Should You Help Kuro or Obey the Iron Code?
In the critically acclaimed video game “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” players are faced with a moral dilemma right at the beginning of the game. As the protagonist, Wolf, you must decide whether to help your young lord, Kuro, or obey the strict code of honor known as the Iron Code. This decision sets the tone for the entire game and has far-reaching consequences. In this article, we will explore the arguments for both sides and delve into the depths of this captivating choice.
Helping Kuro:
1. Protecting Innocence: Kuro is a young lord who is being pursued by numerous enemies who seek to exploit his unique bloodline. By helping him, you are protecting his innocence and ensuring that the world does not fall into the wrong hands.
2. Uncover the Secrets: By aiding Kuro, you unlock a series of quests and storylines that delve into the rich lore of the game. These revelations add depth to the narrative and provide a more fulfilling gaming experience.
3. Unique Abilities: Kuro possesses special powers that can aid you in your journey. These powers can be instrumental in defeating formidable enemies and overcoming challenging obstacles.
4. Emotional Connection: The bond between Wolf and Kuro is crucial to the emotional journey of the game. By helping Kuro, you forge a deep connection with him, adding an additional layer of depth and meaning to the story.
Obeying the Iron Code:
1. Upholding Tradition: The Iron Code is a strict set of rules that governs the actions of the shinobi. By obeying it, you are honoring tradition and displaying loyalty to your master.
2. Ensuring Stability: The Iron Code emphasizes stability and order, which is essential for the well-being of society. By adhering to it, you contribute to maintaining balance and preventing chaos.
3. Personal Growth: Following the Iron Code challenges you to suppress your emotions and become a disciplined warrior. This path leads to personal growth and self-mastery.
4. Moral Ambiguity: The choices you make while obeying the Iron Code often blur the lines between right and wrong. This moral ambiguity adds complexity to the game’s narrative and forces players to engage in thoughtful decision-making.
Interesting Facts:
1. “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” was developed by FromSoftware, the creators of the renowned “Dark Souls” series.
2. The game is set in the late 1500s Sengoku period of Japan and draws heavily from Japanese folklore and history.
3. The decision to help Kuro or obey the Iron Code is just the tip of the iceberg, as the game offers multiple endings based on various choices made throughout the game.
4. “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” won numerous Game of the Year awards in 2019, including The Game Awards and IGN.
5. The combat system in the game is known for its fast-paced action and emphasis on precision and timing.
6. The game’s difficulty has been a subject of both praise and criticism, as it offers a challenging experience that rewards perseverance and skill.
Common Questions:
1. Can I change my decision later in the game?
No, once you choose to help Kuro or obey the Iron Code, your decision is permanent and will shape the outcome of the game.
2. What happens if I choose not to help Kuro?
Choosing not to help Kuro will result in an alternate path where you align with other characters and pursue a different ending.
3. Are there any consequences to disobeying the Iron Code?
Yes, disobeying the Iron Code can lead to negative consequences, including altered storylines and potential conflicts with other characters.
4. Can I experience both storylines in one playthrough?
No, to experience both storylines, you will need to play the game multiple times, making different choices each time.
5. Are there any rewards for helping Kuro or obeying the Iron Code?
Both choices offer unique rewards, such as special abilities, weapons, and story-driven quests.
6. Does helping Kuro make the game easier?
Helping Kuro provides certain advantages, but it doesn’t necessarily make the game easier. The difficulty level remains challenging throughout.
7. Can I achieve a “good” or “bad” ending based on my decision?
The game’s endings are not strictly categorized as good or bad, but rather as different outcomes based on the choices made throughout the game.
8. How long is the game?
The length of the game varies depending on the player’s skill level and exploration tendencies. On average, it takes around 30-50 hours to complete.
9. Can I replay the game to experience the other ending?
Yes, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” offers New Game Plus mode, allowing players to replay the game while retaining their progress and abilities.
10. Are there any other significant choices in the game?
Yes, there are multiple choices that affect the outcome of the game. The choice between helping Kuro or obeying the Iron Code is just one of them.
11. Does the choice affect the difficulty of the game?
The choice between helping Kuro or obeying the Iron Code does not directly affect the overall difficulty of the game.
12. Can I save both Kuro and follow the Iron Code?
No, the game forces you to make a definitive choice between helping Kuro or obeying the Iron Code.
13. Does my decision affect the overall story of the game?
Yes, your decision significantly impacts the story, leading to different events, endings, and character interactions.
14. Will I miss out on any content if I choose one path over the other?
Yes, choosing one path over the other will result in missing out on certain quests, storylines, and character interactions.
15. Can I make a new save file to experience both paths simultaneously?
No, the game only allows for one save file at a time, so experiencing both paths simultaneously is not possible.
In “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” the choice between helping Kuro or obeying the Iron Code is a captivating and thought-provoking decision. Both paths offer unique experiences, shaping the narrative and gameplay in different ways. Ultimately, the choice you make reflects your own moral compass and adds an extra layer of depth to this already immersive gaming experience.
