Among the many rare upgrade materials inSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Yellow Gunpowder stands out as one of the most important for players looking to enhance their Prosthetic Tools. Whether you’re aiming to upgrade the Firecracker, Flamethrower, or Sabimaru, Yellow Gunpowder is a required component for higher-tier improvements. But finding this resource isn’t always straightforward. Many players miss out on efficient farming routes, wasting time and risking death in tough areas. If you’re on a quest to farm Yellow Gunpowder quickly and effectively, understanding where and how to get it can significantly ease your journey.
What is Yellow Gunpowder Used For?
Yellow Gunpowder is a mid-to-late game crafting material primarily used to upgrade Prosthetic Tools. These upgrades improve the damage, utility, or functionality of tools such as the Loaded Axe, Flame Vent, and Divine Abduction. As upgrades become more powerful, they often require a mix of rare items, with Yellow Gunpowder being one of the central ingredients.
Examples of Upgrades Requiring Yellow Gunpowder
- Flame Vent → Okinaga’s Flame Vent
- Loaded Axe → Spring-load Axe
- Sabimaru → Lazulite Sabimaru
Because these tools are crucial for dealing with specific enemy types or bosses, players seeking a strategic advantage will need a good supply of Yellow Gunpowder.
Best Yellow Gunpowder Farm Locations
Farming Yellow Gunpowder efficiently requires knowing which enemies drop it and where they spawn. While some can be found in item form, the most reliable method for stockpiling is defeating specific enemy types repeatedly.
1. Ashina Depths – Poison Pool Idol
This is widely considered the most consistent place to farm Yellow Gunpowder in Sekiro. From the Poison Pool Sculptor’s Idol, head forward and look for the large gun-wielding enemies. These heavily armored enemies have a solid chance of dropping Yellow Gunpowder upon defeat. Use stealth to land backstabs or crowd control tools to manage their range attacks.
- Recommended Tools: Sabimaru (effective against the enemies here), Firecrackers for stun
- Tips: Equip the Mibu Possession Balloon to increase drop rates
2. Sunken Valley – Under-Shrine Valley Idol
In this area, players will encounter white-cloaked gunmen. While these foes are dangerous at long range, they have a decent chance of dropping Yellow Gunpowder. From the idol, make your way across the bridge and eliminate the shooters on the ledges. A quick loop around this area can yield decent results.
- Pro: Easy to reset by returning to the idol
- Con: Risk of being shot off ledges if you’re not careful
3. Ashina Castle – Upper Tower
Later in the game, after Ashina Castle becomes infested with tougher enemies, you can farm Yellow Gunpowder from newly spawned rifle-wielding foes around the Upper Tower area. These enemies are slightly more difficult but drop better loot.
It’s important to note that the castle changes depending on your progression in the story. If you’ve advanced far enough for the Interior Ministry to invade, new enemy types with high drop rates will appear in this region.
Optimizing Your Farming Efficiency
Using Mibu Balloons
One of the best ways to increase your Yellow Gunpowder farming efficiency is by usingMibu Possession Balloons. These consumable items increase the drop rate of rare loot when activated before or during combat.
To maximize their effect:
- Use them just before entering an enemy-heavy area
- Stack with items like the Golden Vortex (if unlocked)
- Reset quickly by returning to a nearby idol
Use Stealth and Critical Hits
Some enemies that drop Yellow Gunpowder are quite strong and capable of killing you quickly if approached carelessly. Use Sekiro’s stealth mechanics to land deathblows and avoid unnecessary conflict. Farm efficiently by skipping enemies that don’t drop materials and focusing only on those with high drop potential.
Increase Attack Power First
Boosting your attack power by using Memories gained from bosses can make farming faster and safer. Stronger attacks mean you eliminate enemies faster, and therefore you can complete more loops per minute. This leads to more drops over time.
Enemies That Drop Yellow Gunpowder
Knowing the enemy types that drop Yellow Gunpowder is critical. They include:
- Gun-wielding soldiers in the Ashina Depths and Sunken Valley
- Heavy infantry enemies in late-game Ashina Castle
- Interior Ministry forces after the invasion event
While the drop rate is not guaranteed, these enemies provide the highest chance across the game. Unlike other crafting materials like Scrap Magnetite or Fulminated Mercury, Yellow Gunpowder has a moderate drop rate, which is why farming in the correct zones is key.
Other Places to Find Yellow Gunpowder
In addition to farming from enemies, you can find some Yellow Gunpowder as item pickups in the world. These are one-time pickups but can help early on when you’re short on materials.
Notable Pickup Locations
- Sunken Valley– Several pickups are scattered around cliffs and near sniper towers
- Ashina Depths– Look for small glowing items near poison pools and side paths
- Senpou Temple– Some interior rooms contain valuable loot including Yellow Gunpowder
Make sure to explore thoroughly, especially hidden paths or areas behind breakable walls. The world of Sekiro is filled with secrets, and many players miss out on valuable loot simply by rushing forward.
How Many You Need
The exact number of Yellow Gunpowder needed depends on how many Prosthetic Tools you wish to fully upgrade. On average, you’ll need 10-15 Yellow Gunpowder to upgrade multiple tools to mid-tier levels. If you’re aiming to 100% the upgrade tree, expect to need more than 20 units.
Track Your Inventory
Open the inventory and scroll to the Upgrade Materials tab to monitor how much Yellow Gunpowder you’ve accumulated. This will help avoid over-farming or wasting time on unnecessary routes.
Yellow Gunpowder in Sekiro is a vital resource that empowers your Prosthetic Tools, giving you the edge needed against increasingly difficult bosses and mini-bosses. With smart farming techniques, knowledge of enemy types, and a strategic approach to equipment, you can build a healthy supply of this material without unnecessary frustration. Whether you’re grinding through Ashina Depths or sniping gunmen in Sunken Valley, remember to keep efficiency in mind and make the most of each farming run. As with many things in Sekiro, patience and precision are key to success.