Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5159 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4,327 out of 5159
  2. Mixed: 286 out of 5159
  3. Negative: 546 out of 5159
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  1. Smallbund25
    Jun 22, 2021
    10
    The combat is the most rewarding system I have come across to date and it just keeps pulling you in for more. Feeling and hearing those perfectly timed parries and seeing the enemy posture meter fill up is incredibly satisfying, and it's something few games manage to pull off. The deathblows look great and all the animations feel fluent and spot on. Scenery is astonishing. I loved everyThe combat is the most rewarding system I have come across to date and it just keeps pulling you in for more. Feeling and hearing those perfectly timed parries and seeing the enemy posture meter fill up is incredibly satisfying, and it's something few games manage to pull off. The deathblows look great and all the animations feel fluent and spot on. Scenery is astonishing. I loved every single area in the game and everything from ambience and music to environmental storytelling was perfect. Please play this game, for your own sake.… Expand
  2. KxngMikk1888
    Jun 22, 2021
    10
    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, A 16th century supernatural ARPG from the legendary studio FromSoftware and mastermind Hidetaka Miyazaki, the man that gave us the phenomenal Bloodborne and Dark Souls franchise. Sekiro is based in a fictional version of 16 Century Japan where you play a Shinobi called Sekiro meaning One-Armed Wolf. The game starts with an opening cinematic about the conflict inSekiro: Shadows Die Twice, A 16th century supernatural ARPG from the legendary studio FromSoftware and mastermind Hidetaka Miyazaki, the man that gave us the phenomenal Bloodborne and Dark Souls franchise. Sekiro is based in a fictional version of 16 Century Japan where you play a Shinobi called Sekiro meaning One-Armed Wolf. The game starts with an opening cinematic about the conflict in Ashina coming to an end, You see Sekiro as a child, as a man (Owl) walks up to him and asks the "Starving Wolf" to join him, He trains the child "relentlessly" to become a master Shinobi.
    You start the game of in a cell pit as someone throws down the clue to your escape, this first chapter is sort of a way to help you get a feel for the game and it's controls, if your used to the typical Dark Souls gameplay you're going to have to adjust your playstyle as Sekiro is all about posture, at the bottom of the screen your posture is displayed and at the top your enemies, you have to deflect to build up posture, blocking works but not as well, you have a very small time frame to deflect so your reflexes have to be on point as that could lead to death. In previous FromSoftware games dying was the worst thing that could happening, in Sekiro they took a different approach as you can resurrect once after each death, some enemies have this as well, above their health there is a red indicator so you know how many times they can resurrect.    … Expand
  3. Ironwy4
    Jun 22, 2021
    10
    This game is something else... You feel every strike of your blade and it's so satisfying if you manage to parry several fast attacks in a row. I played a lot of games and I can easily say that this game offers the best combat/fight system to date. It's extremely rewarding and makes you feel like a total badass. Your prosthetic arm gives you a a lot of addition tactics in battle due to theThis game is something else... You feel every strike of your blade and it's so satisfying if you manage to parry several fast attacks in a row. I played a lot of games and I can easily say that this game offers the best combat/fight system to date. It's extremely rewarding and makes you feel like a total badass. Your prosthetic arm gives you a a lot of addition tactics in battle due to the collection of gadgets you can attach to it. Also you can learn unique combos, strikes and skills. So yeah like I said pretty awesome gamplay wise. The story is nothing too spectacular but keeps you motivated.
    Every region has some sort of verticality for your movement with the grappling hook. Stealth makes many parts a lot easier. I think Dark Souls 1 and Bloodborne have still better regions and atmosphere but thats my opinion. I'd say this game is not as hard as Dark Souls 1 or Bloodborne due to the fact it's way fairer and stealth makes -like I said- almost every part easier except for the bosses ofc .. In addition you almost never die because of some BS. Ye it has a steep learning curve but it's very rewarding. After Bloodborne my favorite Soulsborne like game.
    Go buy it, you won't regret it.    … Expand
  4. Chikage77
    Jun 22, 2021
    10
    One of the greatest game i've ever played. This a must play for soulsborne fans.
  5. Finalsolider111
    Jun 22, 2021
    10
    It's not Dark Souls. It's neither harder nor easier, it's different. And that's great!
    A few topics to consider:
    • The combat is extremelly satisfying and fair; • No bs monster placing (sup DS2); • No janky hitboxes; • There are no weapons or armor in the game (but there's still equipment to be found and crafted); • The bosses are an absolute blast to fight; • The story is not as    It's not Dark Souls. It's neither harder nor easier, it's different. And that's great!
    A few topics to consider:
    • The combat is extremelly satisfying and fair;
    • No bs monster placing (sup DS2);
    • No janky hitboxes;
    • There are no weapons or armor in the game (but there's still equipment to be found and crafted);
    • The bosses are an absolute blast to fight;
    • The story is not as convoluted as in the DS series, and I loved it.
    All in all, a game with a good amount of challenges, exploration and good combat!    … Expand
  6. Ivaruzza233
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Fresh setting
    - reduced RPG elements
    - fast-paced combat
    - hard bosses (some of the endgame bosses made me doubt I'd ever finish this game)
  7. Jaunkonabi61
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    "Parry this you filthy casual" on a whole new level. Parrying death sim for the win.
  8. Nukkun38
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Remember when in Dark Souls 2 the monastery scimitar was broken and had 0 frames of startup on its parry animation? That's the main mechanic in this game, except when you land it, the enemy doesn't stop attacking, so you need to do about eight in a row.
  9. Seraph735
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Just finished the game 50 hrs for me . It’s really satisfying when u beat the bosses and multiple ending with different final bosses for different endings . I just love the game .. combat , story , music everything. I’ve beaten final boss with luck involvement and ending that I got is not really great ! So time to play again!
  10. Counter-Life9
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    An absolute masterpiece with unique, reaction based combat that rewards quick decision making, aggressive play and resilience. Although it's not a Soulsborne, you get the same sense of accomplishment from overcoming challenges, and let me tell you, this game got quite a bit of them, including one of the best and most challenging final bosses I've ever experienced. The story and lore areAn absolute masterpiece with unique, reaction based combat that rewards quick decision making, aggressive play and resilience. Although it's not a Soulsborne, you get the same sense of accomplishment from overcoming challenges, and let me tell you, this game got quite a bit of them, including one of the best and most challenging final bosses I've ever experienced. The story and lore are very interesting, and feel like a mix of traditional storytelling combined with elements of Miyazaki's obscure and vague style. I highly recommend this game to people who seek a challenging game that doesn't hold their hand.… Expand
  11. Voilib1008
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Sekrio, the game is truly a masterpiece of the souls' style. Some people may look at this and think, just another Souls game, nothing new. That would be doing a big disservice to all the hard work the developers put into making this game. It improved on many things its predecessors were built upon, even adding new elements and removing others in favor of more fluid gameplay. Miyazaki youSekrio, the game is truly a masterpiece of the souls' style. Some people may look at this and think, just another Souls game, nothing new. That would be doing a big disservice to all the hard work the developers put into making this game. It improved on many things its predecessors were built upon, even adding new elements and removing others in favor of more fluid gameplay. Miyazaki you crazy genius you did it again.… Expand
  12. Urines7497
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Everything is very simple: You don't learn mechanics - git gud. This is the best experience i ever got.
  13. 0dds_0f_Even2
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    A departure from the Soulsborne formula, while Sekiro has some of those features (Gourd seeds reminding Souls players of Estus flask upgrades for example) from Miyazaki's past games the entire experience is still brand new & was originally going to be another game in the Tenchu series.
  14. Yznoy187
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Extremely satisfying and rewarding combat with loads of different enemies and environments. The difficulty feels just right and the game introduces mechanics that you don't have to use but can be extremely useful if you find out how to use them correctly. Sekiro does not hold your hand so if you're looking for a relaxing breeze of an experience this game isn't for you.
  15. Aluneth4222
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    If u have already played ds series and bloodborne, u can have a try on this game. But once again Sekiro is way harder than other game made by Miyazaki. Just prepare to die endless times.
  16. Dewmuss336
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Sekiro is fantastic, don't listen to the ridiculous negative reviews complaining about difficulty and so on. Those are the Souls babies that probably beat the trilogy by summoning 3 gank friends at every boss.
  17. Dignitas716
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Buy this game. You get to FEEL like a Shinobi while practically getting one shot at every wrong move you make. Buy this game. You get to work and work until you get your crap together and you finally beat that mini-boss that took you 30 minutes to not die to. Buy this game. It's a freaking blast to play and it is super satisfying to beat said mini-boss that honestly DID take you 30 F'ingBuy this game. You get to FEEL like a Shinobi while practically getting one shot at every wrong move you make. Buy this game. You get to work and work until you get your crap together and you finally beat that mini-boss that took you 30 minutes to not die to. Buy this game. It's a freaking blast to play and it is super satisfying to beat said mini-boss that honestly DID take you 30 F'ing minutes to learn how to beat. BUY THIS GAME.… Expand
  18. Halflight694
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Even with these gripes in mind, the game is 100% worth your time and absolutely a masterpiece – but again, this is not Dark Souls, and there are very few ways to truly lower the difficulty of the game. It’s just plain hard. If you liked the Souls games, I’d give this a shot. If you didn’t, or if you haven’t tried them, I’d buy one of them (Dark Souls: Remastered preferably) first sinceEven with these gripes in mind, the game is 100% worth your time and absolutely a masterpiece – but again, this is not Dark Souls, and there are very few ways to truly lower the difficulty of the game. It’s just plain hard. If you liked the Souls games, I’d give this a shot. If you didn’t, or if you haven’t tried them, I’d buy one of them (Dark Souls: Remastered preferably) first since they’re cheaper and will give you a better idea of what you’re looking at difficulty wise.… Expand
  19. NeoSoper7
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Sekiro certainly is a great game I enjoyed a lot. I can wholeheartedly recommend this game to anyone who is in search of a challenge, enjoys a Japanese setting or tight gameplay.
    I hope I was able to help you with this review.
  20. Kents90
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    It might not be the best Fromsoftware game for many people, but let me tell ya. this is a game you wont forget in a long time. the rhythmic combat system is hella fun and rewarding as no other. the game might be lacking of character customization but it doesn't really need it. everything you earn, everything you accomplish in this game feels just as amazing from the start to the very end.It might not be the best Fromsoftware game for many people, but let me tell ya. this is a game you wont forget in a long time. the rhythmic combat system is hella fun and rewarding as no other. the game might be lacking of character customization but it doesn't really need it. everything you earn, everything you accomplish in this game feels just as amazing from the start to the very end.
    At first i refunded the game because i couldn't get into it after 2000 hours of different dark souls playthroughs but oh boy was i stupid for refunding it so fast. Give this game a try if you really love a challenge and keep on playing it, trust me, you wont regret it in any way!    … Expand
  21. Xamn302
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    A great game with many of the hallmarks of the souls series. The environments reset when you die and you lose some progress. Instead of a level up system, you have a prosthetic arm that can be upgraded with various tools. You also learn skills that permanently upgrade your capabilities. The combat is sword focused (you don't really get any other weapons) and relies heavily on parrying toA great game with many of the hallmarks of the souls series. The environments reset when you die and you lose some progress. Instead of a level up system, you have a prosthetic arm that can be upgraded with various tools. You also learn skills that permanently upgrade your capabilities. The combat is sword focused (you don't really get any other weapons) and relies heavily on parrying to be successful. This will be challenging for people used to dodging or blocking in the souls series.… Expand
  22. Trilbly7148
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    My personal game of the year so far and one of the best I've played in recent years. For any fan of Souls games and Japanese mythology.
  23. Manimal510
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    I dead a bunch but was fun. Very Hard but really nice game and challenging.
  24. Xilazzz45
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Very good and simple (I mean the mechanisms, not the difficulty, and anyway I'm not part of the "Dark Souls difficulty" "generation", that term means nothing to me: 20 years before Demon's Souls or Dark Souls or Bloodborn, many games were tougher or equivalent) 3d japanese action game.
    I like the (gloomy) mood of the game, the minimalist and dark setting (I don't really appreciate    Very good and simple (I mean the mechanisms, not the difficulty, and anyway I'm not part of the "Dark Souls difficulty" "generation", that term means nothing to me: 20 years before Demon's Souls or Dark Souls or Bloodborn, many games were tougher or equivalent) 3d japanese action game.
    I like the (gloomy) mood of the game, the minimalist and dark setting (I don't really appreciate "cheesy" japanese stuff but I really like certain aspects of their culture so this type of game is perfect for me)...    … Expand
  25. Iamnotspy32
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    Pure awesomness. I had way more fun with this game as I expected - and I expected a lot.
    The mechanics are very smooth and good to handle, the combat system is really rewarding and all in all does it just feel great to swing Kusabimaru through your enemys.
    Its not the same as Dark Souls but u still feel the breeze of it in this game. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is really beautiful and the    Pure awesomness. I had way more fun with this game as I expected - and I expected a lot.
    The mechanics are very smooth and good to handle, the combat system is really rewarding and all in all does it just feel great to swing Kusabimaru through your enemys.
    Its not the same as Dark Souls but u still feel the breeze of it in this game.
    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is really beautiful and the japanese voice acting is definitely a + for it.
    If u had a lot of fun with Dark Souls and open to fast and difficult close combat games, u will probably have fun with this game as well. I absolutely recommend it!    … Expand
  26. Kogan58
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    The combat is what makes this game stand out from the rest, altho it seems that the fresh take on From Software formula with a lot of new added mechanics and features ( stealth , backstabbing ect) and embracing a more aggressive and in your face combat style that differs from their previous titles, would hinder the level of perfection the souls-borne s gameplay has already delivered butThe combat is what makes this game stand out from the rest, altho it seems that the fresh take on From Software formula with a lot of new added mechanics and features ( stealth , backstabbing ect) and embracing a more aggressive and in your face combat style that differs from their previous titles, would hinder the level of perfection the souls-borne s gameplay has already delivered but instead it raises the bar. At this point, we don't need reviews. From Soft consistently makes quality games.… Expand
  27. Trent-razor4
    Jun 23, 2021
    10
    It's a really difficult game, but it doesn't stop you enjoying from its great design and satisfying combat. Combat and boss fights are best parts. Unfortunately Sekiro is not a perfect game because of it stupid stealth mechanics and enemies AI.
  28. Gaspipe80
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    This is a phenomenal game. fromsoft perfected sword-based combat and raised the bar for videogame boss fights and world building. sekiro is easily better than all of the souls games by a long-shot and is only matched by bloodborne. this is from's magnum opus and will be very hard to top. it's difficult in the most fair way possible. there's really no game like this. very immersiveThis is a phenomenal game. fromsoft perfected sword-based combat and raised the bar for videogame boss fights and world building. sekiro is easily better than all of the souls games by a long-shot and is only matched by bloodborne. this is from's magnum opus and will be very hard to top. it's difficult in the most fair way possible. there's really no game like this. very immersive representation of feudal Japan complete with mythical entities, similar to bloodborne. It's like it took all the best parts from all from games and put it into one. no dumb gimmicks like pvp, co-op, or whack rpg elements. it's a pure videogame. anyone that says sekiro is too hard and needs an easy mode is a little b1tch that should kill themself. This game is godly.… Expand
  29. TitanOfRage5
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    When I heard that Sekiro wasn't going to have character customization, weapon pick ups, armor pickups, and many other features that were in other Dark Souls games. I thought the game was going to be absolutely terrible. after playing it every day for the past few days I can honestly say that I enjoy the game. ya its lacking in those features but what it lacks, it makes up for in story,When I heard that Sekiro wasn't going to have character customization, weapon pick ups, armor pickups, and many other features that were in other Dark Souls games. I thought the game was going to be absolutely terrible. after playing it every day for the past few days I can honestly say that I enjoy the game. ya its lacking in those features but what it lacks, it makes up for in story, combat features, and a depth of free movement that makes you feel like a stealthy badass. The game is absolutely breathtaking in its visuals and it amps up what made the Dark Souls franchise so infamous, it takes Dark Souls difficulty pisses on it and ramps it up a notch. You trembled at sister friede well wait for what the Butterfly lady has in store for you!
    Dark Souls always gave you a difficult first boss to rumble with before you entered the world of bend over and take it. Well Sekiro gives you a boss so tough that even if you manage to beat him, he is still going to cut off your arm and do horrible things to it.    … Expand
  30. Britannia11
    Jun 27, 2021
    10
    This game taught me the very hard way to fight masterly with the katana. Like in real life the katana here is more than just a sword; is has a soul of its own. You have to be one with it, if you want to master this game. In contrast to any Souls or Souls-like game the victory over an oppenent isn't the most rewarding, in Sekiro it is sword combat itself which has one of the best fightingThis game taught me the very hard way to fight masterly with the katana. Like in real life the katana here is more than just a sword; is has a soul of its own. You have to be one with it, if you want to master this game. In contrast to any Souls or Souls-like game the victory over an oppenent isn't the most rewarding, in Sekiro it is sword combat itself which has one of the best fighting systems I have ever known in a game so far. Thus, the combats against every minor or big boss are an extraordinary immersive and intensive experience. Like in a real sword duel everything – or in other words your victory or death - depends on whether you can „read“ the movements of your opponents or not; furthermore, if you can handle your katana the perfectly right way, especially to block and parry all of your opponent's attacks in the very right moment. And if you do so, you can decide the duel in your favour in a very brief moment, so that you kill your enemy and will be victorious … or you will be dead also in just a few seconds ;). Overall a great game from From Software, which has some similarities to their previous games (Dark Souls 1-3, Bloodborne), but in its way and style it is very unique and outstanding, especially because of its exceptional duels, which will make you tensed up and sweat like in no other game before. Yes, it is quite difficult, but everyone can handle it, who has the patience and passion to try a difficult and severe situation or boss fight over and over again - even if there will be only little progress at times - and is willing to learn from his/her own mistakes.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PS4 Game of 2019
5
#5 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019
5
#5 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 77
  3. Negative: 1 out of 77
  1. RPGamer
    Dec 17, 2024
    90
    Overall, Sekiro is defined by its riveting, challenging, and ultimately highly rewarding gameplay. Stemming from simplicity but giving a wide variety of different combat options, few games come close to matching the exhilarating rush that Sekiro’s best moments provide. Exploring its atmospherically engrossing levels is a treat, from a visual, musical, and atmospheric standpoint. Even if exploration and character storylines are sometimes hampered by Dragonrot, repeatedly severing the immortality of bosses with brutal “Shinobi Executions” and discovering the ritual secrets of eternal life offers a captivating experience that stands out as one of FromSoftware’s best and most distinctive titles.
    Read full review
  2. Gamers' Temple
    May 15, 2019
    90
    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an enjoyable, yet deeply challenging game. It's not really a Dark Souls with samurais game, but whether or not you enjoyed the difficulty level of the battles in Dark Souls will be a good benchmark in gauging how much you'll like Sekiro. If you're persistent, up for a challenge, and don't become frustrated easily, then Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an easy game to recommend.
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  3. Daily Star
    Apr 28, 2019
    100
    Though Sekiro feels impossibly hard at times, the level of euphoria you experience when delivering a death blow to a tricky boss or when you finally clear a castle grounds of all enemies is almost unparalleled.
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