Unlocking the Spoils: What the Demon of Hatred Drops in Sekiro
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The Demon of Hatred is one of the most challenging and rewarding optional bosses in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Vanquishing this fiery behemoth not only tests your skills but also provides valuable rewards that can significantly enhance Wolf’s abilities and progression. Successfully defeating the Demon of Hatred grants the player the following items: the Memory: Hatred Demon, which increases Wolf’s attack power, two Lapis Lazuli required for top-tier Prosthetic Tool upgrades, and the ability to reopen the Ashina Castle Gate Sculptor’s Idol.
The Treasure Trove: A Closer Look at the Demon’s Rewards
Let’s delve deeper into each of these rewards and understand their significance in Sekiro.
Memory: Hatred Demon
Memories in Sekiro are crucial for strengthening Wolf’s combat prowess. Upon defeating a major boss, you obtain their Memory, which can be consumed to increase Wolf’s base attack power. The Memory: Hatred Demon is no exception. Using this Memory provides a significant boost, making subsequent encounters, including the final boss, more manageable. Accumulating Memories is a vital part of optimizing Wolf’s offensive capabilities and maximizing damage output.
Lapis Lazuli: Forging the Ultimate Tools
Lapis Lazuli is an extremely rare resource in Sekiro, essential for upgrading specific Prosthetic Tools to their ultimate forms. Only six pieces of Lapis Lazuli are available in a single playthrough. The two Lapis Lazuli dropped by the Demon of Hatred represent a substantial portion of this scarce resource, enabling you to unlock the full potential of your Prosthetic Tools. These upgraded tools offer unique combat options and strategies that can be invaluable against challenging enemies and bosses. Think of it as the final touch on your arsenal, transforming your tools into devastating weapons.
Reopening the Ashina Castle Gate Sculptor’s Idol
Beyond the immediate combat benefits, defeating the Demon of Hatred has a significant impact on the game’s world. Victory allows you to reopen the Ashina Castle Gate Sculptor’s Idol. This unlocks a critical fast travel point, streamlining your traversal of the Ashina Castle area, and allowing easier access to previously inaccessible or hard-to-reach locations. This is particularly important for those seeking to explore every nook and cranny of the game world or aiming to complete various side quests. It is also important to progress the game storyline at Ashina Castle.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Demon of Hatred
1. When should I fight the Demon of Hatred?
You can only face the Demon of Hatred during the late game, specifically after Ashina Castle is invaded for the final time. The Sculptor will be missing from the Dilapidated Temple, indicating the world state has progressed enough to trigger the encounter. Head towards the Ashina Outskirts from Ashina Castle to initiate the fight.
2. Where exactly is the Demon of Hatred located?
The Demon of Hatred is found in the Ashina Outskirts, specifically in the area accessible by grappling and working your way towards the battlefield near where you fought Gyoubu Oniwa earlier in the game. The area changes dramatically after the invasion.
3. Is the Demon of Hatred an optional boss?
Yes, the Demon of Hatred is an optional boss. You do not need to defeat him to complete the main storyline of Sekiro. However, his rewards are significant and highly beneficial.
4. Is it possible to “cheese” the Demon of Hatred?
There used to be a method where the Demon of Hatred could be lured off a cliff, resulting in an instant kill. However, patching has mostly eliminated these methods. If you manage to cheese him, be warned that you will not receive the rewards, making it a pyrrhic victory. It’s much more rewarding to defeat him legitimately.
5. What is the best Prosthetic Tool to use against the Demon of Hatred?
While the Loaded Umbrella (particularly the Suzaku Umbrella) is highly recommended for blocking his fiery attacks, the upgraded Malcontent Finger Whistle can stun him a few times, providing valuable opportunities for damage. The Phoenix’s Lilac Umbrella will block terror attacks for this boss. Experiment to find what suits your playstyle best.
6. How many times can I use Malcontent on the Demon of Hatred?
Malcontent can typically be used three times to stun the Demon of Hatred in the final phase of the fight. After the third use, its effectiveness diminishes significantly.
7. Can I parry the Demon of Hatred’s attacks?
Yes, certain attacks can be parried. Specifically, his foot stomps can be parried, opening him up to further attacks. However, many of his attacks require dodging and careful positioning rather than direct parrying.
8. Is the Demon of Hatred harder than Isshin, the Sword Saint?
This is subjective, but many players consider the Demon of Hatred to be one of the hardest bosses in Sekiro. Some find his erratic movements and fire-based attacks more challenging than Isshin’s strategic swordplay. Ultimately, it depends on your playstyle and strengths.
9. Should I fight the Demon of Hatred before Isshin, the Sword Saint?
Some players recommend fighting the Demon of Hatred before Isshin, as the fight can improve your dodging skills and aggressive attack patterns, which can be beneficial when facing Isshin. It’s a good way to test your mettle and refine your combat skills.
10. What is the connection between the Sculptor and the Demon of Hatred?
The Demon of Hatred is a manifestation of the Sculptor’s suppressed rage and resentment. Unable to control his inner demons, he transformed into the monstrous being you fight in the Ashina Outskirts. This adds a layer of tragedy and lore to the encounter.
11. What is the best strategy for dodging the Demon of Hatred’s fire attacks?
For his fire-based sweeping attacks, the best strategy is to jump sideways at the last moment, avoiding the flames. If you are close enough to the boss, running directly at the boss may also cause you to avoid the sweep. For the fireballs, rushing him will generally cause them to pass over your head. You can also use the Loaded Umbrella to block fire attacks. Learning the timing is crucial.
12. What happens after I beat the Demon of Hatred?
After defeating the Demon of Hatred, you can proceed to the top of Ashina Castle, following the smoke until you reach an area where you can jump down and enter a building with a basement. Falling into the basement leads you to the Ashina Reservoir Idol, which you can reactivate.
13. How do I acquire all six pieces of Lapis Lazuli in the game?
Besides the two from the Demon of Hatred, Lapis Lazuli can be acquired by:
- Defeating the Demon of Hatred (2)
- Completing the Great Colored Carp quest line
- Defeating the Shichimen Warrior in Fountainhead Palace
- From the Pot Noble Harunaga after giving him enough treasure carp scales.
14. What is the Shura ending, and how does it relate to the Sculptor?
The Shura ending is one of the alternative endings in Sekiro. Achieving this ending involves giving in to your bloodlust and siding with Owl at Ashina Castle. This path mirrors the Sculptor’s own struggle with becoming a Shura, a demon consumed by rage. It’s a dark reflection of what could have happened to Wolf. To gain the Shura Outfit, you need to complete the “Gauntlet of Strength: Shura”.
15. Does Sekiro have educational value?
Absolutely! Sekiro, like many video games, teaches problem-solving, persistence, and strategic thinking. The difficulty of the game encourages players to analyze enemy patterns, adapt their tactics, and persevere through challenges. Research at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores how games can be used as powerful learning tools, enhancing cognitive skills and promoting engagement.
By understanding the rewards the Demon of Hatred offers, you can effectively utilize them to further your journey in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Now go forth, Shinobi, and conquer that fiery foe!