Unveiling the Secrets of Unseen Aid in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Unseen Aid in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a mechanic that offers a percentage-based chance to negate the penalties associated with death. At its maximum base level, Unseen Aid provides a 30% chance that upon death, you will not lose half of your acquired Sen (currency) or any of the experience points you’ve earned towards your next skill point. This essentially acts as a safety net, preserving your progress and resources. While it cannot be actively controlled, understanding its mechanics and factors that influence it is crucial for mastering the game.
Understanding the Nuances of Unseen Aid
Unseen Aid operates as a passive ability, influenced primarily by the presence of Dragonrot. When an NPC contracts Dragonrot, the percentage chance of Unseen Aid activating is reduced. Initially, you have a 30% chance, but this can decrease significantly as the Dragonrot spreads among various NPCs. Dragonrot occurs whenever you resurrect, after a true death (returning to an idol).
The Dreaded Dragonrot and Its Impact
Dragonrot isn’t merely an aesthetic inconvenience; it has gameplay consequences. It directly reduces your Unseen Aid chance, making your deaths more punishing. NPCs afflicted with Dragonrot may also halt questlines or provide less favorable services until cured. While they don’t die, their conditions can significantly impact your progression. Restoring the Unseen Aid chance, therefore, is often a priority.
How to Restore Unseen Aid and Combat Dragonrot
Restoring Unseen Aid requires curing the Dragonrot afflicting the NPCs. This is achieved by obtaining and using a Dragon’s Blood Droplet at a Sculptor’s Idol. Upon using the Droplet, you’ll be prompted to offer a sample of your blood, which is then used to cure the affected individuals. This process resets the Unseen Aid percentage back to its default, typically 30%. However, Dragon’s Blood Droplets are finite per playthrough, making their strategic use essential. Merchants restock on Dragon’s Blood Droplets after using one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unseen Aid
1. Can I increase the base chance of Unseen Aid beyond 30%?
No, the base chance of Unseen Aid starts at 30% and can only be decreased by Dragonrot, not increased. Restoring the Dragonrot will bring it back up to 30%
2. Does Unseen Aid prevent Dragonrot from spreading?
No, Unseen Aid only prevents the loss of Sen and experience points upon death. It has no impact on the spread of Dragonrot. Dragonrot is tied directly to resurrections.
3. How can I minimize the spread of Dragonrot?
The most effective way to minimize the spread of Dragonrot is to avoid dying repeatedly. Employ skillful combat tactics, master parrying, and cautiously explore new areas to reduce the number of true deaths.
4. Is it always worth resurrecting?
Generally, resurrecting is advantageous, especially in challenging combat scenarios. However, consider your remaining resurrections and the proximity of the nearest Sculptor’s Idol. A strategically timed death might be preferable to preserve resources.
5. What happens if all NPCs contract Dragonrot?
If all NPCs contract Dragonrot, the main impact is the potential halting of certain questlines and a significantly reduced Unseen Aid chance. No one will die from the disease.
6. How do I know which NPCs have Dragonrot?
You can check which NPCs are affected by Dragonrot by speaking to Emma, the physician. She will offer to take a blood sample and then tell you about the state of your NPCs.
7. Are Dragon’s Blood Droplets permanently limited?
While the number of organically found Dragon’s Blood Droplets is limited per playthrough (17), Fujioka the Info Broker, as well as both Memorial Mob merchants, will restock on Droplets after using one. Use them carefully!
8. Does Difficulty Settings Affect Unseen Aid?
No, Unseen Aid is present and functions the same way regardless of the difficulty.
9. Does Unseen Aid work with Spirit Emblems?
No. Unseen Aid has no impact on the loss of Spirit Emblems.
10. What’s more challenging: Sekiro or other FromSoftware games?
Many fans consider Sekiro to be one of the most challenging games from FromSoftware, emphasizing precision, patience, and mastery of its unique combat system. It’s a great game to test your skills, you can learn more at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
11. Does dying a lot in Sekiro ruin the game?
Dying frequently can lead to Dragonrot and a decreased Unseen Aid chance, potentially halting questlines. However, it doesn’t fundamentally ruin the game. Dragonrot can be cured, allowing you to progress.
12. Is it better to explore or fight in Sekiro?
A balance between exploration and combat is crucial. Exploration uncovers valuable items and secrets, while combat hones your skills and unlocks new areas. Understanding when to engage and when to evade is key.
13. Does curing Dragonrot reset NPC quest progress?
No, curing Dragonrot does not reset NPC quest progress. It simply allows you to continue the questlines that were previously halted due to the illness.
14. Does using a Mask fragment also trigger Dragonrot?
Using mask fragments does not affect Dragonrot.
15. Can Unseen Aid activate when using a Divine Blessing?
No. Unseen Aid occurs when you die normally, and does not impact other defensive mechanics.
Mastering the Art of Death (and Not Dying)
Ultimately, understanding Unseen Aid and Dragonrot is a vital aspect of navigating the challenging world of Sekiro. While a 30% chance might seem small, it can be a lifesaver during crucial moments. By minimizing deaths, strategically using resurrections, and carefully managing Dragon’s Blood Droplets, you can mitigate the penalties associated with death and maintain a consistent progression through the game. Mastering the combat system, understanding enemy patterns, and making informed decisions about when to engage are all essential for minimizing true deaths and safeguarding your resources. Remember, death is a learning experience in Sekiro, but it’s best to learn from it without suffering significant losses.