The Iron Code in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – A Path of Duty and its Consequences

The Iron Code in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an unwavering principle that dictates absolute obedience to one’s father figure, above all else. In Sekiro’s case, this means prioritizing Owl’s commands, even if they conflict with his sworn duty to protect Lord Kuro, the Divine Heir. Choosing to uphold the Iron Code leads to a drastically different, and arguably darker, path through the game, culminating in the “Shura” ending.

Understanding the Weight of Choice

The moment you’re faced with the decision to obey the Iron Code or protect Kuro is pivotal. It’s a moral crossroads that forces you to confront the complexities of duty, loyalty, and personal conviction. The game cleverly sets up Owl as a seemingly benevolent, albeit stern, figure, making the decision far from straightforward. The ramifications of choosing the Iron Code are far-reaching, impacting not only the ending you receive, but also the bosses you face, the areas you can explore, and the items you can acquire.

The Shura Ending: A Descent into Darkness

Sticking to the Iron Code leads to the “Shura” ending, often considered the worst or “bad” ending of the game. This is because it paints Sekiro as descending into a bloodthirsty demon, consumed by rage and a lust for power. This outcome is directly attributable to siding with Owl, whose ambition to usurp Ashina’s power incites further chaos and bloodshed. Sekiro’s actions in this ending effectively betray everything he stands for as a shinobi, rendering his sacrifices meaningless.

Consequences of Upholding the Code

• Skipped Content: The Iron Code path dramatically shortens the game. You skip multiple boss fights, and are locked out of several areas crucial to fully understanding the lore and acquiring powerful items.

• Unique Boss Battles: While you bypass some encounters, upholding the Iron Code forces you to face two specific and challenging bosses: Emma, the Gentle Blade, and Isshin Ashina. These battles are tests of your combat prowess, pushing you to master the game’s mechanics.

• Locked Endings: Choosing the Iron Code immediately locks you into the Shura ending. There is no turning back. You forfeit the opportunity to pursue the other, more fulfilling, endings – Immortal Severance, Purification, and Return.

• Character Transformation: The most significant consequence is Sekiro’s transformation into Shura. He loses his humanity, succumbing to the insatiable bloodlust that consumes him. This is a tragic end for a character who began as a dedicated protector.

Is the Iron Code Ever a Viable Option?

From a narrative perspective, the Iron Code path offers a grim, yet compelling, exploration of moral corruption. However, from a gameplay perspective, choosing this path significantly limits the Sekiro experience. You miss out on a substantial portion of the game’s content, and the Shura ending is generally regarded as the least satisfying. Completing all endings requires multiple playthroughs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What bosses do I fight if I obey the Iron Code? If you obey the Iron Code, you’ll have to fight Emma, the Gentle Blade, and Isshin Ashina. You’ll also skip several bosses encountered in the other storylines.

2. Should I obey the Iron Code or protect Kuro? Narratively, it is up to the player to choose. If you are new to Sekiro you are better off avoiding the Iron Code, since you miss half the game.

3. What happens if I betray Kuro? If you follow Owl’s orders and betray Kuro, you are locked into the Shura ending and will not have access to the final area of the game. The game will end immediately after the boss fights.

4. Why does Sekiro become Shura? Sekiro becomes Shura because he sides with Owl, leading to increased bloodshed. His motivations stem from the need for his near-immortal son to side with him to take over Ashina.

5. Which is the best ending in Sekiro? Many consider the Return ending to be the “best” ending in Sekiro. The Purification ending is also a highly favored option.

6. How do you become a Shura? To become Shura, you must defeat the Guardian Ape, the Corrupted Monk, side with Owl by obeying the Iron Code, and then defeat Emma, the Gentle Blade, and Isshin Ashina.

7. How do you stay loyal to Kuro and get the normal ending? To stay loyal to Kuro and get the Immortal Severance ending, you must choose to stay loyal to Lord Kuro when confronted by Owl.

8. What happens if you don’t break the Iron Code in Sekiro? If you obey the Iron Code, you will face Emma, the Gentle Blade, and Isshin Ashina, and you’ll be locked into the Shura ending. You’ll also miss several boss fights.

9. What do I give Kuro for the best ending (Return)? For the Return ending, you need to give Kuro the Dragon Tears and Frozen Tears at the end of the game.

10. What are the 4 endings of Sekiro? The four endings in Sekiro are: Shura, Immortal Severance, Purification, and Return.

11. Which Sekiro ending is easiest to achieve? The Shura ending is generally considered the easiest to achieve.

12. How old is Emma in Sekiro? Emma is 24 years old in Sekiro.

13. Who is the hardest boss in Sekiro? Many players consider Isshin, the Sword Saint, to be the hardest boss in Sekiro.

14. Is there a bad ending in Sekiro? Yes, the Shura ending is typically considered the “bad” ending in Sekiro.

15. What do I miss out on if I choose to betray Kuro? Betraying Kuro will lock you into the Shura ending and lock you out of key areas, quests, and story elements.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to uphold the Iron Code or protect Kuro is yours. Each path offers a unique perspective on the story and challenges your skills in different ways. Understanding the consequences of your decision is key to making the right choice for your desired gameplay experience. For more insight on games and learning, consider exploring the resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.