In “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” the true ending, known as the Return (Dragon’s Homecoming) Ending, is widely regarded as the most fulfilling and complete conclusion to the game’s narrative. Achieving this ending involves a series of challenging and time-sensitive actions that may require multiple playthroughs or New Game Plus runs. Below, we outline the essential steps to unlock this coveted ending:

Key Steps to Unlock the True Ending

1. Stay Loyal to Kuro
– When confronted by Owl at the summit of Ashina Castle, players must choose to break the iron code. Opt to remain loyal to Kuro, rejecting the Owl’s offer. This critical decision leads to a tough battle against the Owl, which players must win to proceed with the true ending path.

2. Progress and Collect Items for the Divine Child
– Engage in various side quests to gather essential items:
– Fresh Fruit and Old Fruit (Persimmons of the Serpent) are vital for your progression with the Divine Child.
– Deliver these fruits to the Divine Child of the Rejuvenator and rest at the shrine to advance the quest line.
– Eavesdrop near the Divine Child’s doors after supplying the fruits to trigger additional dialogue, further deepening the storyline.
– Ultimately, this process rewards you with the Frozen Tears, a crucial item for the true ending.

3. Defeat the Divine Dragon
– Continue your journey to the Fountainhead Palace, reaching the Sanctuary Idol. Here, you must face the Divine Dragon in an intense battle. Victory over this formidable foe provides you with the Divine Dragon’s Tears, another vital component needed for unlocking the true ending.

4. Final Boss and Offering Tears
– After obtaining the Divine Dragon’s Tears, head back to confront the final boss, Isshin, the Sword Saint. Once you have defeated him, a pivotal choice arises: instead of concluding the game immediately, you will be given the option to offer the Frozen Tears to Kuro.
– Choosing to offer the Frozen Tears triggers the true ending, during which you aid Kuro in returning to the Dragon’s Home and ultimately resetting the cycle of the game.

Summary
To successfully unlock the Return (Dragon’s Homecoming) Ending, players must undertake the following actions:
– Break the iron code and show loyalty to Kuro.
– Complete the Divine Child’s side quest for the Frozen Tears.
– Defeat the Divine Dragon to acquire the Divine Dragon’s Tears.
– Finally, offer the Frozen Tears to Kuro at the game’s conclusion.

This intricate process not only demands skill and dedication but also rewards players with a rich, lore-filled conclusion to “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” making it a deeply satisfying experience for players seeking a deeper understanding of the game’s narrative.