FromSoftware and Activision released Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice on March 22, 2019, bringing with it a bold new direction for the acclaimed studio best known for Bloodborne and the Dark Souls franchise. While many expected another dark fantasy RPG filled with stat management and multiplayer elements, Sekiro instead delivers a tightly focused, single-player action experience that emphasizes skill, precision, and mastery above all else.
Set during Japan’s Sengoku period in the late 1500s, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice tells the story of a scarred and deformed warrior who survives the brink of death to become the legendary “one-armed wolf.” This Shinobi is sworn to protect a young lord descended from an ancient bloodline—one that many factions desperately want to exploit. When the child is kidnapped, the one-armed wolf sets out on a dangerous journey to reclaim his honor, even if doing so costs him his life.
The narrative is more direct and personal than previous FromSoftware titles, yet it retains the studio’s signature sense of mystery and environmental storytelling. Dialogue, cutscenes, and character interactions provide emotional weight while still leaving room for interpretation. The bond between the wolf and his young lord is at the heart of the story, giving the player a strong emotional motivation to push forward through seemingly impossible odds.
Gameplay in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is viewed from a third-person perspective and strips away traditional RPG mechanics such as character classes, gear builds, and online multiplayer. Instead, the focus is entirely on player skill. Combat revolves around breaking an enemy’s posture rather than simply depleting health, creating encounters that feel tense, deliberate, and incredibly rewarding.
Every sword clash is about timing and precision. Perfectly deflecting enemy attacks builds posture damage, opening opponents up for devastating deathblows. Button-mashing is quickly punished, forcing players to learn enemy patterns, react with intent, and strike only when the opportunity presents itself. Combat feels more like a deadly dance than a traditional action game.
Stealth plays a major role in how players approach encounters. Sneaking through tall grass, clinging to rooftops, and eliminating enemies from the shadows can thin out groups before a full confrontation begins. The grappling hook is one of the game’s standout tools, allowing for vertical exploration and creative approaches to combat situations.
The environments in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are beautifully realized and deeply immersive. From snow-covered castles to dense forests and war-torn villages, each location feels alive and steeped in history. The world design encourages exploration, rewarding curious players with hidden paths, secrets, and optional challenges.
Combat is intentionally “up close and personal,” demanding focus and composure. For players struggling to adapt, Hanbei the Undying serves as a valuable training partner. Found near the Sculptor’s Dilapidated Temple after the Ashina Reservoir introduction, Hanbei allows players to practice techniques and better understand the game’s complex combat systems.
Death, a familiar mechanic in FromSoftware games, takes on new meaning in Sekiro. When defeated, players can either return to their last checkpoint or use the power of resurrection to immediately re-enter the fight. Resurrection adds a layer of strategy, as it can only be replenished by defeating enemies or performing deathblows.
As enemies are defeated, players earn skill experience and Sen, the game’s currency. Skill points can be spent at the Sculptor to unlock new abilities, enhancing combat versatility. However, death comes at a cost—lost progress and Sen—unless the player is granted Unseen Aid, a mechanic that introduces risk and consequence to repeated failures.
The Dragonrot system further reinforces the weight of death. As the player dies more frequently, NPCs throughout the world begin to suffer from Dragonrot, impacting their health and questlines. Using items such as Dragon’s Blood Droplets at Sculptor’s Idols can cure afflicted characters, but these resources are limited, forcing players to choose carefully.
The depth of Sekiro’s combat system is one of its greatest strengths. Players have access to prosthetic arm tools, Shinobi martial arts, combat arts, stealth techniques, and Ninjutsu abilities. Learning how to effectively combine these tools is essential to survival, especially against tougher enemies and bosses.
Vitality and Posture form a delicate balance that defines every battle. Damaging an enemy’s vitality makes it easier to break their posture, while sustained pressure through deflections and attacks can quickly lead to a decisive deathblow. This yin-yang relationship between offense and defense is expertly designed and endlessly engaging.
As players progress, prosthetic tools can be upgraded and enhanced, unlocking powerful new effects. These upgrades allow for creative strategies and experimentation, adding a surprising amount of replayability to a game that otherwise follows a linear path.
Enemy variety is impressive, with each foe presenting unique challenges. Early encounters such as the Chained Ogre and Samurai Generals teach fundamental mechanics, while later battles against figures like Gyoubu Oniwa and Lady Butterfly demand mastery of everything the game has taught you.
Boss fights are unforgettable, often acting as skill checks that test patience, reflexes, and adaptability. Victory never feels cheap or accidental—it is earned through persistence and learning, making each triumph deeply satisfying.
Visually, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is stunning. The art direction, character designs, and atmospheric lighting bring Sengoku-era Japan to life in a way that feels both authentic and fantastical. The sound design further enhances immersion, from clashing steel to the haunting musical score.
Performance on Xbox One is solid, delivering smooth combat and responsive controls that are essential for a game built around precision. Any minor technical hiccups are quickly forgotten once the action begins.
At its core, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a story about perseverance, honor, and rebirth. The journey of the one-armed wolf mirrors the player’s own experience—facing failure, learning from mistakes, and rising stronger each time.
The game perfectly embodies the Japanese idiom 起死回生, which translates to “wake from death and return to life.” Time and again, Sekiro challenges players to turn desperate situations into hard-fought victories, capturing the essence of that philosophy.
In the end, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a masterfully crafted action game that stands proudly alongside FromSoftware’s greatest works while carving out its own identity. It is brutal, beautiful, and deeply rewarding from start to finish.
Game Information
Title: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Developer: FromSoftware
Publisher: Activision
Original Release Date: March 22, 2019
Reviewed On: Xbox One
Score: 9.5 out of 10
“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is bloody entertaining from start to finish.”