Why Am I Not Picking Up Sen in Sekiro? The Definitive Guide
The frustration of defeating a challenging enemy in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, only to find you’re not picking up the Sen (the game’s currency) they dropped, is a common experience for many players. There’s a very specific reason for this, and it’s important to understand the game’s mechanics to avoid this frustrating scenario. You’re not picking up Sen because your Sen pouch is already full. Sekiro utilizes a system where dropped Sen is stored in a pouch, which has a maximum capacity. Once this capacity is reached, any additional Sen dropped by enemies is lost.
Understanding Sen and the Sen Pouch
In Sekiro, Sen is crucial for purchasing valuable items, upgrading prosthetic tools, and even paying for resurrection at certain points. However, unlike many other games, Sen is handled in a unique and sometimes punishing way.
Sen Pouch Mechanics
The Sen pouch functions like a container with a limited capacity. This capacity is dependent on the point in the game, but it’s generally relatively small, especially in the early game. It is also affected by certain items in the game, like purses. This means that you can easily reach the limit just by defeating a few enemies, especially if they drop larger amounts of Sen. When your Sen pouch is full, any further Sen drops simply vanish, essentially wasted.
Unseen Aid and Sen Loss on Death
To add insult to injury, Sen is also subject to the Unseen Aid mechanic. Upon death, you have a chance to lose a percentage of your current Sen and experience points. Unseen Aid is a percentage chance to prevent this loss. This chance increases based on the number of times you have died, which lowers your overall chances for Unseen Aid. The Dragonrot, a disease afflicting characters in the game, reduces the chance of Unseen Aid.
Solutions to the Sen Pouch Problem
Knowing why you’re not picking up Sen is only half the battle. Here’s what you can do to address the issue:
Regularly Spend Your Sen
This is the most straightforward solution. Visit merchants like Anayama the Peddler or the Sculptor to purchase items or upgrade your prosthetic tools. Prioritize spending your Sen whenever possible to keep your pouch well below its maximum capacity. Consider purchasing consumables like Healing Pot or Pellet or even stocking up on Spirit Emblems to ensure you have enough sen to spend.
Use Purses to Store Sen Safely
Sekiro offers a solution in the form of Purses. These items allow you to store Sen safely, preventing it from being lost on death or wasted when your Sen pouch is full. There are different sizes of Purses, each holding a specific amount of Sen:
- Light Coin Purse: Holds 100 Sen.
- Heavy Coin Purse: Holds 500 Sen.
- Bulging Coin Purse: Holds 1000 Sen.
Buy Purses whenever you have enough Sen available. They are available from various merchants, including the Memorial Mob. Storing Sen in Purses is a much better strategy than losing it to death or a full Sen pouch. Sell these Purses when needed.
Prioritize Stealth and Minimize Deaths
While difficult, focusing on stealth can help you minimize Sen loss. Stealth allows you to eliminate enemies quickly and efficiently, reducing the chances of dying and losing Sen. Also, familiarize yourself with enemy attack patterns to improve your chances of survival, therefore lowering the chances of losing Sen.
Utilize the Divine Confetti Buff
Divine Confetti, while expensive, provides a significant damage boost against certain enemies, particularly those with spectral or apparition qualities. By using Divine Confetti strategically, you can defeat these enemies more quickly, reducing the risk of death and Sen loss.
Be Mindful of Enemy Drops
Pay attention to the amount of Sen enemies drop. If you know you are near your Sen pouch limit, consider avoiding combat or using a Gachiin’s Sugar to improve your stealth to circumvent any Sen loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I check how much Sen I have?
Your current Sen amount is displayed in the top right corner of the screen, next to the Sen icon.
2. Where can I buy Purses in Sekiro?
Purses can be purchased from various merchants, including the Memorial Mob and Anayama the Peddler. The availability of specific Purse types may depend on your progression through the game.
3. What happens if I die with Purses in my inventory?
Purses are not lost on death. They are a safe way to store Sen and will remain in your inventory even if you die.
4. Can I upgrade my Sen pouch to hold more Sen?
No, you cannot upgrade your Sen pouch’s capacity. The only way to increase your effective Sen storage is to use Purses.
5. Is there any way to recover Sen lost on death?
No. There is no way to recover Sen lost on death or lost by full Sen pouch. Unless you receive Unseen Aid, which has an unpredictable chance of happening.
6. What is the Dragonrot and how does it affect my Sen?
Dragonrot is a disease that affects NPCs in Sekiro when you die repeatedly. It reduces the chance of Unseen Aid, making you more likely to lose Sen and experience upon death.
7. How do I cure Dragonrot?
You can cure Dragonrot by obtaining a Dragon’s Blood Droplet and using it at a Sculptor’s Idol. This will restore the NPCs’ health and increase the chance of Unseen Aid.
8. Are there any skills that affect Sen gain or loss?
There are no skills in Sekiro that directly affect Sen gain or loss. The focus is on managing your existing Sen effectively.
9. Are there any enemies that don’t drop Sen?
Yes, some enemies, particularly certain mini-bosses or bosses, may not drop Sen directly. Instead, they might reward you with other valuable items or progress.
10. Is it possible to “farm” Sen in Sekiro?
Yes, it is possible to farm Sen. Identify areas with relatively easy-to-defeat enemies that drop a decent amount of Sen. Repeatedly killing these enemies and resting at an Idol to respawn them can be a viable, albeit grindy, method of accumulating Sen.
11. How important is Sen in the grand scheme of Sekiro?
Sen is crucial for progression in Sekiro. It allows you to purchase essential items, upgrade your prosthetic tools, and unlock new combat options. Managing your Sen effectively is vital for overcoming the game’s challenges.
12. Is it better to spend Sen immediately or save up for larger purchases?
This depends on your playstyle. Spending Sen regularly ensures you’re not losing any due to a full Sen pouch. Saving up allows you to make larger purchases, such as prosthetic tool upgrades. A balanced approach is usually best.
13. What are some of the best items to buy with Sen early in the game?
Early in the game, prioritize purchasing healing items, Spirit Emblems, and essential prosthetic tool upgrades, like the Loaded Shuriken or the Flame Vent.
14. Does difficulty level affect the amount of Sen dropped by enemies?
No, the difficulty level in Sekiro does not directly affect the amount of Sen dropped by enemies. However, higher difficulties may make enemies more challenging, potentially leading to more deaths and greater Sen loss.
15. What are some tips for managing Sen in the late game?
In the late game, continue to prioritize spending Sen on prosthetic tool upgrades and essential consumables. Focus on mastering combat techniques to minimize deaths and Sen loss. Also, farm areas if you are running low on Sen. Consider purchasing more Purses since you have access to more Sen.