Sekiro: Shadow die twice, holds strong at 90 on Opencritic based on 111 reviewers. GotY?

[Runa216]

Sunstrider said:

Runa216 said:

I do have the Mask with the carp scales but I have so many levels that it takes almost 50k experience to level up (I was trying to get all the skill points needed for the trophy) so while that is an option holy crap does it take forever. 

I have 19+ VIT and can't get 20 because I failed to go that route and thus can't get the final two prayer beads. 

I go to Hirata Estate but it's no different. I think I messed up that plotline and thus cut myself out of the Juzou and Owl second fights. 

I will try it without doing Combat arts but I'm not so sure that's my problem, most of my deaths happen not when I'm blocking but when I'm caught off guard and am already trying to attack. I also don't intend to use the buddha dolls until I'm certain I've done well enough to take a risk, since they're a limited resource. I haven't even gotten to the final stage yet, even though from what I saw the final stage actually looks somehow easier than 3rd stage of the boss (when he gets the spear). 

I think you went for the "Return Ending" which locks you out from 3 exclusive boss fights. Did you give things to the divine child in the inner sanctum? If you did, that would trigger that ending. 

I genuinely don't remember!