How to Get Treasure Carp Scales Fast in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The quest for Treasure Carp Scales in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice can feel like a second job if you don’t know what you’re doing. These scales are crucial for purchasing valuable items from the Pot Nobles, including Combat Arts and Masks that significantly boost your combat prowess. So, how do you acquire these shimmering rewards quickly and efficiently? The key is understanding the most lucrative locations, mastering the farming techniques, and knowing the limits of each area.

The fastest way to accumulate Treasure Carp Scales is to prioritize the Fountainhead Palace. This endgame area boasts the highest concentration of scales, with a whopping 23 available. Utilize your Mibu Breathing Technique to its fullest extent, systematically diving and eliminating every carp you find. Supplement this with efficient farming runs through Hirata Estate, focusing on the Pot Noble’s area, and strategically purchasing scales from merchants to maximize your gains. Speed and methodical searching are your best allies!

Farming Locations and Strategies

Fountainhead Palace: The Motherlode

Fountainhead Palace is the premier location for Treasure Carp Scales. With 23 scales scattered throughout its waters, a thorough sweep is guaranteed to substantially boost your inventory.

• Strategy: Start at the Palace Grounds Idol and meticulously explore the flooded areas. Use your Mibu Breathing Technique to dive and hunt the carp. Pay close attention to underwater structures and hidden alcoves, as some scales are cleverly concealed. Remember the text above, “Start swimming up stream and use your Mibu Breathing Technique to dive. You’ll see a fish, who will gladly give you a Treasure Carp Scale after killing it. This one is really straightforward.“
• Important Tip: Be aware of the Okami Warriors and other enemies that inhabit the palace grounds. Deal with them swiftly to avoid unnecessary interruptions to your farming route.

Hirata Estate: Early Game Boost

While not as plentiful as Fountainhead Palace, Hirata Estate offers a solid collection of 7 Treasure Carp Scales that can be obtained relatively early in the game.

• Strategy: Focus on the area around Pot Noble Harunaga. There are three carp swimming near his tiny island. Another carp can be found beyond the bridge, furthest from Harunaga. A final scale is lootable near a rock on one side of the bridge. This area is relatively safe, making it ideal for consistent farming runs.
• Important Tip: Make sure you can swim underwater using the Mibu Breathing Technique!

Buying Scales from Merchants

While not the most efficient method, purchasing scales from merchants can provide a quick boost, especially if you have excess Sen.

• Location: Near the Hirata Estate – Dragonspring Idol. One merchant sells 2 Treasure Carp Scales for 500 Sen each.
• Strategy: Buy the scales whenever you have surplus Sen, particularly after defeating bosses or completing challenging areas. This is especially helpful if you want to obtain a key item from the Pot Nobles early in the game.

Optimize Your Farming Route

Efficiency is key when farming Treasure Carp Scales. Develop a consistent route that minimizes travel time and maximizes the number of carp you encounter.

• Example Route: Start at the Palace Grounds Idol in Fountainhead Palace, systematically clear the nearby underwater areas, then teleport to the Hirata Estate – Dragonspring Idol, farm the carp near Pot Noble Harunaga, and finally, purchase the scales from the merchant if available. Repeat this cycle for optimal results.

Essential Skills and Items

• Mibu Breathing Technique: This ability is essential for underwater exploration and farming Treasure Carp Scales.
• Divine Abduction: This Prosthetic Tool modification can be useful for dispatching enemies quickly and efficiently, clearing the way for uninterrupted farming.
• Ako’s Sugar/Divine Confetti: These items can temporarily boost your attack power, allowing you to eliminate carp more quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the absolute best place to farm Treasure Carp Scales?

The Fountainhead Palace is hands-down the best place to farm Treasure Carp Scales, boasting 23 scales scattered throughout its flooded areas. Its sheer volume of available scales makes it the most efficient location.

2. Do Treasure Carp ever respawn?

Unfortunately, Treasure Carp do not respawn. Once you’ve collected the scales from a particular fish, it’s gone for good.

3. How many Treasure Carp Scales are available in a single playthrough?

There are a total of 42 Treasure Carp Scales available in one playthrough of Sekiro. This includes scales found in the environment, those dropped by carp, and those purchased from merchants.

4. What ability is needed to collect all the Treasure Carp Scales?

You need the Mibu Breathing Technique to dive underwater and access the scales hidden in submerged areas. This technique is essential for fully exploring Fountainhead Palace and other locations.

5. What happens if I kill the Great Carp?

Killing the Great Carp yields the Great White Whisker and an achievement. The carp’s corpse will later appear at the Guardian Ape’s Watering Hole.

6. Can I buy Treasure Carp Scales in Sekiro?

Yes, you can purchase 2 Treasure Carp Scales for 500 Sen each from a merchant near the Hirata Estate – Dragonspring Idol.

7. How many Treasure Carp Scales are in Hirata Estate?

There are 7 Treasure Carp Scales located in Hirata Estate.

8. Where is the Treasure Carp Scale merchant located?

The merchant is located near the Hirata Estate – Dragonspring Idol, accessible early in the game.

9. How can I optimize my Sen gains to buy Treasure Carp Scales more frequently?

Focus on defeating high-value enemies and mini-bosses, use the Mibu Possession Balloon to increase item discovery rate, and explore areas thoroughly for hidden Sen pouches.

10. Is there any penalty for dying while farming Treasure Carp Scales?

Yes, you lose half of your current Sen and experience points upon death. To mitigate this, regularly convert your Sen into items or gold pouches.

11. Can I return to Hirata Estate after completing it?

Yes, you can return to Hirata Estate at any time to search for items, buy scales from the Pot Noble merchant, or fight enemies.

12. Does the difficulty level affect the drop rate of Treasure Carp Scales?

No, the difficulty level does not affect the drop rate of Treasure Carp Scales. They are always found in the same locations regardless of difficulty.

13. Are there any missable Treasure Carp Scales?

No Treasure Carp Scales are truly missable, as you can always return to previous locations to collect them. However, it’s best to grab them as you progress to avoid unnecessary backtracking.

14. What’s the best way to deal with enemies while farming in Fountainhead Palace?

Use stealth whenever possible to avoid unnecessary confrontations. Employ the Puppeteer Ninjutsu on stronger enemies to turn them against their allies, and utilize your Prosthetic Tools to quickly dispatch groups of foes.

15. Can completing the game multiple times affect the availability of Treasure Carp Scales?

No, completing the game multiple times does not change the location or availability of Treasure Carp Scales. Each playthrough offers the same 42 scales to collect.

Conclusion

Farming Treasure Carp Scales in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice requires a combination of efficient exploration, strategic combat, and smart resource management. By focusing on the Fountainhead Palace, optimizing your farming routes, and understanding the mechanics of the game, you can acquire these valuable scales quickly and unlock powerful upgrades from the Pot Nobles.

Remember to explore resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) to deepen your understanding of game mechanics and strategies, turning you from a player into a true master of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Good luck, Shinobi!