Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 144,580 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Game Cover
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a thoroughly entertaining and rewarding action game that stands alongside the greatest entries in the genre.
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"Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is an action-adventure game set in 16th century Japan, where you play as a disgraced warrior seeking revenge for the capture of your young lord. With a focus on stealth and swordplay, the game offers challenging boss battles, a unique resurrection system, and a striking, brutal world to explore. This Game of the Year Edition includes bonus content such as new boss challenge modes, cosmetic skins, and the ability to leave messages for other players.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 144,580 reviews
gameplay6,078 positive mentions
grinding1,590 negative mentions
  • gameplay16,733 mentions

    The gameplay of *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* is widely praised for its innovative mechanics, particularly the parry and posture systems, which demand precision and timing from players. Many reviewers highlight the steep learning curve, noting that while the game can be frustrating at first, mastering its mechanics leads to a deeply satisfying experience, especially during intense boss battles. The combination of fast-paced combat, stealth elements, and a focus on skill over traditional RPG mechanics sets *Sekiro* apart from other titles in the FromSoftware catalog, making it a unique and rewarding challenge for players.

    • “Sekiro gameplay is second to none; you'll feel like an absolute badass once you master the mechanics.”
    • “The game's combat mechanics are finely tuned, requiring precision, strategy, and patience.”
    • “The challenge comes from the mastery of its core mechanics, which are simple at their core but intricately complex once you understand them.”
    • “It is not enjoyable at all; the combat mechanics make no sense.”
    • “The few valuable items are often hidden behind illogical or obscure mechanics, leaving little reason to thoroughly explore the world.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely repetitive with only a katana and the ability to parry attacks.”
  • story13,481 mentions

    The story of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is widely praised for its compelling narrative, which is more straightforward and accessible compared to previous FromSoftware titles. Set in a richly detailed feudal Japan, it follows the journey of the shinobi, Wolf, as he seeks to rescue his kidnapped lord and confronts themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of immortality. While some players appreciate the depth and emotional weight of the story, others find it less engaging or too simplistic, highlighting a mix of opinions on its overall impact within the gameplay experience.

    • “Beyond the combat and visuals, Sekiro also delivers a compelling story that is steeped in Japanese folklore and mythology.”
    • “Through its storytelling, the game explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of violence.”
    • “The story is perfectly serviceable and feels self-contained within this game in a way that brings a sense of conclusion that other FromSoftware games lack.”
    • “I find the storytelling and visual aesthetics quite weak.”
    • “With characters that have the emotional depth of a puddle and a plot that’s thinner than a rice paper screen, you’ll find yourself skipping cutscenes just to avoid the mind-numbing boredom.”
    • “The developers seemed to think cryptic dialogue and vague lore were substitutes for actual storytelling.”
  • graphics5,260 mentions

    The graphics of *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and intricate world design, effectively capturing the essence of feudal Japan. Players have praised the game's vibrant art style, detailed environments, and dynamic lighting effects, which enhance the immersive experience. While some critiques mention that the graphics may not be groundbreaking compared to other 2019 titles, the overall aesthetic and artistic direction are considered exceptional, making it a standout in the action-adventure genre.

    • “Right from the start, the game captivated me with its stunning visuals and intricate world design.”
    • “Sekiro's world is undeniably beautiful, with a strong aesthetic rooted in Japanese history and mythology.”
    • “The graphics and design of the game are quite breathtaking with some of the most beautiful level design I have seen from a video game; a perfect example of this is the Fountainhead Palace in its entirety, extremely beautiful level design.”
    • “2019 had to be a dry ass year for games, tops out at 60 fps with graphics that look just like they used to when Bush was president.”
    • “Only got slightly past the dilapidated temple but the world design is horrendous with mediocre graphics.”
    • “The graphics are trash for a newer game, PC options suck, and the gameplay is too difficult and not enjoyable.”
  • music2,816 mentions

    The music in "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" has received a mixed reception from players. Many praise the soundtrack for its atmospheric qualities and ability to enhance the game's intense combat and exploration, with specific tracks being highlighted for their emotional impact during boss fights. However, some players feel that the music lacks memorability compared to previous FromSoftware titles like "Dark Souls" and "Bloodborne," describing it as occasionally repetitive or generic, particularly during regular encounters. Overall, while the music is generally well-crafted and fitting for the game's setting, it may not leave as strong an impression as other entries in the developer's catalog.

    • “The soundtrack and sound effects perfectly match the game's setting, adding to the overall intensity and immersion.”
    • “The music is s tier and so is the design of the game, I would highly recommend this game to any fan of the Souls series.”
    • “The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack further amplifies the emotional depth of the game, enhancing pivotal moments.”
    • “But more seriously the music is my only slight disappointment, it's good but didn't blow me away as much as games like Elden Ring, but that is a high bar.”
    • “The soundtrack can be a little lackluster in the sense that it often isn't unique or very memorable, not that it is bad.”
    • “The music is not memorable, unlike DS3 which was very good which made a quite good satisfaction in boss fights.”
  • grinding1,842 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 RPG grinding, others criticize the repetitive nature of enemy encounters and the necessity to farm experience points and materials for skills and upgrades. Overall, players agree that while the game can be rewarding, the grinding required—especially for achievements—can detract from the enjoyment and flow of gameplay.

    • “No grinding, pure skill-based game.”
    • “Dominating the game is possible in an average playing time, and mainly no grinding is needed at all.”
    • “The fighting system and boss fights are incredible and very rewarding, and it is in many ways a more 'modern' approach to soulslike games (e.g. respawning in front of bosses, actual storyline and cutscenes that can be understood, no farming for levels required, etc.).”
    • “And the overall experience, instead of being engaging and rewarding, felt like a tedious grind.”
    • “Every enemy encounter becomes a tedious trial-and-error grind, sucking all the fun out of what could have been a thrilling samurai adventure.”
    • “The only complaint I have about this game is that, at times, it is very difficult to practice and get better since certain bosses don't have checkpoints near them - making it so that repeated practicing is tedious.”
  • atmosphere1,434 mentions

    The atmosphere in *Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice* is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals and immersive world, effectively capturing the essence of feudal Japan. Players appreciate the intricate level design, atmospheric soundscapes, and the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from serenity to tension during combat. The combination of stunning graphics, a haunting soundtrack, and rich environmental storytelling creates a captivating experience that stands out in the action-adventure genre.

    • “The atmospheric environments are not just visually impressive but also add a deep sense of immersion to the overall experience.”
    • “The attention to detail is staggering, with every building, every tree, every blade of grass contributing to the immersive atmosphere that draws you in and refuses to let go.”
    • “The beautifully crafted environments, from serene temples to haunting battlefields, immerse players in a stunning and atmospheric world that captures the essence of feudal Japan.”
    • “Different gameplay, no more 'world is dying' atmosphere, cutscenes are 'more ordinary' and the main character actually talks.”
    • “It lacks the variation of 'dark souls' worlds and the atmosphere is less fearful and claustrophobic.”
    • “This ruined the immersion of the level and overall atmosphere the game developers were trying to go for.”
  • replayability1,402 mentions

    The replayability of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is a mixed bag among players. While some appreciate the multiple endings and the challenge of mastering combat mechanics, many criticize the lack of build diversity and customization options, which significantly limits replay value compared to other FromSoftware titles. Overall, the game offers decent replayability through its New Game Plus mode and various challenges, but it may not satisfy those seeking extensive replay options typical of the Soulsborne series.

    • “This game has incredible replayability, and will always have my favorite boss of any video game of all time, Isshin the Sword Saint.”
    • “The level of freedom and creativity in approaching encounters and navigating the environment adds a layer of depth and replayability to the game.”
    • “High replayability: multiple endings, hidden secrets, and different approaches to combat and exploration make Sekiro a game worth replaying multiple times.”
    • “The fact that this game is not as replayable as the other ones because you just have one weapon, different combat arts and some prosthetic tools is a big downside to this game and why people don't talk about this game a lot.”
    • “Its less replayable than the rest of fromsoft's games, but your first 2-4 playthroughs will be great.”
    • “The only thing it lacks is replayability.”
  • optimization789 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its solid performance on mid-range PCs and the ability to run smoothly even at high settings, while others report significant stuttering, frame drops, and poor performance on higher-end systems. Many users recommend using a controller for a better experience, as keyboard and mouse controls are often criticized. Overall, while some players find the game well-optimized, others highlight persistent performance issues that detract from the experience.

    • “Very good game with excellent performance even on slightly lower-end machines.”
    • “I don't recall running into any performance issues whatsoever in my 100+ hours of playing, despite running it at basically max settings on what is a relatively mid-tier PC.”
    • “Optimization is through the roof; this game easily runs on almost any PC in the past 10 years while still looking utterly beautiful.”
    • “Un-optimized janky f***ing piece of s***.”
    • “The optimization is terrible and the controller input does not even work.”
    • “This game is poorly optimized, even though I've exceeded the recommended hardware requirements, the game still struggles to run and has constant performance drops, buy at your own risk.”
  • emotional506 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is a profound journey that resonates deeply with players, often leading to tears of joy, frustration, and catharsis. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings through its challenging gameplay, compelling narrative, and character relationships, making players feel a sense of accomplishment and connection to the protagonist's quest. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain story elements, the overall consensus is that the emotional highs and lows experienced throughout the game create a memorable and impactful experience.

    • “But if you're one of the few who don't, you will experience moments in gaming that you never thought possible: a visually stunning world with rich lore never before seen in FromSoftware fashion, a combat system so difficult and yet so rewarding that the heights of it will never be achieved again, and a story so heartbreakingly beautiful that even with full knowledge of the story and all its endings, I was left in literal tears at the sheer beauty of its lessons and themes.”
    • “FromSoftware's 'Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice' is not merely a game; it's an emotional rollercoaster that takes players on a journey through the depths of determination, loss, and redemption.”
    • “In the end, 'Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice' is more than just a game; it's a masterpiece of emotional storytelling.”
    • “The intrusive and boring story, uninteresting hidden items, bad optimization, and no gamma slider further subtract from the score.”
    • “Besides that, the game has a very dull and boring story.”
    • “Trivial gameplay, super hard bosses, boring story.”
  • humor474 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with many players finding joy in its absurdities, such as the antics of monkey enemies and the comedic timing of combat mechanics. While some moments are genuinely funny, particularly in the context of challenging gameplay, others veer into dark or frustrating territory, leading to a blend of laughter and rage. Overall, the humor adds a unique layer to the experience, making it memorable despite its challenges.

    • “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is like that tough-love coach who keeps pushing you to be better while simultaneously laughing at your feeble attempts.”
    • “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's really funny to cheese a certain boss or get them to go off a cliff.”
    • “Not funny, played a few hours and uninstalled.”
    • “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.”
  • stability330 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly with controller support and hitboxes. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay on systems like the Steam Deck and Linux, others have faced frequent freezes, crashes, and frustrating gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game's stability appears to be inconsistent, with a notable divide between those who encounter severe issues and those who report a relatively bug-free experience.

    • “The game runs great with no issues encountered.”
    • “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.”
    • “Unfortunately, this game is too buggy to enjoy.”
    • “The game is super buggy and the beginning when you get to the first boss it becomes borderline game breaking.”
    • “I can't recommend this game in good faith when it either crashes, infinitely loads, or is just plain buggy all within the first five minutes of playing.”
  • character development179 mentions

    Character development in "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is a mixed bag, with some players praising its intriguing lore and the protagonist's journey through challenges that shape his character. However, many reviewers note that the game lacks the depth and variety of character development found in traditional RPGs, feeling more linear and restricted in customization options. While the character designs are often highlighted as exceptional and visually stunning, the overall narrative and character growth may leave some players wanting more.

    • “The intricate lore and character development create a rich and immersive experience.”
    • “Great character development, great story, good elements and themes, beautiful map design, a decent amount of RPG elements that cause you to play your own way, and well thought out, rhythmic action that perfectly shows what it means to pursue a man in battle.”
    • “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.”
    • “There is no sense of character development.”
  • monetization96 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been largely praised, with many users highlighting the absence of microtransactions, DLC, or any predatory monetization schemes. Players appreciate that the game offers a complete experience without the typical cash grabs seen in many AAA titles, making it a refreshing change in an era dominated by such practices. Overall, the consensus is that the game is a genuine product of passion rather than a cash grab, allowing players to enjoy the gameplay without financial distractions.

    • “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.”
    • “FromSoftware even managed to prevent Activision from stuffing it full of microtransactions, which is a great reminder that AAA games can still provide an actual engaging, skill-based challenge rather than just turning everything into a grind to encourage players to spend real money.”
    • “It's a lazy lazy cash grab.”
    • “The trailers were reminiscent of the ads you get for misleading mobile games.”
    • “It is bland after a short time playing; it seems like more of a quick cash grab than a game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Play time

34hMedian play time
93hAverage play time
30hMain story
70hCompletionist
10-79hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 532 analyzed playthroughs

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