In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, every battle feels intense and risky. Your health and posture decide if you live or die. One way to boost both is by collecting Sekiro prayer beads. These special items help you grow stronger by increasing your maximum Vitality and Posture.
Most prayer beads come from mini-bosses, but some are hidden in the world. If you miss them, your journey can become much harder. In this guide, you will learn what prayer beads are, where to find them, and how to use them. By the end, you’ll understand why Sekiro prayer beads are so crucial in the game.
What Are Sekiro Prayer Beads?
Sekiro prayer beads are small, glowing items found throughout the game. You need four of them to form one Prayer Necklace. When you offer four beads at a Sculptor’s Idol, you receive a health and posture upgrade. This helps you survive longer in fights and block enemy attacks better.
Each necklace also gives a short story or background about the world of Sekiro. These details add depth to the characters and the land of Ashina. Prayer beads are not optional if you want to beat the game’s hardest bosses.
How Many Sekiro Prayer Beads Are in the Game?
There are exactly 40 Sekiro prayer beads in one full playthrough. That means you can make 10 Prayer Necklaces. Each necklace increases your maximum Vitality and Posture, giving you a better chance at survival.
If you play New Game Plus, prayer beads from bosses are replaced by Heavy Coin Purses. Hidden beads are replaced by Divine Grass or Jizo Statues. So, it’s important to collect all 40 on your first run if you can.
Here’s a final look at all the key facts about Sekiro prayer beads in one table.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Number in Game | 40 Prayer Beads |
| Needed to Make 1 Necklace | 4 Prayer Beads |
| Total Prayer Necklaces Possible | 10 Necklaces |
| Ways to Get Beads | Bosses and Hidden Locations |
| Use of Prayer Beads | Boost Health and Posture |
| Are They Missable? | Yes, some are story-sensitive |
| Carry Over to New Game Plus? | Yes |
Read more: St rita prayer
Types of Prayer Beads: Bosses vs. Hidden
You will find Sekiro prayer beads in two ways. The first is by defeating mini-bosses, and the second is finding hidden beads in the world. Boss fights are hard but rewarding. Hidden beads require exploring caves, rooftops, lakes, or secret doors.
Let’s look at how many of each kind are found in the game.
| Source | Number of Prayer Beads |
|---|---|
| Mini-boss Fights | 30 |
| Hidden Locations | 10 |
| Total | 40 |
Important Areas to Collect Sekiro Prayer Beads
Different game zones have different numbers of Sekiro prayer beads. Each region has its own set of bosses and secrets. Some beads can be missed if you go too far in the story. Others are locked behind special endings.
Here’s a breakdown by location.
| Area Name | Prayer Beads Available |
|---|---|
| Ashina Outskirts | 6 |
| Hirata Estate | 5 |
| Ashina Castle | 11 |
| Senpou Temple | 3 |
| Sunken Valley | 4 |
| Ashina Depths | 7 |
| Fountainhead Palace | 3 |
| Total | 40 |
Some of these locations are only unlocked by progressing through specific storylines or using items like the Father’s Bell Charm.
How to Use Sekiro Prayer Beads
Once you collect four Sekiro prayer beads, go to any Sculptor’s Idol. Choose the option called “Enhance Physical Attributes.” You will create a Prayer Necklace and boost your max health and posture.
This process is repeatable. You can make up to ten necklaces. Each one makes your character stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.
Prayer Necklace Lore and Descriptions
Each Prayer Necklace in Sekiro comes with a bit of backstory. These short stories tell us more about the world, the characters, and even some mini-bosses. This makes Sekiro prayer beads not just useful, but also rich in lore.
Here are a few examples of necklace descriptions.
| Necklace Number | Lore Summary |
|---|---|
| First | Ashina generals are sword masters |
| Second | Red-eyed ogre was locked in a dungeon |
| Third | The bull once crushed samurai in battle |
| Fourth | Only masters may enter the Ashina dojo |
| Fifth | Snake Eyes command the Gun Fort |
| Sixth | Centipedes change leaders and names |
| Seventh | Juzou was once a sumo, now a bandit |
| Eighth | Lone Shadows serve the Interior Ministry |
| Ninth | A foreigner came seeking the Undying |
| Tenth | Few of the Seven Spears still remain |
These stories help us understand the deep history behind the land of Ashina and its warriors.
New Game Plus and Missable Prayer Beads
In New Game Plus, most prayer beads are no longer available. Bosses will drop money instead of beads. Hidden beads will become healing or support items. That’s why it’s important to collect all Sekiro prayer beads before you finish the game.
Some beads are missable if you skip parts of the story:
- If you don’t get the Young Lord’s Bell Charm, you can miss up to 3 beads in Hirata Estate.
- Without the Father’s Bell Charm, you will miss 2 mini-bosses and their beads.
- If Ashina Castle is invaded and bosses disappear, their beads can be bought from the Offering Box near Hanbei.
Read more: Thomas merton prayer
Why You Should Never Skip Sekiro Prayer Beads
Skipping prayer beads is like choosing to stay weak. You might get through some fights, but the harder bosses will crush you. Boosting health and posture makes parrying easier and keeps you alive longer. Even the best players rely on their necklaces in tough battles.
If you plan to beat the game or get the true ending, make sure you collect every Sekiro prayer bead. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re still standing after a brutal fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I farm Sekiro prayer beads?
No, prayer beads are not farmable. Each one is in a fixed location or from a specific boss.
What happens if I miss a prayer bead?
If it’s from a mini-boss, you might find it in the Offering Box. Others may be lost forever.
Do prayer beads carry over to New Game Plus?
Yes, collected prayer beads and necklaces carry over to New Game Plus.
How many necklaces can I make?
You can make 10 necklaces by collecting all 40 Sekiro prayer beads.
Conclusion
In Sekiro, every edge counts. Boosting your health and posture with prayer beads is key to survival. These beads turn tough fights into possible victories. The more you collect, the easier it becomes to face even the hardest enemies in Ashina.
If you’re serious about finishing the game, Sekiro prayer beads must be part of your strategy. Explore every corner, defeat every boss, and don’t let a single bead go unclaimed.