Chapter 5: Branching Paths in Beast of Reincarnation leads players to the Matsukawa Colony, an ancient structure populated by Golem remnants and other foes. This walkthrough details the progression through this new area and culminates in a rematch with a previously encountered boss.
Entering the Matsukawa Colony
Upon arriving in the Matsukawa Zone of the Mountainous Region via the Cleanse Walker, the primary objective is to locate the Matsukawa Colony. Players will begin by traversing ruined buildings, utilizing Emma's hair grapple ability to ascend structures. Glowing orange butterflies mark the path forward. After encountering and defeating two weak Golems guarding the Spirit Stone: Faster Reloads 2 item, players should proceed across a rusted bridge.
Following a slide down from the ruins, players will find the Ruins: Approach Campsite, which contains a strongbox with the Scale Coat armor. Nearby, a small camp to the left of the campsite holds another strongbox with a Decayed Charm and Cleanse Walker upgrade items. This camp also features salamander enemies and a Normal Recipe: Fish Onigiri.
Continuing past the campsite and through a lake, players will ascend a small stone staircase to find a Keeper Golem. This Golem can provide information on Elite Enemies or Crop Seedlings in the vicinity. Further ahead lies a tall metal structure filled with Golems and various arrows and bolts. After clearing this building, players should head north towards the Cave Entrance Campsite, which has a Merchant Golem nearby.
Navigating the Cave and Village
Inside the cave, players must navigate through areas filled with fire. Emma's hair traversal abilities are crucial for safely moving above the fiery terrain. At the end of the cave, a gauntlet of malefacts, familiar enemies, must be defeated. Shock damage is recommended for this encounter. Upon clearing the enemies, the cave exit opens, leading to a small village. Here, players will find Golem enemies, a Dragon Vein Shrine, and after climbing atop wooden shacks and grappling upwards, another Dragon Vein Shrine can be found to the left.
Jumping down into the swampy area below reveals more ruins and enemies. A third Dragon Vein Shrine and another strongbox are located here. The path generally leads east through the water towards the objective. Players may encounter a Withered Enemy, a formidable foe that can be avoided by proceeding to the nearby Ruins: Outskirts Campsite.
Reaching the Colony's Interior
From the Ruins: Outskirts Campsite, players proceed south and across a steel bridge, where another Merchant Golem offers wares. An elevator just ahead leads to the Upper Matsukawa Colony (Front) Campsite, marking the official arrival at the colony. However, entry into the main colony requires defeating a Headless Golem Elite Enemy located just past the campsite.
Approaching the door in front of the player will grant access to the colony's initial area. It is advised to explore this room thoroughly, as it contains a Keeper Golem, multiple Dragon Vein Shrines, additional campsites, and loot. After exploring, players can proceed through a door and use another elevator.
The subsequent room contains a Note and a Life Fruit Seedling, followed by a cutscene where Emma discusses the cells with her companions. Further ahead, two more Notes and the Hazebringer Sword can be acquired. Players are encouraged to upgrade and equip this weapon immediately.
Using another elevator leads to a room where the Matsukawa Colony: Central Area Campsite can be unlocked. This area provides a Note, Manual: Bottle of Poison, Bottles of Poison, a Bone, and Life Fruit. Interacting with a Control Panel in this room opens the gate back to the colony's entrance. Players will find that fast travel and returning to the Cleanse Walker are currently unavailable.
Boss Encounter: Rangifer
Upon exiting the room, a familiar foe, Rangifer from Chapter 1, reappears at Level 32. Fortunately, this boss fight does not introduce new moves or mechanics. The primary challenge is Rangifer's second phase, which includes a second health bar, requiring careful HP management during the initial encounter. Players should utilize their learned abilities and any Lightning-elemental attacks to defeat the boss.
Upon defeating Rangifer, players return to the Cleanse Walker and are rewarded with the Finisher: Sakura Blade Art and Sakura: Javelin 2 Bloom Art. It is then recommended to complete any outstanding Companion episodes and rest.
With Chapter 5 concluded, players can proceed to Chapter 6. For further assistance in Beast of Reincarnation, players can consult guides on how to respec, all bosses, and the locations of Crop Seedlings.