Who Should I Give the Dragonspring Sake To?
Give the Dragonspring Sake to Emma to advance her and the Sculptor’s storylines. Doing so provides the most significant narrative impact, unlocks crucial dialogue, and potentially leads to a key ending in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
The Dragonspring Sake Dilemma: A Comprehensive Guide
The world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is filled with peril, cryptic characters, and a surprising amount of opportunities to share a drink. One particular drink, the Dragonspring Sake, is more than just a refreshment; it’s a key to unlocking deeper insights into the world and the people within it. However, the game only gives you one, maybe two, of these precious bottles per playthrough, making the decision of who to give it to agonizing. This guide will break down the pros and cons of each character option, explain the lore implications, and ultimately help you decide who deserves this rare vintage.
Understanding the Significance of Sake
Before diving into the individual characters, let’s understand why giving sake is so important. In Sekiro, offering sake to certain NPCs unlocks special dialogue and reveals more about their past, their motivations, and their connections to the events unfolding in Ashina. This isn’t just flavor text; it’s integral to understanding the intricate story woven throughout the game. Think of it as a way to build rapport and unlock memories otherwise inaccessible. Different sakes elicit different responses, and the Dragonspring Sake holds a particular significance due to its origins and the memories it unlocks.
The Potential Recipients: An In-Depth Look
There are two primary characters you can offer the Dragonspring Sake to: Emma and the Sculptor. Each character will react differently and offer unique insights based on their relationship with the sake.
Giving Dragonspring Sake to Emma
- The Outcome: Giving Emma the Dragonspring Sake unlocks a conversation about her past and her connection to Isshin Ashina. You’ll learn more about her role as a doctor and her dedication to helping others, even those on opposing sides. This dialogue is crucial for understanding her character arc and her involvement in the game’s later stages.
- Narrative Impact: This is arguably the most impactful decision in terms of narrative depth. Emma’s story is closely tied to the core themes of the game: duty, loyalty, and the burden of immortality. Receiving the sake prompts her to share more about her past, giving you key information for achieving one of the game’s alternate endings (the Purification Ending). This ending is often considered the “good” or “true” ending by fans.
- Unlockable Dialogue: You gain access to a unique set of dialogue options related to Isshin and the events surrounding the Ashina clan.
- Overall Value: Very high. Essential for understanding the story and unlocking key ending requirements.
Giving Dragonspring Sake to the Sculptor
- The Outcome: The Sculptor reveals more about his past and his connection to the Demon of Hatred. The dialogue that unlocks from this sake dives deeper into his past self, Orangutan, as well as his history with Tomoe.
- Narrative Impact: This provides valuable context for the Sculptor’s motivations and the origins of his inner turmoil. It sheds light on the burden he carries and the reasons behind his isolation. Understanding his past also provides deeper context for the final boss encounter with the Demon of Hatred (if you choose to fight it).
- Unlockable Dialogue: You’ll learn about his former life as a shinobi and the tragic events that led to him becoming the Sculptor. You also gain insight into his relationship with Tomoe.
- Overall Value: High. Provides valuable lore and backstory, particularly for understanding the Sculptor’s character and the Demon of Hatred fight.
Why Emma is the Recommended Choice
While both choices offer valuable insights, giving the Dragonspring Sake to Emma is generally considered the more strategically beneficial choice. Here’s why:
- Ending Implications: As mentioned, Emma’s dialogue is essential for unlocking the Purification Ending. This ending is a significant deviation from the standard ending and provides a more satisfying resolution to the story.
- Story Significance: Emma plays a pivotal role in the overarching narrative. Understanding her motivations and her connection to the Ashina clan is crucial for fully appreciating the game’s themes.
- Less Obvious Information: The Sculptor’s backstory is hinted at throughout the game. While the Dragonspring Sake provides more details, it’s not as critical as the information you gain from Emma to fully understand the story.
- Completeness: Giving Emma the sake makes for a more complete experience, as it’s tied directly to one of the endings and provides a deeper understanding of the central characters and conflicts.
Alternate Playthroughs and Additional Sake
It’s worth noting that Sekiro encourages multiple playthroughs. If you’re particularly interested in the Sculptor’s story, you can give him the Dragonspring Sake on a subsequent run. It’s also possible to find a second bottle of Dragonspring Sake in a playthrough. This allows you to give it to the character you did not give it to the first time around.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision of who to give the Dragonspring Sake to is up to you. However, considering the narrative impact, the ending implications, and the significance of Emma’s role in the story, giving it to her is the recommended choice for most players. But don’t worry, the other options are valuable too, and are worth exploring in multiple playthroughs!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get more than one Dragonspring Sake per playthrough?
Yes, it is possible to find a second Dragonspring Sake per playthrough.
2. What happens if I give the Dragonspring Sake to someone else entirely?
You can only give sake to Emma or the Sculptor.
3. Does giving sake affect my relationship with the characters in any other way?
No, giving sake primarily unlocks new dialogue options. It doesn’t have any other mechanical impact on your relationship or the game.
4. Can I give them sake at any point in the game?
You can offer sake whenever you encounter Emma or the Sculptor in a safe location.
5. Is the Dragonspring Sake the only special sake in the game?
No, there are other types of sake in the game, such as Monkey Booze, Ashina Sake, and Unrefined Sake, each unlocking different dialogues with characters.
6. Does the order in which I give sake matter?
No, the order generally doesn’t matter.
7. What is the Purification Ending, and why is it important?
The Purification Ending is one of the four endings of Sekiro. It’s considered by many to be the “good” ending, as it involves fulfilling the wishes of key characters and achieving a sense of closure.
8. How does Emma factor into the Purification Ending?
Emma’s dialogue after receiving the Dragonspring Sake leads you on the path to obtaining the necessary items and fulfilling the requirements for the Purification Ending.
9. Is it possible to miss the opportunity to give sake to these characters?
Yes, it’s possible to miss the opportunity if you progress too far in the story or if the characters relocate. Be sure to give them sake when you have the chance.
10. What if I accidentally give the Dragonspring Sake to the wrong person?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to undo your decision once you’ve given the sake. That’s why it’s important to consider the implications carefully.
11. Are there any trophies or achievements related to giving sake?
No, there are no specific trophies or achievements directly related to giving sake. However, unlocking the Purification Ending, which is influenced by giving Emma the sake, does contribute to achievement hunting.
12. Does giving the sake affect the ending I get at all?
Giving the Dragonspring Sake to Emma is crucial for unlocking the opportunity to achieve the Purification Ending.
13. Where can I find Dragonspring Sake?
Dragonspring Sake can be found in various locations throughout the game. One is found in Ashina Castle after defeating Genichiro (the memory is in the room with the Old Grave idol), and another can be purchased from certain merchants.
14. What are the benefits of getting the “Purification Ending?”
The “Purification Ending” provides a different conclusion to the story, offering closure for certain characters and exploring different themes within the game.
15. Is there a best time to give Dragonspring Sake to Emma?
There is no “best” time; however, it’s wise to give it to her before you complete the main story arc in Fountainhead Palace. This ensures you have all the necessary information and dialogue options available to achieve the Purification Ending.