases may render the item ineffective due to scripted behavior or sheer aggression. Other limitations include:
- Limited stun duration usually only a second or two, especially on stronger foes.
- No effect on mechanical enemies or ghosts.
- Throwing range is short requires being close to target, which can be risky.
Understanding these limitations is key to using Fistful of Ash effectively. Players should treat it as a support tool, not a win button. Use it to enhance skillful play, not to replace it.
Fistful of Ash
A Shinobi’s Best Kept Secret
In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, every second matters. A single mistake can lead to death, and recovery options are limited. The Fistful of Ash is a prime example of how FromSoftware rewards players who think creatively. It encourages mastery of timing, spacing, and awareness traits that define a true shinobi.
Although it may not have the flash of a prosthetic tool or the power of a gourd, the Fistful of Ash is a reliable, reusable, and surprisingly versatile item. It’s a favorite among veterans who know that survival isn’t just about strength, but about control and manipulation of the battlefield. When used correctly, this humble item is one of Sekiro’s most underrated combat tools.