Akatori Bells of Chaos Guide: How to Find Every Shrine and Upgrade Mako’s Staff

The Amber Storms are ravaging the world of Akatori, leaving Mako with the monumental task of restoring balance through the power of her mystical staff. To survive these treacherous lands, players must track down the Akatori Bells of Chaos, which serve as the primary conduits for upgrading your combat prowess. Mastering the Akatori Bells of Chaos is essential for any player looking to overcome the game’s toughest challenges and unlock Mako’s full potential.

Understanding the Bells of Chaos Mechanic

In this 2D metroidvania, the Bells of Chaos act as shrines where Mako can spend Chaos points collected throughout her journey. These points are not merely currency; they are the keys to unlocking complex combat maneuvers and survival skills. Whether you are navigating the dense foliage of the Amber Forest or dodging hazards in the Amber Mines, you will find that these shrines provide the necessary edge to survive.

If you are just starting your journey, you can check out the official Akatori Steam store page for the latest updates and developer announcements from Contrast Games.

Essential Staff Ability Upgrades

The staff is more than a weapon; it is an extension of Mako’s spirit. By visiting these shrines, you can customize your playstyle to better suit your needs. Below is a breakdown of the primary abilities you can unlock using the points gathered at the shrines.

Strategy for Locating Shrines

Players often ask how to find all the hidden shrines efficiently. While some are located on the main path, many require you to utilize Mako’s movement abilities, such as gliding and sliding, to reach secret areas. Always keep an eye out for environmental cues, as the developer, Contrast Games, has hidden these checkpoints behind destructible walls or complex platforming puzzles.

Exploration Checklist

Before heading into a new region, ensure you have cleared the previous one of all available upgrades. Use the following checklist to maintain your progression:

• Scan the Map: Check for unreachable ledges that require new mobility upgrades.
• Listen for Audio Cues: The shrines often emit a faint, melodic chime when you are nearby.
• Interact with NPCs: Some villagers may hint at the location of a "lost bell" in the depths of the mines.
• Track Cat Spirits: Often, the hidden cat spirits are located in the same secret rooms as the shrines.

Combat Progression and Chaos Points

As you progress through the five interconnected worlds—Akatori Monastery, Amber Castle, Amber Mines, Amber Forest, and Amber Plant—the difficulty of the Amber Storms increases. You must prioritize your upgrades based on your current challenges. If you find yourself dying repeatedly to a boss, consider investing in the Health Boost or the Staff Return and Strike ability to gain more breathing room.

Recommended Upgrade Order

Community Tips for Exploration

Based on player experience, many of the most difficult Akatori Bells of Chaos are hidden behind vertical platforming challenges. If you feel like you are stuck, try revisiting earlier areas once you have unlocked the gliding ability. Many players report that the Amber Forest contains at least two shrines that are easily missed if you don't explore the upper canopy sections.

Always remember that this is a non-linear experience. If a specific area feels impossible, it is often a sign that you should seek out an upgrade in a different region first. The game design encourages backtracking, which is a staple of the metroidvania genre.

Platform Availability

Whether you are playing on a high-end PC or a console, the core mechanics remain consistent. Here is a breakdown of the platforms where you can experience Mako's journey:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Akatori Bells of Chaos used for? The Bells of Chaos are shrines that allow Mako to spend Chaos points to unlock and upgrade her staff abilities, such as parrying, health boosts, and powerful area-of-effect attacks.

Do I need to find every shrine to beat the game? While you don't strictly need every single upgrade to reach the credits, finding the majority of the Akatori Bells of Chaos will make the final bosses significantly more manageable and allow you to explore hidden areas you otherwise couldn't reach.

Where can I find a map of all shrine locations? Because the game map is expansive, many players rely on community-shared screenshots and guides. We recommend checking the official Steam community hub for the latest player-created maps, as they are often updated to reflect new patches or hidden secrets found by the community.

Are there any cheat codes for infinite Chaos points? No, there are no official cheat codes or promo codes for this game. All upgrades must be earned through exploration and combat. Be wary of third-party sites claiming to offer "unlock codes," as these are often malicious. Always stick to official channels for game news.