Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Cheats & Secrets guide screenshot

Cheats & Secrets

Cheats & Secrets Guide for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice



Introduction


Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a challenging action-adventure game that does not include any official cheat codes, console commands, or unlock codes on any platform (PC, PlayStation, Xbox). There is no built-in debug menu or developer console without third-party modifications. However, the game is rich in developer-intended secrets, hidden features, and Easter eggs that reward thorough exploration and experimentation. This guide covers all legitimate hidden content, difficulty modifiers, secret bosses, and Easter eggs, as well as a note on PC mods (which are not official).

Official Cheat Codes: None


  • No Cheat Codes Exist: The developers did not include any cheat codes. There are no button combinations or text entries that unlock invincibility, infinite items, or skip sections.

  • No Console Commands: Unlike many PC games, Sekiro has no console that can be accessed via `~` or otherwise.


    • PC Mods (Third-Party, Not Developer-Intended)


    On PC, mods can be installed to alter gameplay, such as debug menus or infinite health. This is strictly third-party and not part of the game's design. Use at your own risk (e.g., Steam bans are unlikely for single-player mods, but still not official). Notable mods include "Sekiro Mod Engine" and "Debug Menu Mod." These are not considered "secrets" but are the closest thing to cheats available.

    Developer-Intended Secrets & Hidden Features



    #### 1. Kuro's Charm (Difficulty Modifier)
  • How to Access: At the start of NG+ (New Game Plus) or after giving Kuro the "Everblossom" item, you are given the option to return Kuro's Charm to Kuro. Choosing to return it removes your ability to block chip damage and makes the game significantly harder.

  • Effect: All enemy attacks deal damage through blocks unless perfectly deflected. You cannot rely on blocking, forcing mastery of deflections.

  • Reward: Completing the game without Kuro's Charm (i.e., you gave it back) unlocks the "Kuro's Charm" achievement and grants a unique ending item? Actually, it's purely a self-imposed challenge that also increases XP and Sen drops slightly.


    • #### 2. Demon Bell (Difficulty Modifier)
  • Location: A hidden bell inside the Abandoned Dungeon area, specifically in the room with the huge bell. Interact with it to "ring the Demon Bell."

  • Effect: All enemies become tougher (more health, posture, damage) but drop more XP, Sen, and upgrade materials (such as Fulminated Mercury and Scrap Magnetite).

  • Note: This is reversible; you can ring the bell again at the same location to disable the curse.


    • #### 3. Unseen Aid (Mechanic, Not a Cheat)
  • What It Is: When you die, you have a chance (base 30%) to retain your XP and Sen. This is not a secret but a core mechanic. However, you can increase Unseen Aid percentage by using Jizo Statues (restores resurrection nodes) or by not resurrecting in combat? Actually, the percentage decreases if you resurrect frequently. There is no hidden command to max it; it's tied to your "sin" of resurrecting.


    • #### 4. Secret Bosses & Mini-Bosses
  • Demon of Hatred (Optional Boss): Available after defeating the Divine Dragon, in the Ashina Outskirts near the Stairway Idol. Requires a key item (Flame Barrel) to access properly, but you can also cheese him with walls. This boss is entirely optional and extremely tough.

  • Owl (Father) (Alternate Hirata Estate Version): To face Owl (Father) instead of the normal Great Shinobi Owl, you must complete the Purification Ending prerequisites (listen to both Emma and the Sculptor's memories, get the Father's Bell Charm from Emma, and revisit Hirata Estate). This unlocks a harder version of the Owl fight.

  • Headless & Schichimen Warrior (Spirit Mini-Bosses): These are hidden around the world. Headless (5 in total) require the Divine Confetti item to damage effectively. Schichimen Warrior is also optional but drops key upgrade materials.


    • #### 5. Hidden Prosthetic Tools
    While most prosthetic tools are found through normal progression, some require specific actions:
  • Lazulite Upgrade Materials: The rarest upgrade material, needed for max prosthetics, is hidden behind the Demon of Hatred and the Schichimen Warrior in Fountainhead Palace. Also obtained from the Great Carp quest.

  • Finger Whistle (Prosthetic): Found in Sunken Valley after defeating the Guardian Ape, but the upgrade (Malcontent) requires a specific mini-boss drop from a Schichimen Warrior.


    • #### 6. Alternate Endings (Four Total, Each with Hidden Steps)
    The game has four endings, each with specific secret triggers:
  • Immortal Severance: Standard ending, defeat Isshin Sword Saint.

  • Purification: Requires eavesdropping on Kuro and Emma at specific times and giving the Father's Bell Charm to the Sculptor.

  • Return: Requires giving the Frozen Tears (from the Divine Child of Rejuvenation) to Kuro after feeding her three Persimmons and completing her questline.

  • Shura: Choose to side with Owl at the top of Ashina Castle, fighting instead of going to the Divine Realm. This locks you out of most other content but is a secret ending.


    • Easter Eggs & Developer References



  • Bloodborne Reference (Hunter's Dream): In the Sculptor's Hut, there is a small stone statue of a hunter with a cane. It resembles the Hunter from Bloodborne. Also, the Sculptor's dialogue about "a world without rot" is a possible nod.

  • Dark Souls Reference (Broken Sword): In the Ashina Outskirts, near the first Headless mini-boss, there is a broken sword stuck in a stone that resembles the Artorias the Abysswalker sword. Not confirmed but widely speculated.

  • Demon's Souls Reference (Tower of Latria): The Mibu Village area has a well with a giant eel-like creature, similar to the Maneaters from Demon's Souls.

  • Sekijo (The Sculptor's Past): The Sculptor was once a shinobi named "Sekijo" who nearly became a Shura. This lore is only revealed through specific eavesdropping and item descriptions, rewarding thorough players.

  • Miyazaki's Dark Humor: If you stand still for extended periods, Wolf will do idle animations like stretching or examining his sword. Not an Easter egg per se, but a hidden detail.

  • The "Ultimate" Item (Jizo Statue): These are not a cheat, but the game's lore hints that Jizo statues were used to revive dead warriors, tying to resurrection mechanics.


    • Exploit-Safe Secrets (Game Mechanics, Not Bugs)



  • Perfect Deflection (Mikiri Counter): Not a secret, but mastering this is essential.

  • Jump on Enemy Heads (Posture Damage): Jumping on an enemy's head during their sweep attack deals massive posture damage—no cheat needed.

  • Firecracker Stun: The Shinobi Firecracker prosthetic can stun most beast-type enemies (Guardian Ape, Chained Ogre) for a few seconds, allowing free hits.

  • Flame Vent + Oil: Combining Oil (consumable) with Flame Vent prosthetic deals massive burn damage to many bosses.


Conclusion


Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice does not hide any cheat codes or unlockable cheats. Its secrets are instead woven into the gameplay—difficulty modifiers, optional bosses, multiple endings, and nods to FromSoftware's other titles. The true "secret" is mastering the combat system and exploring every corner of Ashina. For those seeking an easier experience, consider using PC mods, but be aware they are not official developer content.