Maintaining your health is paramount in Sekiro, and your primary means of recovery is the Healing Gourd. You begin with a limited number of uses, but this can be increased by finding Gourd Seeds scattered throughout the world and presenting them to Emma at the Dilapidated Temple. Each Gourd Seed you find and give to Emma will grant you an additional charge of the Healing Gourd, significantly improving your survivability. It is crucial to prioritize finding these Gourd Seeds as you explore, as they are one of the most impactful upgrades available to the player.
Beyond the Healing Gourd, there are other methods of recovery and survival. The resurrection mechanic, as mentioned, allows you to revive on the spot after being defeated. However, this ability consumes resurrection power, which replenishes at Sculptor's Idols. It's important to manage your resurrection charges, as dying too many times without resting at an Idol can lead to Dragonrot, a status effect that can prevent NPCs from offering their services. In addition to the Gourd, you can also find consumable items like Pellets, which offer a small amount of health recovery. These are less potent than the Healing Gourd but can be useful in a pinch when your gourd charges are depleted.
Understanding the impact of damage is also a key aspect of recovery. While you can heal your health bar, your posture gauge also needs to be managed. If your posture breaks, you will be staggered and vulnerable to a Deathblow. Holding the block button allows your posture to recover faster, but it's generally more effective to actively deflect attacks to keep your posture low. Certain enemy attacks, particularly those that are unblockable, will deal significant posture damage. Learning to recognize these attacks and react accordingly, whether by dodging or jumping, is vital for preventing your posture from breaking. Effective use of healing and posture management are intertwined, and mastering both is essential for overcoming the game's challenges.