Is Demon of Hatred Required?
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The short and direct answer is: No, the Demon of Hatred is not required to complete Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You can finish the game and see several endings without ever engaging with or defeating this optional boss. However, skipping him means missing out on a unique and challenging fight, a powerful prosthetic tool upgrade, and a significant amount of experience.
Understanding Optional Bosses in Sekiro
Sekiro, unlike some other FromSoftware titles, is relatively linear in its progression. However, it does feature several optional bosses who, while not essential for reaching the end credits, offer valuable rewards and further flesh out the game’s lore. These bosses provide a different kind of challenge, often requiring a mastery of specific combat techniques or offering a break from the core narrative path. The Demon of Hatred falls squarely into this category.
The Demon of Hatred: A Unique Challenge
The Demon of Hatred stands out due to its scale and gameplay style. Unlike most enemies in Sekiro who demand precise parries and posture breaks, the Demon of Hatred feels more akin to a Dark Souls boss, emphasizing dodging, spacing, and exploiting openings in its attacks. This departure from Sekiro’s core mechanics makes him a formidable opponent, even for seasoned players.
Rewards for Defeating the Demon of Hatred
While not mandatory, defeating the Demon of Hatred yields significant rewards:
- Lapis Lazuli: This rare material is crucial for upgrading certain prosthetic tools to their maximum potential. Lapis Lazuli is required for obtaining all of the best prosthetic tools.
- Memory: Demon of Hatred: This item allows you to increase your attack power by consuming it.
- Additional Experience: Defeating the Demon of Hatred grants a substantial amount of experience, which can be used to purchase skills or increase your overall power.
- Satisfaction: Triumphing over this challenging boss is a rewarding experience in itself, providing a sense of accomplishment and mastery over the game’s mechanics.
Consequences of Skipping the Demon of Hatred
Although skipping the Demon of Hatred allows you to reach the game’s ending, there are a few consequences to consider:
- Missed Content: You’ll miss out on a unique and challenging boss fight, a part of the game that many players consider to be a highlight.
- Limited Upgrades: You will have less Lapis Lazuli and will have to choose your prosthetic tool upgrades more carefully.
- Lower Attack Power: Without the Memory earned from defeating him, your attack power will be slightly lower, potentially making other encounters more difficult.
- Completionist Disadvantage: For players aiming for 100% completion, defeating the Demon of Hatred is a necessary step.
When to Fight the Demon of Hatred
The Demon of Hatred becomes available after defeating the Divine Dragon. This late-game positioning suggests that the fight is intended for players who have already mastered the core mechanics and possess a strong arsenal of prosthetic tools and combat skills. Trying to tackle him too early can lead to frustration, so it’s generally recommended to save him for the endgame.
Alternatives to Fighting the Demon of Hatred
There are no real alternatives to fighting the Demon of Hatred if you want the rewards he offers. There is no way to obtain Lapis Lazuli any other way during the first playthrough to fully upgrade all your prosthetic tools. However, you can consider the following:
- Utilizing Combat Arts and Prosthetic Tools: Experiment with different combinations of combat arts and prosthetic tools to find strategies that work well against the Demon of Hatred.
- Summoning NPCs (if available): Sekiro does not allow for coop play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I find the Demon of Hatred?
The Demon of Hatred is located in the Ashina Outskirts. After defeating the Divine Dragon, return to the Old Grave idol and grapple across the destroyed bridge. You’ll find the Sculptor’s Idol has been replaced with a new idol, leading to the boss arena.
2. What is the Demon of Hatred weak to?
While not specifically “weak” to anything, the Suzaku’s Lotus Umbrella and Malcontent prosthetic tools are particularly effective against the Demon of Hatred’s fire attacks and in stunning him, respectively.
3. Is the Demon of Hatred harder than Isshin, the Sword Saint?
This is subjective and depends on individual playstyles. Many players find the Demon of Hatred more challenging due to his unconventional moveset and reliance on dodging, while others struggle more with Isshin’s relentless aggression and diverse attacks. Both are considered among the hardest bosses in the game.
4. What level should I be before fighting the Demon of Hatred?
“Level” isn’t directly applicable in Sekiro, as character progression is primarily tied to attack power and vitality. It’s recommended to have at least 15 attack power and maxed out vitality before attempting the fight.
5. Can I use stealth against the Demon of Hatred?
No, stealth is not effective against the Demon of Hatred. He will immediately detect your presence upon entering the arena.
6. Does the Demon of Hatred’s fight change in New Game Plus?
While his health and damage output increase in New Game Plus cycles, his moveset and strategies remain the same.
7. What’s the best strategy for beating the Demon of Hatred?
A common strategy involves staying close to his left leg (your right) to bait specific attacks, dodging effectively, and using the Suzaku’s Lotus Umbrella to mitigate fire damage. Malcontent can be used three times per fight to stagger him for a few hits.
8. Are there any glitches or exploits to easily defeat the Demon of Hatred?
While glitches and exploits may exist, relying on them can diminish the sense of accomplishment and overall experience of the game.
9. Can I use the Divine Confetti against the Demon of Hatred?
Divine Confetti does not provide any damage increase against the Demon of Hatred. Its effectiveness is limited to apparitions.
10. How long does it typically take to beat the Demon of Hatred?
The time it takes to beat the Demon of Hatred varies greatly depending on player skill and experience. Some players can defeat him in a few attempts, while others may spend hours learning his patterns.
11. Does the Demon of Hatred have any lore significance?
Yes, the Demon of Hatred is heavily implied to be Sculptor, corrupted by the flames of hatred and resentment after his past traumas and the endless slaughter he faced as Orangutan. His transformation is a tragic reflection of the cycle of violence that permeates the game’s world.
12. Is the Demon of Hatred considered a poorly designed boss?
Opinions are divided. Some players criticize his Dark Souls-esque gameplay in a Sekiro game, finding it jarring and out of place. Others appreciate the change of pace and the challenging nature of the fight.
13. Does Charmless affect the Demon of Hatred fight?
Yes, playing with the Charmless Kuro’s Charm setting makes the Demon of Hatred fight significantly harder, as you’ll take chip damage even when blocking his attacks. Perfect deflections become crucial.
14. What are the best combat arts to use against the Demon of Hatred?
Ichimonji: Double can be useful for reducing the Demon of Hatred’s posture. The damage is high when you can land hits.
15. Is it worth fighting the Demon of Hatred on my first playthrough?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you’re looking for a challenge, want the rewards, and are comfortable with a tough fight, then it’s definitely worth it. However, if you’re struggling with the game and just want to reach the ending, skipping him is a perfectly valid option.