Sekiro Endings: From Heartbreak to Hope – Ranking Them All
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
What are the worst to best Sekiro endings? The four endings of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offer varying degrees of closure and hope, impacting the fate of the characters and the world of Ashina. Ranking them from worst to best, we have: 4th – Shura (Worst), 3rd – Severance, 2nd – Return, and 1st – Purification (Best). Each ending is earned through specific choices made during the game, leading to drastically different outcomes. Let’s delve into the details of each ending, exploring why some resonate more positively than others.
Diving Deep into Sekiro’s Endings
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is known for its challenging gameplay and intricate storytelling. The choices players make throughout their journey dramatically influence the game’s conclusion. This decision-making process culminates in one of four unique endings, each carrying its own thematic weight and affecting the fates of the key characters. Let’s examine each ending in detail.
The Shura Ending: A Descent into Darkness
The Shura ending is undeniably the “worst” ending, not in terms of quality, but in terms of moral consequence and emotional impact. This ending is achieved by choosing to betray Kuro and side with Owl at Ashina Castle.
- Consequences: Sekiro embraces his inner demon, becoming a ruthless killer devoid of compassion. He slaughters Isshin Ashina and Emma, abandoning his duty and succumbing to bloodlust.
- Why it’s the worst: The Shura ending fundamentally betrays the core tenets of Sekiro’s character and his unwavering loyalty to Kuro. It’s a path of destruction and irreversible corruption, leaving a trail of innocent blood in its wake. There is no redemption, only relentless violence.
- Gameplay Implications: Choosing this ending cuts the game short. You miss out on significant boss fights and a large portion of the game’s content, including areas like the Divine Realm.
The Severance Ending: Duty at a Cost
The Severance ending is often considered the “default” ending, earned by following the primary path and defeating the final boss without fulfilling the requirements for the Return or Purification endings.
- Consequences: Sekiro fulfills his duty by severing the Immortal Oath with Kuro, ending the Dragon’s Heritage and the threat it poses to Ashina. Kuro sacrifices himself to achieve this, ending his own suffering and freeing Sekiro from his obligation.
- Why it’s bittersweet: While Sekiro fulfills his duty, the Severance ending is tinged with sadness. Kuro’s death is a heavy price to pay, and the future remains uncertain. Ashina is left in ruins, and Sekiro is left to grapple with the loss of his young master.
- Gameplay Implications: This ending offers a complete playthrough of the main game, including all major boss fights and areas.
The Return Ending: Hope for the Future
The Return ending is more optimistic than the Severance ending, offering a glimmer of hope for the future. This ending requires a series of specific actions involving the Divine Child of Rejuvenation and the Frozen Tears.
- Consequences: Instead of severing immortality, Sekiro and the Divine Child embark on a journey to the West, seeking to return the Dragon’s Heritage to its origin. This ending implies a long and arduous quest, but it also offers the possibility of a true cure for immortality.
- Why it’s hopeful: The Return ending avoids the tragic sacrifice of Kuro and instead focuses on finding a permanent solution to the problem of immortality. It suggests a brighter future for both Sekiro and the world.
- Gameplay Implications: Achieving this ending requires careful exploration and completion of specific side quests, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay experience.
The Purification Ending: Redemption and Closure
The Purification ending is widely considered the “best” ending. It involves completing Emma’s questline after defeating Owl at Ashina Castle, allowing Sekiro to protect Kuro and break the Immortal Oath without sacrificing him.
- Consequences: Sekiro uses the Everblossom to sever immortality, and Kuro ultimately sacrifices himself. However, this time, Sekiro is able to honor his promise and protect Kuro until the very end. He finds peace in knowing he fulfilled his duty to the best of his ability. Emma’s arc also sees a satisfying end.
- Why it’s the best: The Purification ending offers a sense of closure and redemption for Sekiro. He is able to protect Kuro, fulfill his duty, and find peace in knowing he did everything he could. It acknowledges the tragedy of the situation but offers a more satisfying resolution than the Severance ending.
- Gameplay Implications: This ending requires completing a specific questline involving Emma, adding an extra layer of depth to the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice:
1. How many endings are there in Sekiro?
There are four distinct endings in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice: Shura, Severance, Return, and Purification.
2. What determines which ending I get?
Your dialogue choices and actions throughout the game determine which ending you unlock. Specific items and quest completions are also required for certain endings.
3. Is the Shura ending considered canon?
It is generally not considered canon. Most players and fans consider the Severance, Return, or Purification endings to be more in line with the game’s narrative themes.
4. Can I get all endings in one playthrough?
No, you cannot. Each playthrough can only result in one specific ending, requiring multiple playthroughs to experience them all.
5. Which ending requires the most preparation?
The Return ending requires the most preparation, as it involves numerous steps related to the Divine Child of Rejuvenation and gathering specific items.
6. What is the significance of the Everblossom?
The Everblossom is a key item required for the Purification ending. It allows Sekiro to sever immortality without Kuro’s death causing the land to suffer.
7. How do I trigger the Purification ending?
To trigger the Purification ending, you need to eavesdrop on Kuro after defeating Owl, then speak to Emma and follow her questline. This involves obtaining the Father’s Bell Charm and defeating Owl (Father) in the Hirata Estate.
8. Does the difficulty change based on the ending I choose?
No, the difficulty of the game is not directly affected by the ending you choose. The difficulty increases with each subsequent playthrough, regardless of the ending you achieved in the previous run.
9. Are any of the endings considered “good” or “bad”?
While subjective, the Shura ending is generally considered the “worst” due to its morally reprehensible nature. The Purification ending is often viewed as the “best” because it offers the most closure and redemption. The Severance and Return endings fall somewhere in between.
10. What happens to Sekiro in each ending?
- Shura: Sekiro becomes a demon of destruction.
- Severance: Sekiro is left to grapple with the loss of Kuro and the consequences of severing immortality.
- Return: Sekiro embarks on a journey to the West with the Divine Child.
- Purification: Sekiro is left with a sense of peace after fulfilling his duty to Kuro.
11. Does NG+ (New Game Plus) affect which endings I can get?
NG+ does not affect which endings you can get. You can pursue any of the four endings in NG+ as long as you meet the required conditions.
12. What are the Frozen Tears needed for?
The Frozen Tears are crucial for achieving the Return ending. They are given to the Divine Child of Rejuvenation and are essential for her plan to return the Dragon’s Heritage.
13. Can I see all the endings without playing through the entire game multiple times?
While you can watch the endings online, experiencing them firsthand provides a deeper understanding of the narrative and character development. It is highly recommended to play through the game multiple times to truly appreciate the different outcomes.
14. Does choosing the Shura ending prevent me from getting the other endings in a subsequent playthrough?
No. Choosing the Shura ending only affects the current playthrough. In subsequent playthroughs, you can make different choices to pursue the other endings.
15. Which ending has the most impact on the lore of Sekiro?
The Return ending likely has the most significant impact on the lore, as it opens up the possibility of exploring the origins of the Dragon’s Heritage in future installments or lore expansions. It sets up a new direction for the story and suggests a wider world beyond Ashina.