Do You Get Dragonrot if You Don’t Resurrect?

No, you do not get Dragonrot if you avoid using the resurrection mechanic in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Dragonrot is directly tied to the number of times you die and subsequently resurrect. Each death, or resurrection, increases the likelihood of NPCs contracting this debilitating illness. So, skillful players who manage to avoid dying frequently, and thereby rarely resurrecting, will minimize the spread of Dragonrot.

Understanding Dragonrot in Sekiro

Dragonrot is a unique and impactful mechanic in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it actively impacts your gameplay experience by hindering your ability to progress certain storylines and interact with key characters. Understanding its causes, effects, and cure is crucial for navigating the challenging world of Ashina.

What Exactly is Dragonrot?

Dragonrot is a disease that afflicts NPCs in Sekiro. It’s essentially a consequence of the protagonist, Wolf, using his resurrection ability. The more Wolf dies and resurrects, the more the Dragon’s Blood, which sustains him, is strained, leading to the spread of Dragonrot to other characters connected to him. This isn’t just a cosmetic effect; it has tangible in-game consequences.

How Does Dragonrot Affect Gameplay?

The primary consequence of Dragonrot is a reduction in Unseen Aid. Unseen Aid is a percentage-based chance that you will retain your Sen (in-game currency) and experience points upon death. Normally, the base chance of Unseen Aid is around 30%. However, each character afflicted with Dragonrot decreases this percentage, sometimes drastically. If enough characters are infected, your Unseen Aid chance can drop to near zero, making death far more punishing.

Furthermore, Dragonrot can halt or delay certain NPC storylines. Characters suffering from Dragonrot may refuse to speak to you, preventing you from receiving vital information, quests, or items necessary for progressing the game. This adds a layer of complexity to Sekiro, forcing players to consider the consequences of their actions and strive for skillful play.

Curing Dragonrot: Dragon’s Blood Droplet

Fortunately, Dragonrot isn’t a permanent affliction. You can cure it by using a Dragon’s Blood Droplet. However, these droplets are finite and must be used strategically. Here’s how the curing process works:

1. Obtain a Dragon’s Blood Droplet: These can be found throughout the game world, often as rewards for defeating bosses or completing quests. You might also be able to purchase them from merchants, though their stock is limited.
2. Obtain a sample of Dragonrot from an afflicted NPC: Talking to an NPC exhibiting symptoms of Dragonrot will give you the option to obtain a sample.
3. Give the sample to Emma: Emma, the gentle healer at the Dilapidated Temple, will study the sample and eventually create a cure.
4. Use the Dragon’s Blood Droplet at a Sculptor’s Idol: This will initiate the “Rot Essence Restoration,” curing all afflicted NPCs.

It’s important to note that curing Dragonrot is a temporary solution. Every time you die and resurrect, the risk of Dragonrot returns. Therefore, curing the disease should be considered a strategic decision, ideally done when you need to interact with specific NPCs or when your Unseen Aid chance is dangerously low.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragonrot

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to Dragonrot in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, providing further clarification and helpful information for players:

1. Does dying without resurrecting cause Dragonrot? Yes, simply dying, even without resurrecting, contributes to the spread of Dragonrot. Every death counts towards the probability of NPCs contracting the disease.

2. How many times can I die before NPCs start getting Dragonrot? There is no fixed number. The probability of contracting Dragonrot increases with each death/resurrection. It’s more of a gradual process than an immediate effect.

3. Is there a way to prevent Dragonrot entirely? While you can’t completely eliminate the risk, you can significantly reduce it by playing skillfully, minimizing deaths, and prioritizing stealth tactics.

4. What are the symptoms of Dragonrot? Afflicted NPCs will exhibit physical signs of illness, such as coughing or appearing weak. They may also have dialogue indicating they are unwell.

5. Can all NPCs get Dragonrot? No, only certain NPCs who are deemed important to the Wolf in some capacity are susceptible to Dragonrot.

6. Does Dragonrot affect my character, Wolf? No, Dragonrot only affects NPCs. Wolf is sustained by the Dragon’s Blood, which prevents him from contracting the disease himself, but his resurrections strain the Dragon’s Blood, leading to Dragonrot in others.

7. How often should I cure Dragonrot? Cure Dragonrot when it significantly impacts your Unseen Aid chance or when you need to interact with afflicted NPCs to progress their storylines.

8. Are Dragon’s Blood Droplets limited? Yes, Dragon’s Blood Droplets are finite. You’ll need to carefully consider when to use them.

9. Can I buy Dragon’s Blood Droplets? Yes, some merchants sell them, but their stock is limited and they can be expensive.

10. Does Dragonrot make boss fights harder? Indirectly, yes. A lower Unseen Aid chance means you’re more likely to lose Sen and experience upon death, making it harder to acquire necessary items or skills.

11. What happens if I ignore Dragonrot completely? Ignoring Dragonrot will lead to severely reduced Unseen Aid and potentially block access to certain quests and content.

12. Does Dragonrot affect the ending I receive? While Dragonrot itself doesn’t directly determine your ending, failing to complete certain NPC storylines due to Dragonrot can impact which endings are available to you.

13. Is there any advantage to letting NPCs get Dragonrot? No, there are no gameplay advantages to allowing NPCs to contract Dragonrot.

14. Does Dragonrot reset in New Game Plus? Yes, Dragonrot resets in New Game Plus, giving you a fresh start to manage the disease.

15. Is there an item or skill that increases Unseen Aid? Yes, the Kuro’s Charm obtained by beating the game once allows you to play without deflecting perfectly, but increases damage taken. Also, obtaining and using Divine Confetti also increases the chances of getting Unseen Aid.

By understanding the intricacies of Dragonrot and utilizing these tips, players can navigate the challenges of Sekiro more effectively and enjoy a smoother, more rewarding gameplay experience. Mastering the combat system and minimizing deaths is the key to preventing the spread of this debilitating disease and ensuring the well-being of the characters you encounter on your journey.