Finding key items in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice often requires players to thoroughly explore hidden paths and solve subtle environmental puzzles. Among these special items is the Water of the Palace, a crucial quest item needed to complete a memorable side quest. Understanding where to find this item and how to navigate the complex architecture of Fountainhead Palace ensures you will not miss out on valuable rewards.
Locating the Water of the Palace in Fountainhead Palace
The Water of the Palace is tucked away inside a hidden room within the main grounds of Fountainhead Palace. To find it, start at the Flower Viewing Stage Sculptor's Idol and navigate past the enemies patrolling the wooden walkways. Look for a courtyard building featuring a broken section of floor that leads down into a flooded passage.
Jump into the water-filled hole and dive beneath the surface to discover a submerged tunnel. Swimming through this short underwater route brings you up into an otherwise inaccessible locked room. Inside this hidden chamber, you will find a treasure chest containing the Water of the Palace alongside additional loot.
Prerequisites and Reaching Fountainhead Palace
Before you can retrieve the Water of the Palace, you must first unlock access to the Fountainhead Palace region. This end-game area requires acquiring essential story items, including the Shelter Stone, Lotus of the Palace, and Mortal Blade. You must also defeat Great Shinobi Owl at Ashina Castle and pray at the palanquin in the Wedding Cave.
Additionally, navigating the waters safely requires the Mibu Breathing Technique, which is unlocked by defeating the Corrupted Monk in Ashina Depths. Equipping this technique allows Wolf to dive underwater indefinitely, which is necessary to reach the item's location.
Delivering the Water of the Palace for Quest Rewards
Once collected, the Water of the Palace serves a specific purpose for an NPC located in the Ashina Depths. Fast travel back to Mibu Village and head toward the Head Priest's house located near the wedding cave entrance. Access the inside of the house by using the secret revolving floor panel located under the building.
Hand the Water of the Palace to the thirsty priest, who will reward you with Dragonspring Sake. Resting at a Sculptor's Idol and returning to the house triggers the final stage of his transformation. Defeating the transformed priest allows you to claim five Treasure Carp Scales as your final reward.