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Do Carp Fish Respawn in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? The Definitive Guide

No, carp fish in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice do not respawn. Once you’ve killed or otherwise dealt with a carp in a particular location, it’s gone for good. This includes the regular carp in the Sunken Valley and the two Great Colored Carp that are central to a particular side quest. This permanence makes carefully considering your resource expenditure and how you approach these encounters essential.

Understanding Carp in Sekiro

Carp in Sekiro aren’t just decorative elements; they’re tied to key progression and offer valuable resources. Understanding their mechanics, locations, and associated quests is crucial for maximizing your playthrough.

The Significance of Carp Scales

Carp Scales are a vital currency in Sekiro, allowing you to purchase essential items from the Pot Nobles located in the Hirata Estate and the Fountainhead Palace. These items include upgrade materials, combat arts, and prosthetic tools, all of which significantly enhance your capabilities as Wolf. Therefore, understanding the carp’s role in obtaining these scales is crucial.

Carp Locations and Types

Sunken Valley: This area contains several regular carp swimming in the waters. These are your initial source of Carp Scales.
Hirata Estate: The Pot Noble Harunaga resides here. He’s a key merchant who accepts Carp Scales.
Fountainhead Palace: This area features the Great Colored Carp, a significantly larger and more important carp. You’ll encounter both a White Great Colored Carp and a Red Great Colored Carp.
Mibu Village: While not directly containing carp, Mibu Village is related to the Feeding Grounds where you ultimately deal with the Great Colored Carp.
Feeding Grounds: The culmination of the Great Colored Carp questline takes place here.

Killing Carp: Methods and Consequences

You can kill the regular carp using various methods:

Direct Combat: You can dive into the water and attack them with your sword.
Throwing Items: Items like Ceramic Shards can stun them, making them easier to hit.
Puppeteer Ninjutsu: You can use the Puppeteer Ninjutsu on enemies near the water to lure the carp closer.
Divine Abduction: While unconventional, you can technically use Divine Abduction. It requires more resources, and direct combat is more efficient.

The Great Colored Carp are dealt with differently, involving a longer and more complex questline rather than direct combat initially. Feeding them with specific items becomes essential for progressing their quest.

Why Respawning Matters (or Doesn’t)

The lack of carp respawn has several implications:

Resource Management: You must carefully consider how you spend your Carp Scales, as your supply is limited. Prioritize essential upgrades and items.
Quest Completion: The Great Colored Carp questline is finite. Your choices influence the outcome and rewards.
Exploration: Thoroughly explore each location where carp are found to maximize your scale collection before eliminating them.

Limited Resource: Make Every Scale Count

Because carp don’t respawn, each Carp Scale becomes a precious commodity. Don’t waste scales on unnecessary items early in the game. Focus on acquiring key upgrades that will aid you in combat.

Quest Outcomes and Carp Fate

The choices you make regarding the Great Colored Carp directly influence the ending of their questline. Choose wisely as it directly impacts your rewards and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Carp in Sekiro

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify carp mechanics and resource management in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice:

1. Where Can I Find the First Carp Scales?

The initial Carp Scales are found in the Sunken Valley region. Explore the waterways and defeat the carp swimming within.

2. How Many Carp Scales are Available in Total?

The total number of Carp Scales obtainable in a single playthrough is finite. It depends on how thoroughly you explore and the choices you make in the Great Colored Carp quest. Generally, you can find enough for the most essential items.

3. What Should I Buy First From the Pot Nobles?

Prioritize items that boost your combat abilities, such as the Mask Fragments. These contribute to upgrading your attack power.

4. Can I Farm Carp Scales?

Unfortunately, no. Since carp do not respawn, you cannot effectively farm them for Carp Scales.

5. What Happens if I Kill the Pot Nobles?

Killing the Pot Nobles will prevent you from purchasing items from them for the rest of the playthrough. This is not recommended, as it limits your access to essential upgrades. However, they do drop their valuable items upon death.

6. Is the Great Colored Carp a Boss Fight?

Initially, no. You don’t directly fight the Great Colored Carp. Instead, you interact with it by feeding it specific items as part of a quest.

7. What are the Great Colored Carp’s Weaknesses?

The Great Colored Carp doesn’t have weaknesses in the traditional sense. The ‘weakness’ is its susceptibility to being fed specific items as dictated by the quest.

8. What Happens if I Feed the Great Colored Carp the Wrong Thing?

Feeding the Great Colored Carp the wrong item, specifically the Truly Precious Bait, will alter the course of the questline and lead to a specific (and less desirable) outcome.

9. How Do I Complete the Great Colored Carp Quest?

To successfully complete the quest, follow the instructions from the Pot Noble and feed the carp the correct bait at the appropriate time. This will lead to a more favorable resolution.

10. What Are the Rewards for Completing the Great Colored Carp Quest?

Completing the quest yields valuable items, including Lapis Lazuli, a crucial upgrade material for your prosthetic tools.

11. Are There Any Missable Carp Scales?

Yes, it is possible to miss Carp Scales if you don’t thoroughly explore the areas where they are found or if you accidentally kill the Pot Nobles before they sell you all their items.

12. Does New Game Plus Reset Carp?

Yes, in New Game Plus (NG+), all carp respawn, allowing you to collect Carp Scales again and purchase items from the Pot Nobles.

13. What is the Best Way to Kill Carp Efficiently?

The most efficient method is to dive underwater and use your sword. Alternatively, stunning them with throwing items can make them easier to hit.

14. Can I Revive the Carp After Killing Them?

No, there’s no way to revive the carp once they’re dead. This is why careful planning and resource management are crucial.

15. Are Carp the Only Source of Carp Scales?

No. Killing mini-bosses and completing certain quests can also award Carp Scales, offering alternative sources beyond just hunting the swimming creatures.

Conclusion: The Finite Nature of the Carp and Its Implications

The non-respawning nature of carp in Sekiro emphasizes the importance of careful planning and resource management. While frustrating for those who prefer to grind, it adds a layer of strategic depth to the game. Explore thoroughly, spend wisely, and make informed decisions regarding the Great Colored Carp quest to maximize your rewards and progress through the game effectively. Remember that in NG+, you get to go through this all again, with fresh carp to acquire the scales and items you need.

Do carp fish respawn in Sekiro?