As we edge towards Sekiro’s release later in March 2019, FromSoftware have been revealing some new details about how the hub area works in the game. In an article released bygameinformer, they share more about how players will spend their time when they’re not taking down the fearsome bosses conjured by theDark Soulscreators.
FromSoftware Reveals More About the Sekiro Hub Area
While From is establishing a new IP heading a little away from the challengingaction-RPGs they are best known for, they do include some elements inSekiro: Shadows Die Twicethat might seem quite familiar to souls fans. One such feature is the hub area known as theDilapidated Temple. Players will be able to access this area by using the sculptor’s idols which acts in a similar way tobonfiresseen in previous From titles such as theDark Soulsseries. There will also be “limited-stock items” that can teleport you instantly to the temple which holds a resemblance toHomeward Bone, that would transport players to the last visited bonfire.
The Temple will also let players talk to and offer items toThe Sculptorwho helps players in their character progression. Another important NPC that will help in your journey as a shinobi isEmma, offering yourGourd Seedswill help expand the number of uses of yourHealing Gourd, refilling them when you visit aSculptor’s Idol. If this sounds familiar it will be because From have similar mechanics in souls-games such as theEstus Flask, restoring that character to a more healthy status.
Another useful character isThe Immortal Soldier, not only does he help players learn the ropes when it comes to moves, items and combat but also acts as a training dummy, helping you to hone your fighting skills. He will also impart wisdom when it comes to the parry system and thrust attacks. Just as his name implies he cannot die, so you can test out all your combat moves.
NPCs will have their part to play as the Manager of Marketing and Communications Yasuhiro shares:
If you’re familiar with the Souls games, you know how you may find NPCs in the world. Maybe they’re vendors, maybe they do something with you, maybe they head back to the hub, where you can speak to them and progress their quests.
While the Dilapidated Temple hub does give access to different areas, these won’t be as far-reaching as previous From games:
It doesn’t branch out in every direction right from the start. That said, it’s not a kind of linear progression from A to B to C. You do have points with branching paths, with forks in the road.
But players will find that Sekiro will not be as constricting as From’s previous action-RPGs in terms of where they can explore:
We feel like Sekiro’s probably on the higher end of the spectrum in terms of the freedom the player has to explore the world if we’re to compare it to our previous games. Particularly from the mid-game onward, the world really opens up, and you have a great deal of choice and freedom about which order and way you choose to explore.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicewill be releasing on March 22nd 2019 on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC.
If you’re looking for more Sekiro content be sure to read our10 Things I Want From Sekiro Shadows Die Twice, After Dark Soulsas well as news aboutBalance, New IP and More FromSoftware. Learn aboutTwo Unannounced GamesFrom have yet to share. You can also check out ourSekiro: Shadows Die Twice wikias we will be adding more info as it is released.
