TL;DR
- Five Headless mini-bosses are scattered throughout Sekiro’s regions, each requiring unique approaches
- Spiritfall rewards provide reusable combat buffs but consume Spirit Emblems for activation
- Mibu Breathing Technique is essential for accessing two underwater Headless encounters
- Proper item preparation with Divine Confetti and Pacifying Agent dramatically improves success rates
- Strategic timing and environmental management can significantly reduce encounter difficulty
When you first encounter and defeat a Headless in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the experience typically occurs during early gameplay and delivers both intense satisfaction and profound relief. However, these formidable spectral warriors don’t remain vanquished after a single encounter—multiple Headless entities are strategically positioned throughout Ashina’s various regions, often concealed in obscure locations that require thorough exploration to discover. For players committed to eliminating every Headless manifestation, comprehensive location guidance becomes essential for efficient tracking and elimination.
This guide provides detailed navigation routes to each Headless location, though visual learners may prefer our comprehensive video guide demonstration for enhanced clarity. We also detail the specific rewards earned upon successfully defeating each one. For combat assistance against these challenging foes, consult our specialized Headless defeat guide. Additional Sekiro resources include locating every Shinobi Prosthetic tool, essential survival techniques to reduce fatalities, and strategies for overcoming the Chained Ogre, Jozou the Drunkard, and Blazing Bull encounters.
This encounter typically represents players’ first Headless confrontation, with two distinct navigation paths available. Starting from the Ashina Outskirts Stairway Sculptor’s Idol, follow the route past the previously defeated Chained Ogre into the Pit area that normally progresses toward Underbridge Valley. Rather than continuing forward, turn right where you’ll notice an enigmatic marker affixed to a wall structure. Use your grappling hook to advance across several tree branches overlooking the cliff edge, where you’ll identify a section with visible indicators suggesting a graspable ledge exists. Descend from your branch position onto this ledge and carefully traverse along it until reaching stable terrain. You’ll discover a narrow passage requiring crouched movement, with the tunnel gradually darkening until a solitary illumination becomes visible—upon closer inspection, this light source emanates from the Headless’s spectral blade.
The alternative approach to this identical Headless begins at the Shugendo Sculptor’s Idol adjacent to the Demon Bell in Senpou Temple. This route progresses through a compact tunnel into a structure featuring a charred human silhouette on the wall surface. This actually functions as a concealed entrance accessible by pressing against the wall and aligning your character with the silhouette outline, granting entry into a darkened passage leading toward Ashina Outskirts. If this idol location is already unlocked, this pathway may offer faster access for repeated mini-boss attempts.
Reward: Ako’s Spiritfall – “Fallen headless spirit of Ako that increases Vitality and Posture Damage for a time, Consume Spirit Emblems to use repeatedly. Headless are the ruined form of corrupted heroes who once fought for their country. Seize the power of an inhuman spirit by laying it to rest, but risk going quite mad unless something is offered in return.”
This particular Headless resides within Ashina Depths and remains obscured by dense mist coverage. We strongly recommend engaging this opponent only after successfully defeating the Mist Noble boss encounter, which eliminates both spectral entities and atmospheric obscurity from the vicinity, enabling undivided concentration on the Headless confrontation. To reach its location, simply utilize your grappling tool from the buddha statue position and descend downward into Hidden Forest territory.
Reward: Gachiin’s Spiritfall – “Fallen, headless spirit of Gachiin. Suppresses sound and presence, making the user harder to detect, Consume Spirit Emblems for use repeatedly. Headless are ruined form of corrupted heroes who once fought for their country. “I’m falling to pieces,” said the man to himself, drifting deep into the forest.”
Foremost, accessing this Headless demands acquisition of the Mibu Breathing Technique Latent Skill. Locate this opponent by approaching a water reservoir adjacent to a bridge near the Old Grave Idol location. Submerge beneath the water surface and you’ll be guided directly toward its position.
Reward: Ungo’s Spiritfall – “Fallen headless spirit of Ungo that reduces Vitality damage taken from physical attacks. Consume Spirit Emblems for use repeatedly. Headless are ruined form of corrupted heroes who once fought for their country. This warrior lost his mind in defense of the state. His attempted mutiny was met with a swift beheading, and the lifeless body sunk to the bottom of the moat.”
Beginning from the Under-Shrine Valley Sculptor’s Idol, utilize your grappling apparatus to cross a visible chasm, then proceed through various platforming sequences before requiring wall-hugging maneuvers to gradually traverse the corresponding ledge system. Adjacent to this area, you’ll identify a compact water pool that can be submerged into, guiding you toward a cavern containing a Headless opponent. Important to recognize: engaging this specific Headless also necessitates possession of the Mibu Breathing Technique Latent Skill.
Successfully confronting Headless opponents requires meticulous preparation beyond simple combat proficiency. These spectral entities possess significant resistance to conventional weaponry, making Divine Confetti an absolute necessity for dealing meaningful damage. Additionally, their terror-inducing attacks can rapidly deplete your health, so Pacifying Agent or similar terror-resistance items become crucial survival tools.
Strategic positioning plays a vital role—Headless attacks often feature wide arcs that can be avoided by maintaining optimal distance and angling. Their slow movement patterns create opportunities for strategic hit-and-run tactics, though their teleportation abilities demand constant environmental awareness. For players struggling with these encounters, our Complete Guide offers comprehensive combat fundamentals that translate well to Headless confrontations.
Spiritfall rewards, while powerful, consume Spirit Emblems during activation. This creates important resource management considerations, particularly for builds relying heavily on prosthetic tools. The Ako’s Spiritfall particularly benefits aggressive playstyles, while Gachiin’s Spiritfall excels for stealth-oriented approaches. Understanding these Class Guide principles can help optimize your approach based on preferred combat methodology.
Action Checklist
- Acquire Divine Confetti and Pacifying Agent from merchants before attempting any Headless encounters
- Defeat Mist Noble in Ashina Depths to clear environmental obstacles
- Obtain Mibu Breathing Technique from Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole
- Systematically explore all five Headless locations using provided navigation guides
- Optimize Spiritfall usage based on your preferred combat style and Weapons Unlock preferences
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Sekiro Headless Boss Tips & Guide: Locations And What You Get From Killing Them Complete guide to finding and defeating all Headless mini-bosses in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
