FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice strips away the weapon variety seen in Dark Souls or Bloodborne and instead focuses on a handful of unique tools and blades. While the Wolf spends most of the game wielding the Kusabimaru, the variety of prosthetic tools, special swords, and upgrade paths ensures there is still depth in how combat unfolds. Each unique weapon carries not just practical use but also symbolic weight, tied to lore and player progression.
Kusabimaru
The Kusabimaru is the Wolf’s primary sword, given by Lord Kuro at the beginning of the game. It is a straight-edged katana suited for fast strikes, deflections, and skill-based combat. While it cannot be swapped out, it evolves with the player through combat arts and upgrades to the Prosthetic Arm that complement its moveset. The Kusabimaru represents loyalty and duty, anchoring the Wolf’s identity throughout the story.
Mortal Blade
The Mortal Blade is a red katana tied to the power of immortality. It is capable of killing beings who cannot normally die, making it essential to the game’s central themes. The Wolf acquires it during the main quest, and although it is not a full-time replacement for the Kusabimaru, it is used in key moments to execute certain enemies and bosses. Symbolically, the Mortal Blade serves as a decisive instrument of fate.
Sabimaru
Sabimaru is a short, poisonous sword hidden within Ashina Castle. It can inflict poison on enemies with repeated strikes, making it particularly effective against foes weak to toxins. While it lacks raw power, its rapid strikes add tactical variety and give players an option against enemies resistant to standard katana combat.
Malcontent’s Ring (upgraded Finger Whistle)
While not a blade, the Finger Whistle and its upgraded form, Malcontent, stand out as one of the most unusual tools. It allows the Wolf to emit piercing sounds that can confuse or enrage enemies. The upgraded version can even disrupt certain bosses, including the Demon of Hatred. Unlike other tools, it reflects psychological and supernatural aspects of combat rather than physical force.
Mist Raven’s Feathers
The Mist Raven prosthetic tool, found in Hirata Estate, lets the Wolf vanish and reposition when struck. It is one of the most elegant and skillful tools in the game, rewarding precise timing and awareness. Its upgraded forms add elemental twists, but at its core it embodies Sekiro’s theme of mobility and evasion over brute force.
Flame Vent
The Flame Vent projects fire through the prosthetic arm. Beyond its raw damage, it can set enemies ablaze, staggering them and opening up opportunities for deathblows. Its upgrades, such as the Lazulite form, allow it to counter supernatural foes. Fire also ties back to the tragic burning of Hirata Estate, embedding narrative weight into its use.
Loaded Axe
The Loaded Axe is a heavy prosthetic weapon capable of smashing shields and staggering larger enemies. Though slower than other tools, its power makes it invaluable against defensive opponents. Its symbolic presence reflects Ashina’s martial traditions, as it is a weapon suited for raw force rather than finesse.
Shinobi Firecracker
One of the earliest prosthetic tools, the Firecracker disrupts enemies with loud bursts and flashes of light. It is highly effective against beasts like the Chained Ogre or Guardian Ape. Though simple in design, it is a versatile and tactical weapon that rewards experimentation.
Loaded Spear
The Loaded Spear excels at both thrusts and ripping armour from enemies. In particular, it can strip away the Guardian Ape’s armour in its second phase. Its utility lies not just in damage but in breaking down an enemy’s defences, fitting perfectly with Sekiro’s posture-focused combat system.
Divine Dragon’s Sword
In the late game, the Wolf briefly wields the Divine Dragon’s sword during the climactic boss encounter. Its lightning-infused strikes represent divine intervention and mythic power, setting it apart from every other weapon in the game. Though temporary, it leaves a lasting impression as a symbol of climax and resolution.
Loaded Umbrella
The Loaded Umbrella offers defensive versatility by blocking incoming strikes, gunfire, and elemental attacks. It comes in multiple variations, including those enhanced against terror or fire. While not a weapon of offence, it is unique for its defensive reliability, reflecting the adaptability of the shinobi toolkit.
Shuriken Wheel
The Shuriken Wheel allows the Wolf to fire spinning blades at enemies. It is one of the most straightforward tools but remains useful for interrupting attacks, hitting aerial enemies, or creating openings. Later upgrades, such as Lazulite Shuriken, give it supernatural properties.
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Sekiro may not overwhelm players with weapon variety, but its unique arsenal is tightly designed. Each blade, tool, and prosthetic upgrade has a place within the world and combat system, blending practical function with lore significance. From the faithful Kusabimaru to the mythic Mortal Blade and the divine sword of the final battle, these weapons shape the journey of the Wolf in ways that go beyond raw damage.
