Skip to main content

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

With pin-sharp combat, peerless world-building, and masterful movement mechanics, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice breathes brutal and savage new life into action gaming.
86%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, story
Most mentioned negative aspects:grinding, stability
94% User Score Based on 63,539 reviews
Critic Score 77%Based on 9 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCTabletCloudPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxWindowsPlayStation
View Game
Buy NowGet on Steam Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store

About Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a single player hack and slash game with fantasy and historical themes. It was developed by FromSoftware and was released on March 20, 2019. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

Enter a dark and brutal new gameplay experience from the creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an intense, third-person, action-adventure set against the bloody backdrop of 14th-century Japan. Step into the role of a disgraced warrior brought back from the brink of death whose mission is to rescue his master and exact revenge on his arch nemesis. Take Reve…

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
Skip User Reviews

Reviews

94%Audience ScoreBased on 63,539 reviews
gameplay2.8k positive mentions
grinding734 negative mentions

  • gameplay

    7,623 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    36% positive mentions, 60% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    The gameplay of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is characterized by its intense and precise combat mechanics, primarily centered around a parry system that requires players to master timing and rhythm to succeed. While the game presents a steep learning curve, many players find the experience rewarding as they learn to navigate its challenging boss fights and utilize various prosthetic tools and techniques. However, some critiques highlight issues with enemy design and mechanics that can lead to frustration, particularly for those accustomed to traditional RPG elements found in other FromSoftware titles.

    • “This game has some of the best gameplay out of all the other games I have played.”
    • “The combat mechanics in this game are incredible.”
    • “The gameplay is where Sekiro truly shines.”
    • “The game mechanics of enemy design is the culprit, and by god it's a huge one.”
    • “There are no animation clues, no consistency and that results in bad gameplay.”
    • “The mechanics are garbage; input is delayed and even if you try to dodge an attack, most of the time it will just hit you anyway unless you decide to back up 5 miles from the fight.”

  • story

    6,229 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    45% positive mentions, 51% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    The story of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is generally praised for its clarity and emotional depth compared to previous FromSoftware titles, featuring a more straightforward narrative that follows the protagonist, a shinobi named Wolf, on a quest to rescue his kidnapped lord. Players appreciate the integration of Japanese folklore and the character-driven plot, which allows for multiple endings based on player choices, enhancing replayability. While some find the story less complex than the lore-rich narratives of the Dark Souls series, many agree that it effectively complements the game's challenging gameplay and stunning visuals.

    • “Strong story with memorable characters and dramatic cutscenes. Unlike Souls games where you play as a random guy, this game has you play a character which lends emotional weight to every encounter.”
    • “The story, the setting, and the combat make this game a perfect 10/10.”
    • “The story is really simple, and you won't accidentally miss it, unlike in previous FromSoftware games, but the combination of the locations, set pieces, voice acting, music, and godly combat make the story and the overall experience amazing.”
    • “The mechanics are garbage, input is delayed, and even if you try to dodge an attack, most of the time it will just hit you anyway unless you decide to back up 5 miles from the fight. The story is garbage and utterly confusing.”
    • “The story is overall solid, but it isn't the main selling point.”

  • graphics

    2,440 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    61% positive mentions, 36% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The graphics of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate art design, effectively capturing the essence of feudal Japan. Players appreciate the game's vibrant environments, detailed character models, and atmospheric effects, which enhance the overall immersive experience. However, some critiques mention that the graphics may feel dated compared to newer titles, and there are occasional performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the aesthetic quality and artistic direction are highlighted as standout features of the game.

    • “With beautiful visuals and music, Sekiro is one of the most authentic Japanese settings I've seen in a game, and captures the right vibe with all the Japanese influence and mythology.”
    • “The graphics and location set pieces are phenomenal as well.”
    • “The visuals of Sekiro need to be mentioned as well.”
    • “Graphics are very dated.”
    • “The graphics are mediocre.”
    • “The graphics are trash for a newer game, PC options suck, and the gameplay is too difficult and not enjoyable.”

  • music

    1,322 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    53% positive mentions, 44% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The music in "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" has received a mixed reception from players. Many praise its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the game's immersive experience, particularly during boss fights, where it effectively complements the intense action. However, some players find the soundtrack less memorable compared to previous FromSoftware titles like "Dark Souls" and "Bloodborne," noting that it can feel repetitive and lacks standout tracks. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, it may not leave a lasting impression for all players.

    • “With beautiful visuals and music, Sekiro is one of the most authentic Japanese settings I've seen in a game, and captures the right vibe with all the Japanese influence and mythology.”
    • “The atmospheric soundtrack enhances the experience, evoking the tension of battle and the serenity of contemplative moments.”
    • “The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack further amplifies the emotional depth of the game, enhancing pivotal moments.”
    • “The only thing lacking a little bit is the soundtrack compared to other FromSoftware games.”
    • “You'll really start to get a headache when you're on your 30th death from the Demon of Hatred and the music's screeching in your ears.”
    • “The music is not memorable, unlike Dark Souls 3 which was very good and provided a satisfying experience in boss fights.”

  • grinding

    842 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    2% positive mentions, 11% neutral mentions, 87% negative mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and frustrating. While some appreciate the game's focus on skill mastery over traditional grinding for levels, others criticize the repetitive nature of farming for experience points and items, especially when facing multiple health-bar bosses. Overall, players note that while grinding is not mandatory for progression, it can become a significant time sink, particularly for those aiming to unlock all skills and achievements.

    • “And because of well-placed respawn points, no grinding or long walking stand between defeat and trying again.”
    • “Dominating the game is possible in an average playing time, and mainly no grinding is needed at all.”
    • “No grinding, pure skill-based game.”
    • “Have fun grinding for 45 minutes just to lose half your stuff because of this game's poor maneuverability and a must-need basis for grappling and parkour.”
    • “The player's natural response to this is to (attempt to) kite enemies out 1-2 at a time which makes gameplay slow, tedious, and feel like a waste of time (which again clashes with established fast-paced combat system).”
    • “It's definitely more difficult than typical soulslike games because you can't really farm to become more powerful (you can technically, but only like 80% through the game and only with super heavy farming), but at the same time this is by far the most fair fromsoft game by a large margin.”

  • replayability

    664 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    27% positive mentions, 58% neutral mentions, 15% negative mentions

    The replayability of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is a mixed bag among players. While many appreciate the game's multiple endings and challenging combat that encourages repeated playthroughs, others criticize its lack of character customization and build diversity, which limits the overall replay value compared to other FromSoftware titles. Overall, players find it enjoyable for a few runs, but the absence of RPG elements and varied playstyles leads to a consensus that it has less replayability than the Dark Souls series.

    • “Even after your first playthrough, this game has a lot of replayability and can last you a while.”
    • “This game is amazing, having won Game of the Year and still being decently replayable.”
    • “The game has incredible replayability, with multiple endings that each feel authentic and creative to the main story, providing replayability and additional playthroughs.”
    • “Replayability isn't the best, as once you've beaten the game - you've understood its mechanics and then it isn't as fun.”
    • “Sadly, there's not much replay value, since unlike Dark Souls, builds aren't a thing.”
    • “My biggest complaints with Sekiro stem from its lack of replayability (unless you are a completionist), there are no 'different builds' that you can do like you can with Dark Souls, you are stuck with the same character, the same sword, and the same outfit for the entire game.”

  • atmosphere

    654 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    64% positive mentions, 34% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The atmosphere in *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and rich, detailed environments that evoke the beauty and mystique of feudal Japan. Players appreciate the game's ability to create a captivating and haunting atmosphere, enhanced by a well-crafted soundtrack that complements the intense gameplay and storytelling. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, drawing players into a world filled with intricate lore and breathtaking landscapes.

    • “The game's atmosphere is further elevated by its use of lighting, weather effects, and intricate level designs, creating an immersive world that feels both alive and hauntingly beautiful.”
    • “The environments, characters, and atmospheric effects coalesce, drawing players into a world that is as haunting as it is beautiful.”
    • “The atmospheric soundtrack enhances the experience, evoking the tension of battle and the serenity of contemplative moments.”
    • “The atmosphere really makes you feel like a shinobi from that era and just when you think you've seen everything there's always something new and completely unexpected around the corner.”
    • “The atmosphere is astonishing and each area is memorable.”
    • “The atmosphere, graphics, sounds and story of the game are very impressive and immersive.”

  • optimization

    370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    39% positive mentions, 42% neutral mentions, 19% negative mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, while others report significant performance issues such as stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. Many users recommend using a controller for a better experience, and while some have found success with tweaks and settings adjustments, the overall consensus indicates that the game may not be well-optimized for PC, particularly in certain scenarios.

    • “Optimization is through the roof; this game easily runs on almost any PC in the past 10 years while still looking utterly beautiful.”
    • “The optimization ensures that the game retains its visual prowess without compromising stability.”
    • “I did not run into any bugs or graphical/performance issues during my whole 100+ hours of playtime (with max settings) on my mid-range machine with a Ryzen 5 2600, GTX 1070 Ti, and 16GB of RAM.”
    • “A piss poor excuse for a PC port; through the years, this game's performance has become extremely garbage, to the point where you cannot run it with dual monitors or need to revert your drivers to even get the performance pushing right.”
    • “The optimization is terrible, and the controller input does not even work.”
    • “I have a decent gaming rig with a Ryzen 9 CPU, 3060 Ti GPU, 128GB RAM, Windows 11, and the game is installed on a dedicated SSD, but this game has some crashes and stuttering.”

  • emotional

    213 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    98% positive mentions, 1% neutral mentions, 1% negative mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its strong narrative, memorable characters, and impactful cutscenes, which evoke a range of feelings from joy to heartbreak. Players frequently express that the game made them cry, particularly during significant moments of triumph or loss, and the intricate relationships between characters add depth to the protagonist's journey. The combination of challenging gameplay and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack further amplifies the emotional experience, making it a deeply resonant journey for many players.

    • “The relationships between characters are intricately woven, adding emotional weight to the protagonist's journey.”
    • “The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack further amplifies the emotional depth of the game, enhancing pivotal moments.”
    • “The deep exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and sacrifice adds emotional weight to the narrative, elevating the experience beyond mere swordplay.”
    • “Besides that, the game has a very dull and boring story.”
    • “Trivial gameplay, super hard bosses, boring story.”
    • “I cried at the end.”

  • humor

    207 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    97% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 3% negative mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying the absurdity of combat mechanics, quirky enemy behaviors (especially the monkeys), and the comedic elements woven into the gameplay. Many reviews mention moments of frustration turning into laughter, particularly during challenging boss fights and unexpected game mechanics, creating a lighthearted contrast to the game's overall difficulty. Overall, the humor is described as both intentional and emergent, making for a uniquely entertaining experience.

    • “Combat feels like all you do is press one button until you see the funny orange circle then give them an old fashioned British welcome.”
    • “It's really funny to cheese a certain boss or get them to go off a cliff.”
    • “Guardian ape and its subsequent headless ape optional fight is a humorous change to the rest of the game especially when you see the ape jump into air just to throw its feces at you, and finishing him off with the most badass shinobi execution only to realize you're not done yet.”
    • “It was difficult for the sake of 'let's make it difficult' in a very unfunny way.”
    • “In some levels, you need to find the best order to kill the enemies silently - this was not funny in 'Commandos', and it is neither funny here.”
    • “I have played all three Dark Souls games, and I never experienced such an unfunny boss fight.”

  • stability

    155 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    22% positive mentions, 3% neutral mentions, 75% negative mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players reporting a generally smooth experience with minimal bugs, while others have encountered frequent crashes, freezes, and significant gameplay glitches. Issues such as inconsistent hitboxes, camera problems, and combat-related bugs have been highlighted, leading to frustration for many users. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, a notable portion finds the game plagued by technical problems that detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “This game runs great, no issues with frame rate or screen tearing, as long as you have the system minimum requirements.”
    • “The game runs great, looks great, feels smooth, and is overall a really enjoyable experience with some time and exposure.”
    • “No glitches/bugs/freezes etc. for me so far, playing with an Xbox controller.”
    • “And worst, there are bugs where you work for a long time to get attack power, then you get it and it glitches and resets to 1.”
    • “The game is super buggy, and at the beginning, when you get to the first boss, it becomes borderline game-breaking.”
    • “I'm sure this game would be amazing if it wasn't such a buggy mess with enemy spam and shields that do nothing but hold up their shield.”

  • character development

    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    52% positive mentions, 44% neutral mentions, 4% negative mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with many praising the intricate lore and character designs that enhance immersion, particularly through boss encounters. However, some players feel that the character development is linear and lacks the depth found in previous FromSoftware titles, leading to a sense of hollowness compared to traditional RPG elements. Overall, while the character designs are often described as stunning and detailed, the narrative and character progression may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more expansive RPG experience.

    • “The intricate lore and character development create a rich and immersive experience.”
    • “You're experiencing the firsthand character development of Sekiro through the bosses he has to fight, aka the challenges he has to face on his journey through Ashina.”
    • “The story and lore are fantastic in my opinion, with more character development than any Dark Souls game.”
    • “But if you want a souls game where character development is a core aspect of the game, then this game is a disappointment.”
    • “Character development is quite linear and not very much varied.”
    • “The world building is as good as always in a FromSoftware game; however, the lack of character development leaves the game feeling hollow compared to a regular souls game.”

  • monetization

    44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    9% positive mentions, 52% neutral mentions, 39% negative mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been overwhelmingly praised, with users highlighting the absence of microtransactions, DLC, and other predatory practices commonly found in AAA titles. Many reviewers appreciate the game's complete experience without any additional costs or ads, viewing it as a refreshing departure from the typical cash-grab model in the industry. Overall, players commend the developers for delivering a full, engaging game without the usual monetization pitfalls.

    • “Thankfully there's no monetization or any real influence from Activision you would expect to see otherwise.”
    • “I mean first of all, it won Game of the Year, which is absolutely unheard of for a single-player, story-driven action RPG with no DLC or other monetization to speak of.”
    • “No microtransactions, no DLC, no predatory monetization scheme; the entire game is included.”
    • “It's a lazy, lazy cash grab.”
    • “It is bland after a short time playing; it seems more like a quick cash grab than a game.”
    • “In an era where full-priced games are filled to the brim with microtransactions, locked out content, or boring open worlds with equally boring cut-and-paste content, occasionally a gem like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice comes along and reminds us why we play games in the first place.”
Skip Critic Reviews

Critic Reviews

77%Critics’ scoreBased on 8 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Play Times

34h Median play time
52h Average play time
30h Main story
70h Completionist
10-79h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 246 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a hack and slash game with fantasy and historical themes. Common tags for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice include trading.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and others.

The main story can be completed in around 30 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 70 hours to finish. On average players spend around 52 hours playing Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was released on March 20, 2019.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was developed by FromSoftware.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a single player game.