How to Get the Purification Ending in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offers four different endings, each providing a unique resolution to the story. To fully experience the game, it’s worth unlocking all of these endings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get the Purification Ending in Sekiro.
Prerequisite: Obtain the Lotus of the Palace
Before you can begin the steps to unlock the Purification Ending, ensure you’ve obtained the Lotus of the Palace from the Guardian Ape boss fight. This is required to progress in the story. Once you have this item, Ashina Castle becomes inaccessible, and you’ll need to access it through the Abandoned Dungeon Entrance Idol.
Step 1: Speak with Owl on Top of Ashina Castle
Play through the game until you reach a critical moment at the Ashina Castle. After acquiring the Lotus of the Palace, head to the Abandoned Dungeon Entrance Idol and climb to the top of the castle. Here, you will encounter a cutscene with Owl and Kuro.
At this point, Owl will present you with two options:
- Obey the Iron Code and forsake Kuro (Unlocks the Shura Ending)
- Break the Iron Code and stay loyal to Kuro (Unlocks the Immortal Severance, Purification, and Return Endings)
To unlock the Purification Ending, choose to Break the Iron Code and stay loyal to Kuro. This choice will lead to a battle with your father, Owl. Defeat him, and you will continue the journey toward the Purification Ending.
Step 2: Eavesdrop on Kuro and Emma
Once you’ve defeated Owl, it’s time to gather more information through eavesdropping. Start by speaking with Kuro and exhaust his dialogue. Then, light the incense at the Idol.
Rest, then head to Kuro’s Room and approach the library. Hug the wall to the left side of the room and you will be prompted to eavesdrop on a conversation between Emma and Kuro. Afterward, talk to Emma to learn that she’s heading to the Old Grave.
Step 3: Visit Emma at the Old Grave
Travel to the Old Grave area (near the Old Grave Sculptor Idol). You will find Emma standing in front of two graves. Speak with her to hear that she plans to visit Orangutan at his temple, meaning she’s going to the Sculptor at the Dilapidated Temple. Head to the Dilapidated Temple next.
Step 4: Eavesdrop on Emma and the Sculptor
When you reach the Dilapidated Temple, don’t go inside. Instead, head to the backside of the temple, where there is a hole in the wall. Once you’re in position, you will be able to eavesdrop on Emma and the Sculptor. After the conversation, speak to Emma, and she will give you the Father’s Bell Charm.
Step 5: Use the Father’s Bell Charm to Access Hirata Estate
Take the Father’s Bell Charm and interact with the Buddha Statue in the Dilapidated Temple. This action will transport you to the Hirata Estate. Once you arrive, progress through the area and defeat enemies until you reach Owl again.
Step 6: Defeat Owl and Obtain the Aromatic Flower
At the end of the Hirata Estate, you will face off against Owl once more. After defeating him, you will receive the Aromatic Flower.
Step 7: Present the Aromatic Flower to Kuro
Take the Aromatic Flower and present it to Kuro to unlock the Purification Ending. This will trigger a series of events that lead to the conclusion of the game and will reward you with the Purification Trophy/Achievement.
Additional Endings
- Shura Ending: If you obey the Iron Code and forsake Kuro, you will unlock the Shura Ending.
- Immortal Severance Ending: If you stay loyal to Kuro and defeat Owl, you will get the Immortal Severance Ending.
- Return Ending: Another outcome if you stay loyal to Kuro.
The Purification Ending offers a bittersweet conclusion to the story of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. By following these steps, you can unlock this ending and see the story reach its resolution. Whether you pursue this ending alone or aim for all of them, Sekiro’s branching narrative rewards exploration and decision-making.
Thoughts on our how to get the Purification ending in Sekiro Shadows Die Twice guide? Drop them in the comments below.
Thanks a ton for this! I’ve read countless websites about this ending and not one mentioned the eavesdropping at the temple. Thanks again.