Ultimate Multi-Run Progression Guide

Sekiro: 4-Playthrough Master Roadmap

The most efficient, spoiler-organized roadmap to beat Sekiro 4 separate times. Master the Shura Ending & Shura Skin Gauntlet in NG, do the Frozen Tears Secret Ending + 100% Item & Owl Father Perks Run in NG+, achieve the Purification (Aromatic Flower) Ending in NG+2, and finish with the Default Immortal Severance Ending in NG+3 for your Platinum Trophy!

Playthrough 1 (New Game): Shura Ending & Shura Skin

Target Ending: Shura
Primary FocusFast Campaign Completion & Gauntlet Unlock
Key BossesEmma the Gentle Blade & Isshin Ashina
Key Reward"One Mind" Combat Art & Shura Gauntlet
Skin UnlockShura Shinobi Outfit (via Gauntlet)
  1. Progress to Ashina Castle Rooftop: Clear Ashina Outskirts, Hirata Estate (Lady Butterfly), Sunken Valley (Guardian Ape), and Ashina Depths (Corrupted Monk) to obtain the Shelter Stone and Lotus of the Palace.
  2. Speak to Great Shinobi Owl: When Owl confronts you atop Ashina Castle, choose "Obey the Iron Code, Forsake Kuro".
  3. Slay Emma & Isshin Ashina: Defeat Emma the Gentle Blade and Isshin Ashina in the burning castle room. This concludes the Shura Ending and grants the One Mind combat art and Memory of Isshin Ashina.
  4. Beat Gauntlet of Strength: Shura for the Shura Skin:
    Unlocking the Shura Skin: Finishing the Shura ending registers Emma and Isshin Ashina in your memories. Access any Sculptor's Idol and select Gauntlet of Strength: Shura (Bosses: Emma $\rightarrow$ Isshin Ashina $\rightarrow$ Demon of Hatred $\rightarrow$ Inner Father). Conquering this gauntlet rewards the legendary Shura Shinobi Outfit (Skin)!

Playthrough 2 (NG+): Frozen Tears Secret Ending + 100% Items & Owl Father Perks

Target Ending: Dragon's Homecoming (Return)
Primary FocusFrozen Tears Quest, 100% Items & Owl Father Memory
Key BossesTrue Monk, Owl (Father), Demon of Hatred, Dragon & Sword Saint
Key CollectiblesAll 6 Lapis Lazuli, 40 Beads, 9 Seeds & Aromatic Branch
Trophy TargetMaster of the Prosthetic & Peak Vitality/Gourd
  1. Break the Iron Code: Choose "Break the Iron Code, Stay Loyal to Kuro" and defeat Great Shinobi Owl on the castle roof.
  2. Complete Divine Child Quest for Frozen Tears:
    • Request rice multiple times, give persimmon to receive "Rice for Kuro", and trade with Kuro for Sweet Rice Balls.
    • Give Holy Chapter: Infested and Holy Chapter: Dragon's Return to the Divine Child.
    • Collect Fresh Serpent Viscera (kite plunge) and Dried Serpent Viscera (Sunken Valley cave). Feed both to the Divine Child to obtain the Frozen Tears!
  3. CRITICAL EXTRA PERK: Father's Bell Charm & Owl Father:
    Don't skip Owl Father in this run: Eavesdrop on Kuro and Emma before beating Divine Dragon to receive the Father's Bell Charm. Slay Masanaga, Juzou rematch, and defeat Owl (Father) in 2nd Hirata Estate memory. This awards the Aromatic Branch (Everblossom) AND Memory of Foster Father (+1 extra Attack Power!) and registers Owl Father into your boss memories!
  4. 100% Collectibles & 6 Lapis Lazuli: Explore Fountainhead Palace, collect Gourd Seed #9 (10 Max), harvest all 6 Lapis Lazuli (Shichimen, Pot Noble, Great Carp, Demon of Hatred), and max the prosthetic upgrade tree (*Master of the Prosthetic*).
  5. Finish with Dragon's Homecoming Ending: Slay Divine Dragon and Sword Saint Isshin. Choose to give Kuro Dragon's Tears & Frozen Tears to unlock the Dragon's Homecoming (Return) Secret Ending!

Playthrough 3 (NG+2): Purification Ending (Aromatic Flower)

Target Ending: Purification
Primary FocusFather's Bell Charm & Purification Sacrifice
Key BossesOwl (Father) in Hirata 2 & Sword Saint Isshin
Key CatalystAromatic Branch / Everblossom Flower
Ending ChoiceGive Divine Dragon's Tears & Aromatic Flower
  1. Defeat Great Shinobi Owl: Break the Iron Code and defeat Owl atop Ashina Castle.
  2. Unlock 2nd Hirata Memory: Eavesdrop on Kuro in his room, meet Emma at Old Grave and behind Dilapidated Temple to receive the Father's Bell Charm.
  3. Conquer Hirata Estate (Memory 2): Defeat Lone Shadow Masanaga, Juzou rematch, and slay Owl (Father) in the burning basement to claim the Aromatic Branch (Everblossom Flower).
  4. Complete the Game: Slay Divine Dragon and Sword Saint Isshin. Choose to give Kuro the Dragon's Tears & Everblossom Flower to unlock the emotional Purification Ending!

Playthrough 4 (NG+3): Default Ending (Immortal Severance) & Platinum

Target Ending: Immortal Severance (Default)
Primary FocusFast Main Story Boss Rush & Final Skill Grinding
Key BossesGreat Owl, True Monk, Divine Dragon & Sword Saint Isshin
Ending ChoiceGive ONLY Divine Dragon's Tears (Default Prompt)
Ultimate TargetSekiro 100% Platinum Trophy
  1. Standard Main Campaign Route: Stay loyal to Lord Kuro, defeat Great Shinobi Owl, True Corrupted Monk, and Divine Dragon for the Divine Dragon's Tears (no extra quest prerequisites needed).
  2. Defeat Sword Saint Isshin: Slay Sword Saint Isshin in the Silvergrass field.
  3. Choose the Default Ending Option: Choose to give Kuro ONLY Divine Dragon's Tears to unlock the standard Immortal Severance Ending!
  4. Final Platinum Trophy Cleanup:
    Pop the Platinum Trophy: Use high NG+3 XP scaling in late-game Ashina Castle on Fire (Antechamber or Stairway) to unlock all remaining combat arts for the Height of Technique trophy and celebrate your Sekiro Platinum Trophy!