Kusarigama quest fast facts

Quest Type Region Quest giver Requirement Reward
The Way of the Kusarigama Sensei tale (Chapter 1 – The Lone Wolf) Teshio Ridge (Owl Mountain) Master Enomoto Reach Teshio Ridge via the main tale “The Kitsune” Kusarigama (melee weapon)
The Path of the Kusarigama Sensei tale follow‑up Teshio Ridge Master Enomoto Complete The Way of the Kusarigama Charm of Shattering Strike (Task 2)

Start location and setup (Owl Mountain, Teshio Ridge)

Head to Owl Mountain in the northern part of Teshio Ridge. Crossing the bridge will trigger an automatic conversation with Master Enomoto and start The Way of the Kusarigama. This quest becomes available once you’ve reached Teshio Ridge during the main tale “The Kitsune.”

Unlock the kusarigama (The Way of the Kusarigama)

Follow Enomoto as he demonstrates a stealth takedown with the chain‑sickle, then clear the first group of enemies labeled “Nine Tails.” You’re free to fight loudly; stealth is not required. When the area is clear, a short cutscene places you at a wooden owl statue.

  • Collect the kusarigama by interacting with the wooden owl statue after the cutscene.
  • Follow Enomoto to a bamboo thicket and use the kusarigama to slice the thinner stalks on the side path.
  • Destroy the vases held by two bear statues using heavy attacks (Triangle). A rope bridge appears behind them; cross it and squeeze through the gate to more enemies.

The next “Nine Tails” encounter acts as a practical tutorial for the weapon:

  • Use heavy attacks (Triangle) to break enemy shields.
  • Follow up with quick attacks (Square) for damage.
  • Against katana users, switching back to your katana yields better damage.

Continue after the fight by climbing the marked wall. Enomoto lowers a wooden ladder; climb further using rock holds, cross another rope, and enter a temple above for a dialogue sequence. The choice here doesn’t affect outcomes.

Training milestones you need to complete

Enomoto leads you outside to a cluster of straw dummies. Hold the heavy attack button (Triangle) to charge and strike each target. Atsu will complain about the cold, and you’ll move with Enomoto up another short climb to his dojo for four more charged‑heavy strikes on dummies.

  • After a cutscene, wade into the cold pool directly ahead.
  • Return to the training targets and perform charged heavy attacks again—this time they break under the “ferocious whirlwind.”
  • Spar briefly with Enomoto: land a heavy attack and chain into quick hits.
  • Walk to the cliffside with him and press Up on the d‑pad to raise your spyglass. Look at the white smoke to the right and the village to the left to progress.

A final cutscene confirms the kusarigama is now fully unlocked for regular use.

Kusarigama strengths and best uses

The kusarigama is a chain‑sickle designed for unconventional angles, crowd control, and shield breaks. Its heavy attacks snap shields open; its reach lets you tag threats that are offset from your line. The moves lean into hooks, quick finishers, and broad swings that can tag multiple targets at once.

  • Best target profile: shielded enemies.
  • Flow: heavy (Triangle) to break guard, then quick (Square) to finish.
  • Weapon swap tip: if a swordsman without a shield is your primary threat, the katana remains the more efficient option.

Complete The Path of the Kusarigama (tasks 1–3)

After unlocking the weapon, Enomoto’s follow‑up tale expands its role and grants an early charm. It’s split into three tasks you can finish in sequence.

Task 1 — Snow Drift Springs Shrine

  • Travel to the Snow Drift Springs Shrine on the west side of the map and eliminate all enemies in the area.
  • Light three lanterns at the shrine’s entrance: one opposite the entrance, one to the left, and one to the right. Grab the torch at the center spot to start.
  • Crawl through the now‑open entrance and follow the path to an enemy camp; kill the camp and free the prisoners on the left cliffside at any point.
  • At the end of the camp, light the lantern to unlock a nearby ladder. Climb, cross the rope, and turn left to the shrine.
  • Pick up the puzzle box; the game shows the exact inputs to open it. After opening, swipe down on the touchpad to pray at the shrine.

Task 1 complete.

Task 2 — Rescue the weaponsmith (Charm reward)

  • Clear all enemies in the marked area.
  • Free the weaponsmith at the center when prompted. Completing this grants the Charm of Shattering Strike.

Task 2 complete.

Task 3 — Buy your first kusarigama skill

  • Visit any Altar of Reflection.
  • Select the Melee tab, then the Kusarigama tree, and purchase any one skill.

Task 3 complete. The Path of the Kusarigama is finished.

The kusarigama arrives early in Chapter 1 and immediately answers one of the game’s most common problems: shields. Use it to open blocks quickly, then decide whether to commit to its sweeping reach or swap to the katana to surgically end the fight. When you’re ready, Enomoto’s follow‑ups add a useful charm and your first upgrade to make the chain‑sickle a reliable part of your kit.