Navigating the vertical, desolate landscapes of Leafy Games' indie hit requires more than just a steady hand on your grappling hook. To truly uncover the narrative depth of this atmospheric title, players must track down specific idols of ash secret locations scattered throughout the descent. These locations, primarily manifesting as ancient kilns filled with glowing green ashes, serve as both checkpoints and windows into the protagonist's haunted past.
Whether you are aiming to complete your first run or looking to unlock the punishing "First Kiln" bonus map, understanding the layout of these idols of ash secret locations is essential. The game’s physics-based movement rewards momentum, but slowing down to investigate hidden crevices often reveals vital health spirits and story beats that are easily missed during a high-speed speedrun. In this 2026 guide, we detail every major checkpoint and the hidden requirements for the game's most elusive content.
Essential Story Kiln Locations
The primary "secrets" in the base game are the Story Kilns. These are the only way to experience the dialogue and memories associated with the protagonist’s village and his regrets regarding a lost loved one. In Normal Mode, these act as your lifeline, providing a respawn point if you fall to your death or are caught by the creature.
| Kiln Sequence | Memory Triggered | Location Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Kiln | The Village | Located shortly after the initial descent, surrounded by green "village" outlines. |
| Second Kiln | Praxos’ Smile | Tucked behind a rock face after the first major vertical drop. |
| Third Kiln | The Coil Rot | Found in a sickly, mist-filled area; requires a precise swing to the left. |
| Fourth Kiln | The Distant Shape | Situated on a high ledge overlooking a vast open cavern. |
| Final Kiln | The Face of Regret | At the very bottom of the main descent, before the final transformation. |
💡 Tip: Even if you are at full health, always interact with the green spirits near these kilns. They provide a safety net for the more difficult grappling sections ahead.
Hidden Health and Utility Pickups
Aside from the story-critical kilns, there are several idols of ash secret locations containing health spirits hidden inside non-functional kilns. These are particularly useful if you have taken fall damage or were nipped by the centipede.
- The Kiln Alcove: About halfway through the descent, there is a kiln tucked inside a small cave opening. It doesn't trigger a memory but contains three health spirits.
- The Tree Canopy: In the mid-game, several grapple-able trees hold spirits in their upper branches. Most players swing past these, but climbing upward reveals a cache of health.
- The Final Stretch Kilns: Just before the end of the game, there are two kilns on opposite sides of the cavern. One is the story exit, while the other is a "decoy" that contains a full health refill.
Unlocking the Secret "First Kiln" Map
The ultimate secret in Idols of Ash is the "First Kiln" mode. This is an extreme challenge map that is not accessible during your first playthrough. To unlock this area, you must prove your mastery of the grappling hook under the most stressful conditions.
- Complete Normal Mode: Reach the bottom and witness the protagonist turn to stone.
- Unlock Nightmare Mode: This mode removes all checkpoints and increases the speed and damage of the centipede.
- Survive the Nightmare: You must complete the entire game in a single run without dying. All kilns are destroyed in this mode, meaning there are no mid-way saves.
- Access First Kiln: Once the credits roll on Nightmare Mode, the "First Kiln" option appears in the main menu.
First Kiln Challenge Stats
| Feature | First Kiln Mode Details |
|---|---|
| Environment | A "place of dry despair" with three red moons. |
| Enemy Density | Multiple centipede-like creatures may stalk you simultaneously. |
| Checkpoints | None. This is a pure skill-based gauntlet. |
| Objective | Reach the deepest point of the ruins to uncover the true origin of the ashes. |
Nightmare Mode Strategy
In Nightmare Mode, the idols of ash secret locations you relied on for safety are gone. The centipede is significantly more aggressive, often turning around mid-chase to cut off your path.
- Avoid the Walls: The centipede can move faster along flat surfaces. Try to stay in the air using long, sweeping swings.
- The Tree Shortcut: In the middle section of the map, you can use the tall trees to skip nearly 20% of the descent. Aim for the highest branches to stay out of the creature's reach.
- Mouse Button Awareness: If you are playing on PC, be careful with side mouse buttons. In the Godot engine build of the game, these can sometimes trigger a grapple retract, causing you to fall unexpectedly.
⚠️ Warning: Fall damage is lethal in Nightmare Mode. Always maintain a "safety grapple" on a nearby surface when descending rapidly.
Advanced Grappling Techniques
To reach the most difficult idols of ash secret locations, you must master the physics engine. The game uses a momentum-based system similar to other high-skill indie platformers.
- The 360 Swing: By rotating your camera while hooked, you can gain massive upward momentum. This is required to reach the hidden health kilns in the upper cavern reaches.
- The Quick-Release: Releasing your grapple at the apex of a swing provides a horizontal boost. Use this to clear wide gaps where there are no anchor points.
- Slide Maneuvers: On slanted surfaces, you can slide to maintain speed without using your grapple, which is vital for escaping the centipede in the "First Kiln" challenge.
For more information on the developers and their other projects, visit the official Leafy Games itch.io page to see the evolution of their Godot-based projects.
FAQ
Q: Where are the idols of ash secret locations for health?
A: Health is found in "broken" kilns that do not trigger story memories. Look for these in alcoves away from the main downward path, particularly behind large rock pillars or in the upper branches of trees.
Q: How do I unlock Nightmare Mode?
A: You must complete the base game once on any difficulty. After the credits, Nightmare Mode will be available in the menu, featuring increased damage and no checkpoints.
Q: What happens if I die in the First Kiln mode?
A: Like Nightmare Mode, the First Kiln is a permadeath challenge. If you die, you must restart the map from the very beginning. There are no health pickups in this mode, making it the ultimate test of skill.
Q: Who developed Idols of Ash?
A: The game was developed by a two-man team, Alex Stole (Art) and Preston Stole (Code), using the Godot engine. It has gained a cult following for its unique atmosphere and challenging grappling mechanics.