Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’s central hub is called the Dilapidated Temple, and its functionality will come as no surprise to players that are familiar with FromSoftware’s Souls series and Bloodborne. That is, the Dilapidated Temple acts as a location where players can continually improve their characters, advance quests, and travel to other areas of the game’s world.

With respect to character progression, the Dilapidated Temple will be home to a number of NPCs that will assist players in their travels. The Sculptor will allow players to obtain new skills, The Immortal Soldier will act as a sparring partner for those attempting to master the game’s combat and items, and Emma will increase the number of Healing Gourds, the game’s take on Souls’ Estus Flasks, that can be carried.

Furthermore, some of the NPCs that are encountered throughout the game’s world can be sent back to the hub. FromSoftware’s manager of marketing and communications, Yasuhiro Kitao, elaborated on this point in a conversation with Game Informer, stating that this would give players the opportunity to progress quest lines from the Dilapidated Temple.

As previously mentioned, the hub will also facilitate travel throughout the various locations found in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, but Kitao has indicated that “it doesn’t branch out in every direction right from the start.” However, fans can expect the openness of the Dilapidated Temple’s travel options to expand as the game progresses.

Accessing the Dilapidated Temple will also feel normal to those that have played FromSoftware’s previous games. Specifically, once it has been unlocked, players can navigate to the area via a Sculptor’s Idol, which are comparable to the bonfires found in Souls, or they can transport there directly using a consumable item similar to a Homeward Bone.

While Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice appears to be offering a unique experience, the Dilapidated Temple should act as a comfortable throwback to FromSoftware’s past. Considering how difficult the company has indicated the game will be, some players may be happy to have access to a familiar place where they can get their bearings.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice release March 22th, 2019 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Source: Game Informer