What Enemies Drop Lapis Lazuli in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
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Lapis Lazuli is one of the rarest and most sought-after upgrade materials in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This precious resource is crucial for fully upgrading certain Prosthetic Tools, specifically those modified with the Lazulite Axe, Lazulite Shuriken, Lazulite Sacred Flame, and Lazulite Sabimaru. Obtaining enough Lapis Lazuli is essential for players aiming to maximize their combat capabilities and experience everything the game has to offer.
The truth is, no standard enemies in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice directly drop Lapis Lazuli. Lapis Lazuli is exclusively acquired through a few specific methods:
- Defeating the Demon of Hatred: This optional boss is located in the Ashina Outskirts after the Interior Ministry invasion. Upon defeating him, you will be rewarded with 2 Lapis Lazuli.
- Completing the Shura Ending: The Shura ending, which involves siding with Owl at Ashina Castle, rewards the player with 2 Lapis Lazuli upon defeating the final boss, Emma & Isshin Ashina.
- Offering Scales to the Pot Noble Harunaga (Hirata Estate) & Pot Noble Koryu (Fountainhead Palace): Each Pot Noble offers 2 Lapis Lazuli in exchange for Treasure Carp Scales. This requires a significant number of scales collected throughout the game world. A total of 4 Lapis Lazuli can be acquired this way.
- One Lapis Lazuli can be found in a chest in Fountainhead Palace: This is a guaranteed find and not reliant on enemy drops or specific endings.
Essentially, you’ll need to engage with multiple playthroughs or complete various side objectives to gather enough Lapis Lazuli to fully upgrade all the relevant Prosthetic Tools. Understanding these acquisition methods is vital for optimizing your resource management and planning your playthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lapis Lazuli
Is Lapis Lazuli Farmable?
No, Lapis Lazuli is not a farmable resource in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You cannot repeatedly kill enemies to obtain it. The only sources are the Demon of Hatred, the Shura ending, the Pot Nobles, and the chest in Fountainhead Palace. This finite nature makes each piece extremely valuable.
How Many Lapis Lazuli are Needed for All Upgrades?
A total of 6 Lapis Lazuli are needed to fully upgrade all four Prosthetic Tools that require it (Lazulite Axe, Lazulite Shuriken, Lazulite Sacred Flame, and Lazulite Sabimaru).
Which Prosthetic Tools Require Lapis Lazuli?
The following Prosthetic Tools require Lapis Lazuli for their ultimate upgrades:
- Lazulite Axe: An upgrade of the Loaded Axe.
- Lazulite Shuriken: An upgrade of the Loaded Shuriken.
- Lazulite Sacred Flame: An upgrade of the Flame Vent.
- Lazulite Sabimaru: An upgrade of the Sabimaru.
Is the Lazulite Axe Worth Upgrading?
The Lazulite Axe is generally considered less useful compared to the other Lazulite upgrades. While it can inflict Burn status, its slow attack speed and high Spirit Emblem cost make it less practical in most combat scenarios. Many players prioritize other Lazulite upgrades first.
Is the Lazulite Shuriken Worth Upgrading?
The Lazulite Shuriken is a highly valuable upgrade. It deals significant posture damage, especially to aerial enemies, and can inflict Burn status. It’s a versatile tool for both offense and defense, making it a popular choice for many players.
Is the Lazulite Sacred Flame Worth Upgrading?
The Lazulite Sacred Flame is another strong contender. It excels against apparitions and undead enemies, dealing significant damage and inflicting the Burn status. Its wider range and lingering flames make it more effective than the standard Sacred Flame in many situations.
Is the Lazulite Sabimaru Worth Upgrading?
The Lazulite Sabimaru is often regarded as situational but powerful in specific contexts. It inflicts Poison more reliably and deals significant damage to enemies weak to Poison. Mastering its combo is key to maximizing its potential. It shines against enemies like the Okami Clan warriors.
What are Treasure Carp Scales Used For?
Treasure Carp Scales are a currency used to purchase valuable items from the Pot Nobles, including Lapis Lazuli. They are found by defeating Treasure Carp, scavenging them from specific locations, and occasionally from enemies near bodies of water.
Where Can I Find Treasure Carp Scales?
Treasure Carp Scales can be found in various locations, including:
- Hirata Estate: Several scales are found in the river and surrounding areas.
- Ashina Outskirts: A few scales can be found in the water near the Dilapidated Temple.
- Fountainhead Palace: Many scales are located in the waters surrounding the palace.
How Many Treasure Carp Scales are Needed for Lapis Lazuli?
Each Pot Noble requires 7 Treasure Carp Scales to obtain their two Lapis Lazuli. This means you need a total of 14 Treasure Carp Scales to acquire all four Lapis Lazuli from the Pot Nobles.
Is it Better to Save Treasure Carp Scales for Lapis Lazuli?
Generally, yes. While the Pot Nobles offer other valuable items, Lapis Lazuli is the most crucial and limited resource they provide. Prioritizing Lapis Lazuli over other items is usually the best strategy for players aiming to fully upgrade their Prosthetic Tools.
Does Difficulty Affect Lapis Lazuli Drops?
No, the game’s difficulty setting does not affect the availability or drop rate of Lapis Lazuli. They are always acquired in the same way, regardless of whether you are playing on New Game or with increased difficulty via the Demon Bell or Charmless Kuro’s Charm.
Can I Get Lapis Lazuli in New Game Plus (NG+)?
Yes, you can acquire Lapis Lazuli in New Game Plus (NG+). The Demon of Hatred, Shura Ending, and Pot Nobles will offer the same rewards in subsequent playthroughs, allowing you to gather more Lapis Lazuli for completing upgrades or experimenting with different builds. The chest in Fountainhead Palace will also respawn its single Lapis Lazuli.
Is it Possible to Get All Prosthetic Tool Upgrades in a Single Playthrough?
No, it is not possible to get all Prosthetic Tool upgrades in a single playthrough. Due to the limited availability of Lapis Lazuli (a maximum of 6-7 per playthrough, depending if you fought the demon of hatred), multiple playthroughs or save scumming specific endings are required to fully upgrade every Prosthetic Tool.
Which is the Easiest Method to Obtain Lapis Lazuli?
The “easiest” method is subjective, but generally, defeating the Demon of Hatred and finding the Lapis Lazuli in the chest at Fountainhead Palace are the most straightforward. Trading for it with the Pot Nobles is also reliable, although it requires collecting Treasure Carp Scales. The Shura ending, while guaranteeing two Lapis Lazuli, is often avoided due to its impact on the game’s narrative and content. The path is very short, so it may be the fastest playthrough to do repeatedly.
By understanding these acquisition methods and the nuances of each Lazulite upgrade, you can strategically plan your Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice playthroughs to maximize your combat potential and experience everything the game has to offer. Good luck, Shinobi!