Unraveling the Mysteries of Sekiro’s Return Ending: A Comprehensive Guide
The Return Ending in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is arguably the most complex and morally ambiguous of the game’s four conclusions. In this ending, Sekiro fulfills the Divine Heir’s (Kuro’s) wish by severing the Immortality and taking him on a perilous journey to the West – specifically, the Dragon’s homeland. There, Kuro can hopefully offer himself to the Great Carp and end the cycle of cursed immortality, returning the Dragon’s Heritage to its proper place and freeing Ashina from its influence. This ending requires a specific series of actions and dialogue choices throughout the game, making it the most involved to achieve.
Diving Deep into the Return Ending
The Return ending is not just about severing immortality; it’s about breaking a cycle of pain and suffering that has plagued Ashina for generations. Unlike the other endings, which focus on death, servitude, or outright escape, the Return ending offers a glimmer of hope for true peace, albeit at a great personal cost. Sekiro dedicates himself to fulfilling Kuro’s wish, understanding the weight of the Dragon’s Heritage and its detrimental impact on the land. This involves a deep commitment to finding a way to end the immortality curse without resorting to simply killing Kuro or abandoning him to his fate.
Key Events Leading to the Return Ending
Reaching the Return ending necessitates a specific sequence of events and conversations, often requiring players to revisit locations and speak to characters multiple times. Neglecting even one crucial step can lock you out of this ending. Here are some of the pivotal moments:
- Giving Kuro the Dragon’s Blood Droplet: This is a mandatory step for all endings, solidifying Kuro’s trust in Sekiro.
- Eavesdropping on Kuro: Several opportunities arise to eavesdrop on Kuro as he grapples with his destiny. These conversations provide crucial insights and trigger new dialogue options. Specifically, eavesdrop on Kuro after defeating Genichiro.
- Speaking with Emma: After eavesdropping on Kuro, speak with Emma and ask her about what she knows of ending immortality. She will task you with further investigating and seeking a solution.
- Visiting the Old Grave: Emma will lead you to the Old Grave where she used to visit Lord Takeru. This initiates the next phase of the quest.
- Gathering the Sacred Chapter: Emma will request that you find a way to sever immortality. This task leads you to Senpou Temple, where you must find the Infested Child and obtain the Holy Chapter: Infested. Then, give the Holy Chapter: Infested to Emma.
- Obtaining the Frozen Tears: After providing the Holy Chapter, rest and speak with Emma. She will then lead you to the Sculptor’s Dilapidated Temple to search for records left by Lord Takeru. After discovering the records, you’ll understand that the Frozen Tears are needed. You will obtain these after defeating the Divine Dragon.
- Offering Kuro the Items: After defeating the Divine Dragon and acquiring the Frozen Tears, speak with Kuro. When prompted, you must offer him the Dragon’s Blood Droplet and the Frozen Tears. This cements the path towards the Return ending.
The Journey to the West
Once the final boss, Isshin, the Sword Saint, is defeated and you choose to give Kuro the Dragon’s Blood Droplet and Frozen Tears, the Return ending unfolds. Kuro, no longer bound by immortality but retaining the Dragon’s Heritage, now needs to offer himself to the Great Carp in the Dragon’s homeland. Sekiro, bound by his oath, pledges to protect Kuro on this journey.
The ending cinematic depicts Sekiro and the Divine Child (the Infested Child who has now consumed the Dragon’s Blood and Frozen Tears, becoming the vessel to guide Kuro) embarking on their arduous journey West. The ending is deliberately ambiguous, leaving the ultimate fate of Kuro and Sekiro open to interpretation. However, the underlying message is one of hope and redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Return Ending in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice:
1. Is the Return Ending considered the “canon” ending?
While FromSoftware has never officially declared a “canon” ending, many players consider the Return ending to be the most narratively complete and thematically resonant. It offers the most closure and aligns best with the themes of sacrifice and breaking cycles. However, all endings are valid interpretations of the game’s narrative.
2. What are the essential items needed for the Return Ending?
The key items are the Dragon’s Blood Droplet, Holy Chapter: Infested, and the Frozen Tears. Obtaining these requires completing specific questlines and defeating certain bosses.
3. Can I still get the Return Ending if I missed an eavesdropping opportunity?
Missing an eavesdropping opportunity doesn’t automatically lock you out, but it can make triggering the subsequent events more difficult. Try revisiting the locations and speaking to the relevant characters (Kuro and Emma) to see if new dialogue options appear. Some missed opportunities can be recovered if you go to Emma and tell her about the situation.
4. Where can I find the Holy Chapter: Infested?
The Holy Chapter: Infested is located in the Inner Sanctum of Senpou Temple, Mt. Kongo. You must progress through the temple and defeat the Folding Screen Monkeys to access the Inner Sanctum.
5. How do I get the Frozen Tears?
The Frozen Tears are obtained after defeating the Divine Dragon. You cannot miss this boss fight if you are pursuing the Return ending.
6. What happens to Sekiro at the end of the Return Ending?
Sekiro embarks on a journey to the West with Kuro and the Divine Child. His ultimate fate is left ambiguous, implying a life dedicated to protecting Kuro and fulfilling his duty.
7. Does the Return Ending affect New Game Plus?
No. Your chosen ending only unlocks the associated achievement or trophy and has no impact on your New Game Plus playthrough.
8. Is the Return Ending harder to achieve than other endings?
Yes, the Return Ending is generally considered the most complex due to the specific sequence of actions, eavesdropping, and dialogue choices required. It demands a thorough understanding of the game’s lore and mechanics.
9. Can I still achieve other endings after locking in the Return Ending requirements?
No. Once you give Kuro the Dragon’s Blood Droplet and the Frozen Tears, you are locked into the Return Ending.
10. What is the significance of the journey to the West?
The West, in this context, symbolizes the Dragon’s homeland, the origin of the Dragon’s Heritage. The journey represents a pilgrimage to return the Dragon’s Heritage to its rightful place and break the cycle of immortality plaguing Ashina.
11. Why does Kuro want to go to the Dragon’s homeland?
Kuro believes that by offering himself to the Great Carp in the Dragon’s homeland, he can sever the immortality curse and restore balance to the world.
12. Who is the Divine Child in the Return Ending?
The Divine Child is the Infested Child from Senpou Temple who is transformed after consuming the Dragon’s Blood and Frozen Tears. She becomes the vessel to guide Kuro to the Dragon’s homeland.
13. Does Emma play a significant role in achieving the Return Ending?
Yes, Emma is crucial. She provides guidance and information about the Dragon’s Heritage and the possibility of severing immortality, setting Sekiro on the path to the Return Ending.
14. Can I achieve the Return Ending on my first playthrough?
Yes, it is possible to achieve the Return Ending on your first playthrough, but it requires careful attention to detail and a willingness to explore and interact with the game’s characters.
15. What are the other endings in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
The other endings are:
- Shura: This ending is achieved by siding with Owl and betraying Kuro.
- Immortal Severance: This is the most “basic” ending, achieved by simply defeating the final boss and choosing to sever immortality.
- Purification: This ending requires a specific questline involving Emma and Lord Isshin, leading to the creation of the Everblossom and Kuro’s death.
By understanding the intricacies of the Return Ending, players can appreciate the depth and complexity of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice‘s narrative. This ending offers a unique perspective on the game’s themes, highlighting the importance of sacrifice, hope, and the unwavering loyalty between Sekiro and Kuro.