How to Farm Carp Scales in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
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The most efficient method for farming Carp Scales in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice involves repeatedly defeating the Pot Noble Harunaga in Hirata Estate. This is the fastest and most reliable way to obtain the necessary scales for purchasing valuable items from the Pot Nobles, especially after you’ve exhausted all the readily available scales found throughout the game. The key is to use stealth takedowns to quickly eliminate him, rest at the idol to respawn him, and repeat the process.
Optimal Carp Scale Farming Strategy: Harunaga in Hirata Estate
This strategy focuses on minimizing travel time and maximizing the number of scales acquired per hour. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Reach Hirata Estate (Memory): Ensure you have access to the Hirata Estate memory, unlocked through the Father’s Bell Charm.
- Travel to the Estate Path Idol: Warp to the Estate Path Sculptor’s Idol.
- Sneak to Harunaga: Proceed forward and slightly to the right, hugging the right wall to avoid alerting the surrounding enemies. Harunaga sits near the riverbank, directly ahead.
- Stealth Takedown: Approach Harunaga from behind and perform a stealth takedown. This guarantees a quick and easy kill.
- Collect the Carp Scale: Harunaga drops one Carp Scale upon death.
- Rest at the Idol: Immediately rest at the Estate Path Sculptor’s Idol. This respawns Harunaga.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 3-6 as many times as needed.
This method is effective because Harunaga is a relatively weak enemy easily defeated with stealth, and the Estate Path Idol is located very close to him. This minimizes downtime between kills, resulting in a high Carp Scale acquisition rate.
Alternative Farming Locations
While Harunaga is the most efficient, other locations offer Carp Scales, although generally at a slower pace:
- Sunken Valley: Several carp swim in the waters near the Under-Shrine Valley Idol. However, they are alert and can be difficult to catch without being seen.
- Ashina Depths: Similar to Sunken Valley, carp can be found swimming. These locations are less efficient than the Hirata Estate method.
- Fountainhead Palace: This area features numerous carp, including the Great Colored Carp. However, reaching the Fountainhead Palace requires significant progress through the game. You can feed the Great Colored Carp to obtain a significant number of scales initially, but this is a one-time event. The Mibu Village carp are also located here.
Essential Tools and Skills
While not strictly required, these tools and skills can make the process more efficient:
- Mikiri Counter: Useful for dealing with any accidental encounters with other enemies.
- Stealth: Maximizing stealth is crucial for quickly eliminating Harunaga without drawing attention.
- Divine Abduction: Can be useful for dealing with groups of enemies, though less efficient than simply avoiding them.
- Bloodsmoke Ninjutsu: Can assist in breaking line of sight if you are seen.
Why Farm Carp Scales?
Carp Scales are essential for purchasing valuable and unique items from the Pot Nobles, who are located in different areas of the game:
- Pot Noble Harunaga (Hirata Estate): This is the same Harunaga you farm for scales. He sells items like the Mask Fragment: Right, Floating Passage Text, and Lapis Lazuli.
- Pot Noble Koremori (Fountainhead Palace): He offers unique items like the Mask Fragment: Dragon, Truly Precious Bait, and Lapis Lazuli.
The items purchased from these Pot Nobles are often crucial for completing specific questlines, unlocking powerful combat arts, and obtaining end-game upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Carp Scales used for in Sekiro?
Carp Scales are a special currency used to purchase rare and valuable items from the Pot Nobles, Harunaga and Koremori. These items include combat arts, mask fragments to upgrade attack power, and end-game upgrade materials like Lapis Lazuli.
2. Where can I find the Pot Nobles?
Pot Noble Harunaga is found in Hirata Estate, near the riverbank close to the Estate Path Sculptor’s Idol. Pot Noble Koremori is located in Fountainhead Palace, near the palace grounds.
3. How many Carp Scales do I need to collect everything from both Pot Nobles?
You need approximately 40 Carp Scales to purchase all items from both Pot Nobles. The exact number may vary slightly depending on potential discounts offered after completing certain questlines.
4. Is there a limited number of Carp Scales in the game?
While the readily available Carp Scales found in the environment are limited, the Harunaga farming method provides an unlimited supply. Therefore, there is technically no limit.
5. What happens if I kill the Pot Nobles?
Killing a Pot Noble prevents you from purchasing items from them for the rest of the playthrough. They do drop some scales when defeated, but it is generally not recommended to kill them, especially before purchasing their unique items.
6. Are there any easy-to-miss Carp Scales in the game?
Many Carp Scales are hidden in underwater areas or require solving minor puzzles to obtain. Be sure to thoroughly explore all areas, especially around bodies of water. The ones being sold by the Memorial Mob (for example in Ashina Outskirts) can be considered easy to miss.
7. Can I get Carp Scales in New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes, Carp Scales and the Pot Nobles reset in NG+. You can farm scales and purchase items again in each subsequent playthrough.
8. Does the difficulty level affect the drop rate of Carp Scales?
No, the game’s difficulty level does not affect the drop rate of Carp Scales. They always drop at the same rate, regardless of whether you’re playing on the easiest or hardest difficulty.
9. What’s the fastest way to reach Harunaga in Hirata Estate?
Warp to the Estate Path Sculptor’s Idol, then proceed forward and hug the right wall. You’ll find Harunaga near the riverbank, sitting by himself.
10. What items should I prioritize purchasing from the Pot Nobles?
Prioritize purchasing the Mask Fragments (Right and Dragon) as they contribute to increasing your attack power. Lapis Lazuli is also a high priority, as it’s used to upgrade certain prosthetic tools.
11. Does using the Mibu Possession Balloon increase the drop rate of Carp Scales?
No, the Mibu Possession Balloon increases the drop rate of regular items and currency (Sen), but it does not affect the drop rate of Carp Scales.
12. Are the Pot Noble questlines important?
Yes, completing the Pot Noble questlines can lead to unlocking new items and potentially discounts on their wares. It’s highly recommended to pursue their storylines.
13. Is there a trick to catching the carp in the Sunken Valley or Ashina Depths?
The best approach is to use stealth and approach them slowly. Consider using Gokan’s Sugar to reduce posture damage if they spot you. Quick reflexes and precise swimming are key.
14. Can I trade items to the Pot Nobles in exchange for Carp Scales?
No, you cannot trade items to the Pot Nobles. They only accept Carp Scales as currency.
15. What happens if I give the Truly Precious Bait to the wrong carp?
Giving the Truly Precious Bait to the wrong carp (the smaller one in Fountainhead Palace) has negative consequences and will lock you out of part of Koremori’s quest line. Make sure to feed it only to the Great Colored Carp in the lake.