Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 3214 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,674 out of 3214
  2. Mixed: 202 out of 3214
  3. Negative: 338 out of 3214
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  1. Sirwootalot
    Apr 14, 2019
    10
    This is the first time in YEARS that a game's difficulty has made me feel like a pathetic worm, like *I* am unworthy of *it* as opposed to the game being unworthy of my time.

    Remember the first time you played Demon's Souls or DS1, and that feeling of stunned anguish whenever you got your teeth kicked in by an early boss? Remember actually jumping out of your chair from pure joy when    This is the first time in YEARS that a game's difficulty has made me feel like a pathetic worm, like *I* am unworthy of *it* as opposed to the game being unworthy of my time.

    Remember the first time you played Demon's Souls or DS1, and that feeling of stunned anguish whenever you got your teeth kicked in by an early boss? Remember actually jumping out of your chair from pure joy when you FINALLY beat the S.OB.?

    That's how this entire game feels - and I am in heaven.

    In case it's not clear enough, Sekiro isn't just "hard" - it is excruciating. No multiplayer means you have no crutches for ultra-hard bosses; nobody coming to save you. Much like the game's setting in sengoku-era Japan, Cheese just doesn't exist and it will be impossible for you to cheese your way through any boss fight.

    Git Gud Scrub    … Expand
  2. cmoyano
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    The hardest, most insane, visceral, brutal experience From Software has ever brought us. This game will expose your lies, your souls "vet" status will be crushed, spat on, picked up, chewed on 10 times, and spat again.

    You are trash when it comes to Sekiro, and you will feel it. No lubricants, you butt will be sore from so much pounding. Best game From has delivered. Pure adrenaline,    The hardest, most insane, visceral, brutal experience From Software has ever brought us. This game will expose your lies, your souls "vet" status will be crushed, spat on, picked up, chewed on 10 times, and spat again.

    You are trash when it comes to Sekiro, and you will feel it. No lubricants, you butt will be sore from so much pounding.

    Best game From has delivered. Pure adrenaline, learn, adapt and prepare to die. 125k peak on Steam only shows that PC gamers are real hardcore gamers and they want this type of game. Console plebs are crying at the difficulty.    … Expand
  3. T-Opel
    Mar 14, 2021
    10
    This was one of the best gaming experiences I have had in a long time. It was also extremely challenging, unforgiving, and frustrating, so much so that I have actually uninstalled the game after about 10 hours, swearing to never play it again. But boy, am I glad I chickened out and started playing again. The combat is extremely satisfying once you get the hang of it, although it is stillThis was one of the best gaming experiences I have had in a long time. It was also extremely challenging, unforgiving, and frustrating, so much so that I have actually uninstalled the game after about 10 hours, swearing to never play it again. But boy, am I glad I chickened out and started playing again. The combat is extremely satisfying once you get the hang of it, although it is still brutally unforgiving. You will die a lot and that is part of the game. Some bosses are really ridiculously powerful, but you can learn how to fight them effectively without cheesing them. It is possible, there are even people doing no-hit runs.

    Some tips:
    * buy coin purses and gain enough experience for a new skill point before every (mini)boss fight
    * learn how to dodge and parry properly - the timing is crucial and it results in the combat being more satisfying
    * in some ways Sekiro is a rhythm game, so work on studying the bosses and learning their pattern
    * and most importantly, do not give up like I nearly did, you would be missing out on an amazing gaming experience!    … Expand
  4. kozzy420
    Mar 23, 2019
    10
    Fantastic game, movement and combat are vastly improved from the Souls series. Wonderful game, this is pretty much Tenchu 2019 mixed with Souls and I love it. Only aspect I miss from the souls games is the classes, but even that I soon forgot of because so many other elements are improved from the Souls games.
  5. Caste
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    What a good time to be a gamer :)
    Awesome game in every way. It takes some time to understand, embrace and click with the combat mechanics (less dodging, more parry), but when you do... what a blast.
  6. Gar_Stazi
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    This is what a game should be! Graphics, gameplay, plot, voice acting...

    The changes in gameplay feel a little strange at first, but once you get it the combat is so smooth and, at the same time, so punishing (when you make simple mistakes) and so rewarding (when you do it right)
  7. OppressedWriter
    Aug 25, 2022
    10
    This is a legendary video game, one can only hope we get a real or spiritual sequel. Absolutely brilliant combat, so **** good it ruins every other action games combat for me.
  8. Tanabe
    Jul 21, 2020
    10
    The game is good, beautiful graphics, common story and interesting gameplay. The biggest point of this game is precisely the gameplay, which makes it unique. I think it's harder than dark souls! I suffered a lot with the mini bosses
  9. DeusXCom
    Jun 28, 2019
    10
    Sekiro is absolutely amazing. After a long time of playing Souls games I felt that brand new experience feeling and got my ass kicked properly. It feels like From Soft has been learning all these years, perfecting all their tricks to come up with this masterpiece from their homeland Japan. I love this setting and feel of the world. Combat is the most intense and satisfying and being aSekiro is absolutely amazing. After a long time of playing Souls games I felt that brand new experience feeling and got my ass kicked properly. It feels like From Soft has been learning all these years, perfecting all their tricks to come up with this masterpiece from their homeland Japan. I love this setting and feel of the world. Combat is the most intense and satisfying and being a single player only is actually a good thing in my mind. Zero bugs nad 100% rock solid, the only thing that broke during my play-through was my Xbox One controller by playing this game so hard. The only problem compared to previous Souls games is the re-playability factor, absolute lack of different weapons, characters and builds, so after completing the game 4 times for all different endings, there is not much reason to play it again, until the DLC is released. 10/10… Expand
  10. Tanikaze
    Apr 24, 2019
    10
    Hello gamers, my two cents:
    I never liked ANY of the Souls-games. Not even the ''more friendly for noobs'' DS3. But!
    Sekiro:SDT is a masterpiece of fast-paced combat, high risk and high reward, in a fantasy setting with more history than myth, and more blood and anshes than spells and miracles. Finally we also have a decent CAMERA to follow our character! One of the games that i'll    Hello gamers, my two cents:
    I never liked ANY of the Souls-games. Not even the ''more friendly for noobs'' DS3. But!
    Sekiro:SDT is a masterpiece of fast-paced combat, high risk and high reward, in a fantasy setting with more history than myth, and more blood and anshes than spells and miracles.
    Finally we also have a decent CAMERA to follow our character!
    One of the games that i'll always remember for a few scenes that became instant-classics for me (i.e. the Great Shinobi).    … Expand
  11. Allthat
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    FromSoftware have grown into one of those studios whose game releases are big events. And I'm really glad as they are one of the few companies out there devoted to strong singleplayer games and the Soulsbourne games are one of the reasons I got into gaming.

    That being said, Sekiro is a masterpiece. Its a natural evolution on the soulsbourne games and is different in all the right ways.    FromSoftware have grown into one of those studios whose game releases are big events. And I'm really glad as they are one of the few companies out there devoted to strong singleplayer games and the Soulsbourne games are one of the reasons I got into gaming.

    That being said, Sekiro is a masterpiece. Its a natural evolution on the soulsbourne games and is different in all the right ways. I bestow my highest praises on FromSoftware, they are true masters of the art of making videogames, and while I play Sekiro, I eagerly await their next game no matter how long it takes.    … Expand
  12. Doggsnacks
    Mar 27, 2019
    10
    For all negative comments and ratings, I have two words for ya: GIT GUD!! please
  13. georgematos
    Apr 6, 2019
    10
    Sekiro is on the top 3 "Souls like" games for me. 10 for the first game play, but 8 if you consider the replay factor.
  14. luisflopez
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    I'm not sure if calling Sekiro an evolution of the Souls series is appropiate, because while it is obviously based on the same core formula, it also takes that formula into a different direction. Sekiro is more of an action game and less of an RPG. Fortunately, almost all of the positive aspects of the Souls games are present or even enhanced in Sekiro (except for multiplayer).

    I think    I'm not sure if calling Sekiro an evolution of the Souls series is appropiate, because while it is obviously based on the same core formula, it also takes that formula into a different direction. Sekiro is more of an action game and less of an RPG. Fortunately, almost all of the positive aspects of the Souls games are present or even enhanced in Sekiro (except for multiplayer).

    I think the best thing about Sekiro is how it does away with most of the filler and artificial dificulty of the Souls games. Sekiro is infinitely more agile than previous Souls characters. The addition of the grappling hook makes traversal a lot more entertaining and fast, and there's also stealth, which was made deliberately OP and very forgiving. If you feel stuck in any area of the game, you can just run past everything in a flash. This also makes the game very fun to replay.

    At the core of the experience lies the combat, which is similar but at the same time very different from that of Souls games. I think it is safe to say that this is the most engaging and refined combat system From Software has ever made, with a big emphasis on good timing and getting to know both your own and your enemies' movesets. Sekiro is both the From Software game where bosses can kill you the quickest, but also the only game where you can realistically take down a boss without getting hit once, and that is immensely rewarding. The bosses are absolutely excellent, to the point where I'd like to replay them over and over again, simply to get better at them and have fun.

    The downside of dropping most of the RPG elements is that one of my favorite aspects of Souls games, which is trying out different character builds, is almost entirely gone. In theory, this would make Sekiro the least replayable From Software game in my eyes, yet I see myself wanting to replay Sekiro in the future more than any other Souls game. The diveristy of builds may be gone, but Sekiro makes up with its addicting and engrossing combat system and its fast paced, 'to the point' nature.

    In the art department, this game is as exquisite as you'd come to expect from a modern From Software title. The story is enjoyable and the lore has a good amount of depth, although isn't quite as intrincate and elaborate as the lore of the Dark Souls series or Bloodborne. Visually, this game isn't anything to marvel at, but it does have it's highlights. Finally, the soundtrack is largely forgettable, and a step back from the quality of DS3 and Bloodborne in my opinion.

    In concluison, Sekiro is a terrific game that absolutely lives up to From Software's name. It's is obviously hard, but when you grasp the basics of combat, I'd say the difficulty is on par with that of any Souls game. Combat is intensely satisfying, from the clashing sounds of blades to the variety of moves at your disposal. The only significant donwside to the game is that is reuses areas a lot. For example, you'll be running through the exact same Ashina Castle area three times over the course of the game. But if you like soulslike games, you cannot by any chance miss Sekiro.

    Score: 9.5
    -    … Expand
  15. TemplarkO_o
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    Great game, outstanding combat system. Guys, cmon. It's new FromSoft game, what else do you need?
  16. Aghanim
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    I finished Demon's Souls, Dark Souls 1,2,3, Bloodborne. I liked these games. And I liked Sekiro too. Thanks From Software!
  17. TheNoobPolice
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    Amazing game. Fantastic lore, fantastic setting, great satisfying combat, combined with Batman style stealth mechanics and fantastic production values.
  18. gamertaboo
    Mar 24, 2019
    10
    Another home-run by FROM Software. And the best part? Just take a look at all of them "mad cuz bad" complaints. Oh boy are the people who skated through the Soulsborne games on summons getting angry.
  19. Smilingcookie
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    Sekiro shares some "from software feeling" with Dark Souls, but is very different. The emphasis is on learning how to fight with the katana, blocking, deflecting, dodging and countering attacks. As you progress through the game you learn new techniques which you can apply in the correct situation. Stealth allows you to get an advantage before starting the fight and provides some welcomeSekiro shares some "from software feeling" with Dark Souls, but is very different. The emphasis is on learning how to fight with the katana, blocking, deflecting, dodging and countering attacks. As you progress through the game you learn new techniques which you can apply in the correct situation. Stealth allows you to get an advantage before starting the fight and provides some welcome down time.
    The prosthetic arm gives you acces to a bunch of tools and tricks like a grappling hook, axe, spear, shuriken, fire, ....
    There is a good amount of exploration, which gets rewarded as you find new items. The grappling hook makes the game very up/down, a dimension not fully used in Dark Souls games.

    Graphics are beautiful and gameplay is very well thought out. The setting and background information about ninjutsu/martial arts (techniques / weapons / tools / ... are very well researched. The game is extremely optimized and runs super smooth.    … Expand
  20. DarkSmile_231
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    Tenho quase 3 horas de jogo e até agora, esta sendo um dos melhores se n o melhor q joguei esse ano, o combate é simplesmente esplêndido, a furtividade esta funcionando muito bem, bastante boss e todos muito bem feitos, e esta sendo muito mais dificil q a série souls na minha opnião, n posso falar sobre a história pq eu n tenho uma boa base ainda mais até agora ela está se desenvolvendoTenho quase 3 horas de jogo e até agora, esta sendo um dos melhores se n o melhor q joguei esse ano, o combate é simplesmente esplêndido, a furtividade esta funcionando muito bem, bastante boss e todos muito bem feitos, e esta sendo muito mais dificil q a série souls na minha opnião, n posso falar sobre a história pq eu n tenho uma boa base ainda mais até agora ela está se desenvolvendo muito bem, então recomendo a pessoas maioria das pessoas, óbvio tem gente q n gosta muito desse tipo de jogo, se vc é um cara q n era muito fã da série souls (eu tb nunca fui, e acabei comprando esse game na pré-venda pq ele era bem diferente dos outros games da from software) da uma chance pra esse jogo, vc vai amar, te garanto isso, só q vc tem q ter paciência quando morrer ksks, ao contrário de mim q fico com vontade de quebrar o monitor na minha cabeça.
    Bem, obg se vc leu minha review, dou nota 10, pq tudo q vi agora me agradou, n presenciei nenhum bug, em relação aos gráficos eles estão sim mais simples q outros jogos, tipo god of war, red dead, mas é bem bonito na minha opnião, texturas em questão da roupa, pedras, neve e etc, estão incriveis, então n precisa ficar preocupado em relação a isso, compre o jogo sem medo, n vai se arrepender.

    Obg a todos q leram mais uma vez, agora vá, compre esse game e seja feliz, tenha um bom dia (tarde ou noite ksks) tchaaau :)    … Expand
  21. VaclavBeran
    Feb 14, 2021
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. Very high quality game. It's hard, but fair. Nice sceneries.
  22. Somy
    Mar 4, 2022
    10
    Sekiro is legitimately one of the most unique and breathtaking experiences I have ever had in gaming, full stop. The setting of Sengoku-era Japan is quite uniquely-presented, and it almost felt like this was FromSoft's ode to their home country with how much love they put into the design of the areas. The atmosphere is simply amazing.

    The combat is the most unique that I've seen, and it    Sekiro is legitimately one of the most unique and breathtaking experiences I have ever had in gaming, full stop. The setting of Sengoku-era Japan is quite uniquely-presented, and it almost felt like this was FromSoft's ode to their home country with how much love they put into the design of the areas. The atmosphere is simply amazing.

    The combat is the most unique that I've seen, and it differs dramatically from other FromSoft games as well as most games on the market. Instead of whittling down a massive health bar, Sekiro demands precise aggression to break the opponent's poise. Fights feel extremely skill-based, and bosses that feel impossible at first try can be a breeze once you figure out how to defeat them. The combat is very focused on human enemies, however, and while the game attempts to deviate from them with certain beast-like enemies, I felt that they didn't quite fit into the combat system.

    Overall, everything about Sekiro is absolutely stunning; its setting, its music, its atmosphere, and its combat. The story may be somewhat cryptic but there's a sense of sheer awe that's difficult to describe that holds true throughout the entire game. It's personally one of my top games of all time, and I think everybody who has the ability to experience it has to do it in their lifetime.    … Expand
  23. Kato17
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    So,there are some people that are like, I don't like it because it's not DS, I'm like, well you right about "SEKIRO" not being DS, lol, my dudes, From didn't start with Soulsborne games, so if you want to compare Sekiro to DS and BB you should also compare them to Armored Core, hehe, for me Sekiro has by far the best combat system and the world is the most beautiful one, now don't get meSo,there are some people that are like, I don't like it because it's not DS, I'm like, well you right about "SEKIRO" not being DS, lol, my dudes, From didn't start with Soulsborne games, so if you want to compare Sekiro to DS and BB you should also compare them to Armored Core, hehe, for me Sekiro has by far the best combat system and the world is the most beautiful one, now don't get me wrong, I love DS, DS 1,3 and BB (let's forget about the 2 ok), and I have an especial place for DS3 in my heart for introducing me to this wonderful franchise,but right now I can't even think about leaving Sekiro, its just too much fun, but I do agree with you guys when you guys say that there is a lack of customization options,thank God that we have mods for that !!! About frame drops, well I played in PC(I5-4440 3.10ghz 16 ram and a Geforce GTX 960) with high settings and it stayed between 50 and 60 the whole game !!! The story is great especially if you eavesdrop and give sake to people so you can hear their memories, so Overall, IMO apart for some minor camera issues, Sekiro is the most fun and rewarding game I ever played in my life !!! I give it a 9.6/10 !!! BB is a 9.3/10 DS1 is a 9.1/10
    DS2 it's an 8/10 and DS3(It's the First Soulsborne I played, it is special) it's a 9.5/10 and until Sekiro came out, it shared the top spot with God of War 3 as the best games I ever played in my life, GOW 4 is a 9.4, Red Dead 1 its a 9.3 and Red Dead 2 its a 8.9 !!! Sekiro is amazing and I'm just Loving everything about the game !!!    … Expand
  24. Eric9292
    Mar 31, 2019
    10
    Uno nuevo juego de From Software con la dirección de Hidetaka Miyazaki no podía salir mal y así ha sido , un juego digno de tener ya que no tiene nada de envidiar a sus secuelas Souls, con su propio estilo destaca por si solo, su frenético combate es tan adictivo que te ara pasar horas y horas delante del monitor. Las criticas negativas no las comprendo, realmente una vez le cojees elUno nuevo juego de From Software con la dirección de Hidetaka Miyazaki no podía salir mal y así ha sido , un juego digno de tener ya que no tiene nada de envidiar a sus secuelas Souls, con su propio estilo destaca por si solo, su frenético combate es tan adictivo que te ara pasar horas y horas delante del monitor. Las criticas negativas no las comprendo, realmente una vez le cojees el ritmo y entiendes como tienes que jugar el juego es una maravilla. Si le tengo que poner algún pero , es en el final del juego donde se repiten los escenarios, pero vamos comparado a otros juegos sigue siendo un juego largo y poco repetitivo. Aun así con su estupenda jugabilidad innovadora, hace que ese punto negativo sea apenas visible. Una obra de arte, quien diga lo contrario es que no lo ha jugado , recomendado 100 % . Sekiro marcara un antes y un después.… Expand
  25. A-Rose
    Feb 16, 2020
    10
    This game straight up has my favorite action gameplay in any game period. The combat is so damn satisfying and so damn hard too. Virtually every single boss save for maybe 1 or 2 of them are absolute monsters and require so much trial and error to eventually beat. But when you do, holy smokes does it feel good. The soundtrack is pretty damn solid throughout, with some particular bangersThis game straight up has my favorite action gameplay in any game period. The combat is so damn satisfying and so damn hard too. Virtually every single boss save for maybe 1 or 2 of them are absolute monsters and require so much trial and error to eventually beat. But when you do, holy smokes does it feel good. The soundtrack is pretty damn solid throughout, with some particular bangers along the way. The story is...fine I guess. Its probably the weakest part of Sekiro, but it doesn't really bring the game down in any way. The voice acting is good in literally every single language this game has.
    I should note however that this game very much will not be for everyone, even some Soulsborne veterans I know didn't really care for this game as much as others. That is mostly due to the fact that there is only one way really of fighting in this game. Theres no great swords, daggers, bows, or magic. There is no variety essentially, you'll be slashing, deflecting, jumping and mikiri countering the whole way through to the very end. Now I really like this style of gameplay, but if you were the kind of guy/gal to hit and run in games like dark souls or you perhaps used to rolling through most attacks with ease, this game will take some real getting used to or you may just straight up not enjoy it. If you can adapt to this singular style of gameplay, you should have an extremely difficult but extremely satisfying time with this game. Its a #P4P great!    … Expand
  26. Dagmeat
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    I don't understand how some people rated can give this game a negative score. I love it! The story and game play mechanics are top notch.
  27. sursurk
    Apr 8, 2019
    10
    PC version comes with a piece of cardboard with a steam-key instead of a physical disc. Nice "physical release" you got there.
  28. Fahdaad
    May 31, 2023
    10
    Fromsoftware's best work that employs the use of the best combat system I've seen in a game, leading to gameplay that is somehow full of spectacle, fast paced, strategic, fluid, and most importantly fun without sacrifice.
  29. Janklootvandam
    Apr 19, 2022
    10
    BETTER THAN ELDEN RING and the antithesis of Elden Ring.
    This game is pure QUALITY over QUANTITY. Everything feels snappy and precise. The game doesn't overstay its welcome and actually has a story unlike Meme Ring. Every boss battle is exciting and visceral and it's fun to learn the boss patterns. I recommend anyone who wants to play a good sword fighting game to play Sekiro: Shadows Die    BETTER THAN ELDEN RING and the antithesis of Elden Ring.
    This game is pure QUALITY over QUANTITY. Everything feels snappy and precise. The game doesn't overstay its welcome and actually has a story unlike Meme Ring. Every boss battle is exciting and visceral and it's fun to learn the boss patterns. I recommend anyone who wants to play a good sword fighting game to play Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice the best From Software game to date.    … Expand
  30. mcsw712
    Mar 22, 2019
    10
    I haven't beaten it yet. It may take a long while, but so far this game truly impresses. Also, with HDR I think the graphics are amazing! I'm not sure why people are trashing the graphics. It saddens me that this game has a lower metacritic score than rdr2. That game isn't even fun. Truly it isn't. This game is pure fun, in the same spirit as a Nintendo game like BOTW or MarioI haven't beaten it yet. It may take a long while, but so far this game truly impresses. Also, with HDR I think the graphics are amazing! I'm not sure why people are trashing the graphics. It saddens me that this game has a lower metacritic score than rdr2. That game isn't even fun. Truly it isn't. This game is pure fun, in the same spirit as a Nintendo game like BOTW or Mario Odyssey. The focus is on gameplay and fun.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PC Game of 2019
6
#6 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
69
#69 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Game World Navigator Magazine
    May 15, 2019
    80
    There’s no leveling (in Soulsborne sense of the word), no covenants, no multiplayer, no variety in armor and weapons. It could be written off a stylistic choice, if the rest of the game didn’t feel very similar to the previous FromSoftware games. But it does, so Sekrio comes across as rather shallow. [Issue#237, p.28]
  2. MGG
    Apr 27, 2019
    88
    Sekiro Shadows Die Twice is a milestone in the genre. It offers complex, stunning and precise sword fights and duels that its predecessors lacked, and from which its successors will have to keep up with. You no longer simply learn by repeatedly and unfairly dying, but you refine your talents as a player. You seek unique methods to overcome each boss, rather than just rolling at the right time before spamming a few hits.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    Apr 25, 2019
    90
    Dozens of hours later, we're still not sure how we feel about it. It's a game of contradictions, open and flexible in its level design, yet resolutely strict in its combat... It is a brilliant game, that is certain. but it is often a difficult one to truly love. Naturally, we can't put it down. [Issue#332, p.104]
See all critic reviews »