How to Get the Return Ending in Sekiro Shadows Die Twice

There are a number of endings for Sekiro Shadows Die Twice and not all of them are optimal. Some endings are acquired by doing the bare minimum, while others take more effort. This guide will show you how to get the Return ending in Sekiro Shadows Die Twice.

Step 1: Acquire the Infested Scroll

You’ll need the Infested Scroll early on. There are two ways to obtain it depending on your progress:

• If you haven’t killed Genichiro yet:
  • The scroll is given by a monk praying to Buddha near the Main Hall Idol at Senpou Temple.
• If you have killed Genichiro:
  • Dive for the scroll in the pond near the Temple Grounds Idol.

Tip: Regardless of your situation, ensure you secure the Infested Scroll as it’s essential for triggering the Return ending.

Step 2: Reach the Inner Sanctum

As you collect the Mortal Blade, you’ll eventually enter the Inner Sanctum—home to the Divine Child of Rejuvenating Water. Here’s what to do:

• Give the Infested Scroll:
  • Present the Infested Scroll to the Divine Child to initiate the Return ending questline.

Step 3: Collect Rice from the Divine Child

The Divine Child will provide you with Rice, one unit at a time. Since you cannot hold Rice in your inventory, make sure to either consume it or give it away (for instance, to the helpful Old Lady in the Temple Grounds).

• Keep Asking Until Sleep:
  • Ask for Rice repeatedly—usually about three times—until the Divine Child falls asleep. This signals that you’ve collected enough Rice for the next steps.

Step 4: Give the Divine Child a Persimmon

After the Divine Child sleeps, the area will reload. When she wakes, she appears sick and will request a Persimmon.

• How to Get a Persimmon:
  • Purchase one for 30 sen from the Shugendo Memorial Mob near the Shungendo Idol (look for a wooden pathway along the rock face).
• Exchange:
  • Once the Divine Child consumes the Persimmon, she will provide you with Rice for Kuro.

Step 5: Break the Iron Code

Progress in the story until you collect the Lotus of the Palace (guarded by the Guardian Monkey). At this point:

• Access Ashina Castle:
  • Since Ashina Castle becomes inaccessible normally, enter via the Abandoned Dungeon Entrance idol.
• Decision Time:
  • At the top of the tower (where you fought Genichiro), a cutscene with OWL and Kuro will appear.
  • Choose “Break the Iron Code, stay loyal to Kuro.”
    • This choice triggers a fight against your father.

After this battle, you’ll resume the storyline with Kuro.

Step 6: Deliver Rice to Kuro

With the Rice for Kuro in your inventory:

• Visit Kuro’s Room (Upper Tower):
  • Kuro explains he wants to make something with the Rice.
• Follow the Process:
  • Rest at the idol, then follow Kuro to receive the Sweet Rice Ball.
• Return to the Divine Child:
  • After receiving the Rice Ball, head back to the Divine Child for further instructions.

Step 7: Meet the Divine Child in the Hall of Illusions

After speaking with her in her original location:

• Proceed to the Hall of Illusions:
  • Find the Divine Child there, and speak with her.
  • She will mention a monk in the Senpou Temple who can help.
• Head to the Main Hall Idol for your next objective.

Step 8: Find the Holy Chapter: Dragon’s Return

Locate the corpse holding the Holy Chapter by:

• Exiting the Main Hall:
  • Head right to find a cave opening.
• Inside the Cave:
  • Traverse until you reach a room lined with corpses.
• Identify the Unique Corpse:
  • One corpse holds the Holy Chapter: Dragon’s Return. Retrieve this item and bring it to the Divine Child.

Once in possession of the Holy Chapter, the Divine Child will mention she needs both Fresh and Dried Serpent Viscera.

Step 9: Acquire Fresh Serpent Viscera

• Location:
  • In the Senpou Temple (Mt. Kongo area).
• How to Get It:
  • Use the kite mechanic to target a snake, then defeat it to obtain the Fresh Serpent Viscera.

For a more detailed walkthrough, see our in-depth guide on obtaining this item.

Step 10: Acquire Dried Serpent Viscera

• Location:
  • In the Sunken Valley area.
• How to Get It:
  • Find the shrine guarded by a snake.
  • Use a monkey on a nearby ledge to create a distraction.
  • Enter the shrine and grab the Dried Serpent Viscera from the statue inside.

Again, refer to our detailed item guide for additional help if needed.

Step 11: Receive Frozen Tears

After collecting both types of Serpent Viscera:

• Return to the Divine Child:
  • Speak with the child; she will mention that she needs to consume the viscera away from your view.
• Eavesdrop Sequence:
  • Rest at the idol, wait for the door to open, and then speak with the Divine Child.
• Reward:
  • You will receive the Frozen Tears.

This item is critical for unlocking the Return ending.

Final Step: Unlock the Return Ending

At the game’s conclusion, during your final interaction with Kuro:

• Present the Frozen Tears:
  • Hand over the Frozen Tears along with any other required items as prompted.

Once completed, you will unlock the Return ending, earning you the Dragon’s Homecoming trophy/achievement.

By following these detailed steps—from securing the Infested Scroll to delivering the Frozen Tears—you’ll be able to unlock the Return ending in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Each step is crucial, so be sure to complete them in order for the best results.

Curious about the other endings in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice? Check out our in-depth guides for unlocking the Shura, Immortal Severance, and Purification endings. Each guide offers detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure you catch every crucial detail and fully experience the game’s diverse narrative paths. Click here to explore the complete strategies for all endings!

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