The Healing Gourd is Sekiro's primary means of recovering Vitality, functioning similarly to the Estus Flask in the Souls series. This guide details how to acquire and upgrade this essential item to ensure your survival.
Acquiring the Healing Gourd
You receive your first Healing Gourd early in the game, during the prologue sequence in the Ashina Reservoir. After a brief introductory segment and a cutscene with Kuro, the Divine Heir, he will provide you with the initial Healing Gourd. This item is crucial for your survival as it allows you to replenish your health during combat and exploration.
How the Healing Gourd Works
The Healing Gourd functions on a limited number of uses. Each time you use it, one charge is consumed. The number of available charges is displayed on your HUD. After resting at a Sculptor's Idol, all used Healing Gourd charges are replenished. It is vital to manage your gourd uses effectively, as running out of charges can be perilous in difficult encounters.
Upgrading the Healing Gourd
The number of Healing Gourd uses can be increased by finding Gourd Seeds scattered throughout the world. These seeds are often found in chests, dropped by specific enemies, or given as rewards for completing certain tasks. Once you have acquired a Gourd Seed, you must return to the Dilapidated Temple and speak with Emma, the physician.
Giving Gourd Seeds to Emma
Emma resides in the Dilapidated Temple and is dedicated to the care of the Divine Heir and Sekiro. When you present her with a Gourd Seed, she will use it to create a new charge for your Healing Gourd. Each Gourd Seed you give her will permanently increase the number of uses for your Healing Gourd by one. It is highly recommended to seek out and collect as many Gourd Seeds as possible to maximize your healing potential.
Strategic Use of the Healing Gourd
Effective use of the Healing Gourd is paramount:
- Timing is Crucial: Use the gourd when you have a safe opening, as the animation leaves you vulnerable.
- Conserve Charges: Avoid unnecessary healing. Focus on deflecting and dodging to preserve your gourd uses for critical moments.
- Prioritize Upgrades: Always aim to find Gourd Seeds and return them to Emma to increase your maximum uses as soon as possible.
By understanding and utilizing the Healing Gourd effectively, you significantly improve your chances of surviving the harsh world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.