In thisSekiro: Shadows Die Twice Guidewe’re going to be taking an in depth look at theLoaded Umbrella Prosthetic Tool. This is the second of 10 such guides, exploring every facet of these. From explaining just what each upgrade does, to how they can best be utilized in combat. I decided to do the Loaded Umbrella next because it was one I had a vague understanding of, and I really wanted to learn more about how it works inSekiro.
Sekiro Prosthetic Tool Guide: Loaded Umbrella
The Loaded Umbrella can be obtained near the Old Grave Sculptor’s Idol inAshina Castle. From there drop down over the cliff, onto the building with a hole in the roof below. There you will findBlackhat Badger, who will sell you this Iron Fortress for 1600 Sen. If you somehow missed him, you can check back in this location later in the game and you will find it lying where he should have been. Take this to theSculptorto gain the Loaded Umbrella.
Loaded Umbrella Information
The Loaded Umbrella, much like many otherProsthetic Tools, is used very situationally. Pressing R2 will deflect incoming melee attacks, if timed properly, costing 1Spirit Emblem. If R2 is then held, you will Block attacks with no further Spirit Emblem cost until you let go of R2. Unlike later upgrades, this version of the Umbrella has the downside of not being able to deflect multiple attacks in a row easily, since L1 does not spin the Umbrella.
The primary use for this version of the Umbrella will be to block incoming ranged attacks, unless you possess theProjected Force Skill. This Skill will allow you to unleash a devastating crossing slash attack after Deflecting or Blocking with the Umbrella by pressing R1. This attack is slower than a normal R1 attack, but hits much much harder and has poise. This all but guarantees your hit to connect, even if struck by the enemy during its animation.
Once you have Projected Force, if you Deflect or Block enough projectiles (usually 3) with the Umbrella, it will begin to smoke. Once this occurs you can use Projected Force to shoot your own projectile back at an enemy, dealing substantial damage. What’s particularly great about this attack, is that you can release R2 once it has begun smoking, continue fighting, and then shoot the projectile later if you wish. Please note, however, that if you swap Prosthetic Tools, your Umbrella will quit smoking.
Loaded Umbrella - Magnet Information
This iteration of the Loaded Umbrella functions in a similar manner to the previous one, but pressing L1 while holding R2 will cause the Umbrella to spin. Any attack connecting with the Umbrella during its spin will be deflected perfectly. Since this spin lasts much longer than your typical deflect withKusabimaru, it’s great against enemies who attack rapidly like theLong-arm Centipede GiraffeorLone Shadow Longswordsman. However, it can be used effectively against any enemy that deals “physical damage” if timed properly, and works well in tight spaces where movement is difficult.
Phoenix’s Lilac Umbrella Information
The next upgrade isPhoenix’s Lilac Umbrella, which works the same way as theMagnet version, except that it protects against physical attacks and terror-based attacks as well. This makes it particularly effective against enemies like theShichimen Warrior,HeadlessandHeadless Ape. However, that is not the only difference.
Using Projected Force with this Umbrella variant, will add the effect ofDivine Confettito the cross slash attack, but not the projectile. This does increased damage against all enemies, but particularly apparition type enemies like the ones mentioned. This means you can face them without having to farm Confetti, if you would rather not be bothered. Additionally, this attack will deal Vitality Damage through a Deflect or Block.
Suzaku’s Lotus Umbrella Information
The final upgrade for the Loaded Umbrella protects against physical and fire damage attacks, and works identically to the previous upgrade otherwise. This makes it particularly useful againstBlazing Bull,Isshin Ashina, andDemon of Hatred. Note that it cannot set theBurning Status Abnormalities, even when used in conjunction withOil.
Final Tips
If you’re going to be using the Umbrella regularly, I strongly suggest usingUngo’s Sugarfor less incoming damage while performing Projected Force. It has a very long animation, and is hard to time perfectly over and over again during fights with aggressive enemies. This will ensure you survive these mistakes, and live to Deathblow the enemy.
Using Projected Force with either Phoenix’s Lilac Umbrella orSuzaku’s Lotus Umbrellawill overwrite weapon buffs. These include: Divine Confetti,Living ForceandBestowal Ninjutsu. If you’re going to be using one of these Umbrellas, be sure not to waste these.
All projectiles fired from the various Umbrellas do same amount of damage, and the only difference in damage is with the melee attack Projected Force. Phoenix’s Lilac Umbrella and Suzaku’s Lotus Umbrella deal roughly twice as much damage as the default and Magnet, so you’ll likely be using one of these around end game or in NG+. And, since you cannot set Burning, it won’t matter which you use until you face apparitions or enemies who deal fire damage.
Lastly, the Loaded Umbrella can deflect/block thrusting Perilous Attacks. This allows you to “turtle” a bit with this Prosthetic Tool, particularly against enemies who have no sweeping Perilous Attacks. The Umbrella cannot Deflect or Block sweeping Perilous Attacks, so you’ll have to anticipate these, or simply not use the Umbrella against enemies who do.
Stay tuned for moreProsthetic Tool Guides, and be sure to check out ourBossandBeginner Guidesif you need more help with the game!
