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Which Sekiro Ending is Better? A Deep Dive into the Moral and Narrative Choices

There isn’t a single “better” ending in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Each ending offers a unique resolution to the narrative, exploring different themes of duty, immortality, sacrifice, and hope. The “best” ending is subjective, determined by the player’s personal values and interpretation of the characters’ motivations and the world’s lore.

Understanding the Four Endings

Sekiro presents players with four distinct endings, each requiring specific actions and choices throughout the game. These choices drastically alter the fate of Sekiro, Kuro, and the land of Ashina. Understanding the nuances of each ending is crucial to determining which resonates most with you.

1. Shura Ending: The Path of Carnage

This is considered the “bad” or “tragic” ending. It’s the easiest to achieve, requiring you to betray Kuro at a critical moment, siding with Owl at Ashina Castle. This choice plunges Sekiro into darkness, transforming him into a Shura, a demon consumed by bloodlust. He succumbs to his inherent Shinobi instincts, becoming a merciless killer.

Narrative Impact: This ending highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the seductive nature of violence. It’s a cautionary tale about losing oneself to one’s darker impulses.
Moral Implications: Choosing this ending is arguably the most morally reprehensible, as it betrays the central relationship between Sekiro and Kuro. It leads to the deaths of key characters and the destruction of Ashina.
Gameplay Significance: It’s the shortest route to completion, granting you the “Shura” trophy/achievement. However, it cuts off access to significant portions of the late-game content, including certain bosses and areas.

2. Immortal Severance Ending: A Loyal Resolve

This is often considered the “default” or “standard” ending. It’s achieved by adhering to Kuro’s wish to sever the Dragon’s Heritage and end immortality. To unlock it, you must follow Kuro’s instructions throughout the game, defeating all necessary bosses and gathering the required items.

Narrative Impact: This ending represents a bittersweet victory. Kuro achieves his goal of severing immortality, but at the cost of his own life. Sekiro is left to mourn his loss, vowing to honor his master’s wishes.
Moral Implications: This ending embodies loyalty and self-sacrifice. Sekiro fulfills his duty to Kuro, even though it brings him immense pain. It suggests that sometimes, the greatest act of love is letting go.
Gameplay Significance: This ending requires a moderate amount of exploration and combat proficiency. It provides a satisfying conclusion to the main storyline, albeit a somber one.

3. Purification Ending: Redemption and Sacrifice

This ending, also known as the “Return” ending, is more complex to achieve, requiring you to eavesdrop on specific characters and perform certain actions in a particular order. It involves uncovering Emma’s secret plan and obtaining Everblossom from the Divine Dragon. This path leads to the true conflict between Sekiro and Lord Isshin Ashina.

Narrative Impact: It delves deeper into the lore of the Dragon’s Heritage and the nature of immortality. Kuro’s sacrifice is a crucial turning point, emphasizing the theme of purification from the corrupting influence of the Dragon’s Blood.
Moral Implications: This ending presents a more nuanced moral dilemma. While it ultimately results in a more hopeful outcome, it requires Sekiro to make difficult choices and confront his past. It involves taking actions that might be viewed as morally ambiguous.
Gameplay Significance: This ending requires thorough exploration and meticulous attention to detail. The additional steps and boss fights offer a greater challenge and a more rewarding experience.

4. Return Ending: Hope for the Future

This is widely regarded as the “best” ending due to its optimistic outlook and potential for continuation. It’s the most intricate to unlock, requiring you to complete the Divine Child of Rejuvenation’s questline, feeding her Serpent Viscera, and ultimately achieving the “Dragon’s Homecoming.”

Narrative Impact: This ending offers a glimmer of hope for the future of Ashina and the Dragon’s Heritage. Kuro is not killed. He will return to the West with the Divine Child, seeking a way to finally sever the Immortal Heritage. Sekiro accompanies them, vowing to protect Kuro and find a cure.
Moral Implications: It represents a commitment to finding a solution to the problem of immortality without resorting to violence or sacrifice. It embodies hope, perseverance, and the belief that a better future is possible.
Gameplay Significance: This ending demands the most exploration, interaction, and problem-solving skills. It provides the most satisfying sense of closure, while also hinting at potential future adventures.

Which Ending is Right for You?

The “best” ending depends entirely on your personal preference and what you value in a story.

If you prefer a tragic and straightforward narrative, the Shura ending might appeal to you.
If you appreciate a bittersweet but resolute conclusion, the Immortal Severance ending is a solid choice.
If you’re drawn to a more morally complex and challenging narrative, the Purification ending could be the most rewarding.
If you seek a glimmer of hope and a sense of optimism, the Return ending is the most fulfilling option.

Ultimately, the beauty of Sekiro lies in its ability to offer players a meaningful choice, allowing them to shape the narrative and leave their own mark on the world of Ashina.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get all the endings in a single playthrough?

No. Each ending requires specific choices that lock you out of the others. You’ll need to play through the game multiple times to experience all four endings.

2. Does the difficulty change based on the ending I choose?

No, the game difficulty remains consistent regardless of the ending you pursue. However, the path to each ending can present varying levels of challenge due to required boss fights and side quests.

3. Which ending is the hardest to achieve?

The Return ending is generally considered the most challenging to unlock due to the intricate and obscure steps involved in the Divine Child’s questline.

4. Do any of the endings affect New Game Plus?

Yes. Completing the game unlocks New Game Plus, allowing you to carry over your character progression, including skills, prosthetics, and items. This makes subsequent playthroughs easier.

5. What items are required for each ending?

Shura: None (just side with Owl)
Immortal Severance: Mortal Blade, Incense
Purification: Everblossom, Aromatic Flower
Return: Serpent Viscera (Fresh and Dried), Frozen Tears

6. Does choosing a specific ending affect the bosses I fight?

Yes. The Shura ending significantly reduces the number of bosses you encounter, cutting off access to several late-game areas and encounters.

7. Can I save scum to get multiple endings in one playthrough?

Yes, you can back up your save data before making the critical choice at Ashina Castle (agreeing or disagreeing with Owl). After getting one ending, you can restore your save and choose the opposite option to pursue a different ending.

8. Which ending is considered canon?

FromSoftware has not officially declared any single ending as canon. This allows players to interpret the story and endings based on their own preferences. However, the Return ending is often speculated as a potential starting point for a sequel due to its hopeful and open-ended nature.

9. Is there a “true” ending to Sekiro?

No. All four endings are valid conclusions to the narrative, each offering a different perspective on the themes of duty, sacrifice, and immortality.

10. Does Emma play a role in all endings?

Emma’s role is most prominent in the Purification ending, where she reveals her secret plan to sever immortality. She also plays a significant part in the Immortal Severance ending, helping you find a way to fulfill Kuro’s wish. Her role is less significant in the Shura and Return endings.

11. How does the Divine Dragon affect the different endings?

The Divine Dragon is crucial for both the Purification and Return endings. You must defeat it to progress on either of those paths. It doesn’t feature in either the Shura or Immortal Severance Endings.

12. Is the Shura ending the “easiest” just because of less playtime?

Yes. It’s the fastest to achieve because you skip a considerable amount of content. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easier in terms of combat, but it requires less overall effort and exploration.

13. What is the significance of the Everblossom in the Purification Ending?

The Everblossom is a crucial item that allows you to purify Kuro’s blood and break the cycle of immortality. It’s a symbol of hope and redemption, representing the possibility of cleansing the Dragon’s Heritage.

14. How important is eavesdropping in getting certain endings?

Eavesdropping is essential for unlocking both the Purification and Return endings. You must eavesdrop on specific conversations to trigger key events and progress these questlines.

15. Does choosing the Shura ending lock me out of getting all achievements/trophies?

Yes, choosing the Shura ending can prevent you from getting certain achievements/trophies that are tied to the bosses and areas you miss. You’ll need to complete a separate playthrough to obtain those trophies/achievements.

Which Sekiro ending is better?