Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a third-person action game from FromSoftware, released in March 2019 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The protagonist is Wolf, a shinobi who must save his master Kuro and avenge the Ashina clan. The game differs from other souls-likes with its focus on parrying and vertical movement.
What is the game about
You are Wolf, bodyguard to the young master Kuro, bearer of the divine heritage. After the Ashina clan attacks, Kuro is kidnapped and Wolf is left to die. Resurrected by a mysterious Buddha, Wolf sets out to save his master and defeat the mighty warriors of Ashina. The story explores themes of duty, immortality, and sacrifice.
Gameplay
- Parrying as combat core: enemies have a posture gauge you fill with precise deflections for a deathblow.
- Grappling hook: vertical movement adds tactics to combat and exploration.
- Ninjutsu and prosthetics: Wolf's prosthetic arm can be upgraded — from flamethrower to shurikens.
- Difficult bosses: from Genichiro to Isshin — each demands pattern study.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. Sekiro is a unique experience in FromSoftware's catalog: fast combat without character leveling, where skill decides everything. If you love difficult games and samurai aesthetics — a must. The game won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique combat system | Very high difficulty |
| Beautiful Sengoku setting | Few RPG mechanics |
| Memorable bosses | Requires patience to learn |
FAQ
Do I need to play Dark Souls? No, Sekiro is standalone.
How many hours? 25–35 hours main story.
On new consoles? Yes, backward compatible (60 FPS on PS5/Xbox Series).