What are the pros of Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition?

Exceptional and unique combat mechanics centered on a satisfying parry system. Highly rewarding gameplay that provides a deep sense of achievement upon mastering challenges. Top-tier boss fights that are both mechanically demanding and cinematically impressive. Beautiful art direction and graphics that have aged gracefully since release. Compelling story and atmosphere rooted in Japanese history and symbolism.

What are the cons of Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition?

Extremely high difficulty level that can lead to significant player frustration and burnout. Rhythmic, timing-based gameplay may not appeal to those looking for traditional action-RPG variety. Steep learning curve that can feel punishing rather than rewarding for some players. Occasional reports of combat feeling clunky or unresponsive during high-intensity moments.

Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition

Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously.

95%

Overwhelmingly Positive

DeveloperFromSoftware, Inc.

PublishersActivision (Excluding Japan and Asia), FromSoftware, Inc. (Japan), 方块游戏 (Asia)

Release DateMar 21, 2019

$59.99

Peak Players124.3K

Metacritic88

Controllerfull

PlatformsWindows

Action

Adventure

AI Review Summary

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is widely celebrated for its precise, rhythmic combat and intense boss encounters that offer a high sense of accomplishment. While its steep difficulty curve and departure from traditional RPG mechanics can be polarizing, it is frequently cited as having the best swordplay in the action genre.

Pros

Exceptional and unique combat mechanics centered on a satisfying parry system100%
Highly rewarding gameplay that provides a deep sense of achievement upon mastering challenges95%
Top-tier boss fights that are both mechanically demanding and cinematically impressive90%
Beautiful art direction and graphics that have aged gracefully since release85%
Compelling story and atmosphere rooted in Japanese history and symbolism80%

Cons

Extremely high difficulty level that can lead to significant player frustration and burnout90%
Rhythmic, timing-based gameplay may not appeal to those looking for traditional action-RPG variety75%
Steep learning curve that can feel punishing rather than rewarding for some players70%
Occasional reports of combat feeling clunky or unresponsive during high-intensity moments40%

Notable Mentions

The auditory feedback of the parry mechanic is frequently highlighted as a standout sensory detail.
Stealth mechanics allow players to strategically bypass or trivialize certain difficult non-boss encounters.
The game maintains high engagement with many players logging over 300 hours to achieve full completion.

Confidence: 59%

Based on the 196 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 8, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

6.0K

Peak · last 90 days

10.7K

All-time peak

124.3K

Price

Current price

$59.99

Lowest tracked

$29.99since Nov 24, 2025

Review Sentiment

Launch week

—

Last 30 days

94%

All-time positive

95%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews354.9K

Positive: 338.1K (95%)Negative: 16.9K (5%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

66h

Avg Playtime at Review

92%

Credible Reviews