Rematch VI · Precision combat
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice vs Nine Sols
Two action games built on deflection. One is a 3D samurai epic, the other a hand-drawn 2D Taopunk adventure.
3 : 2 Winner: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice 89
You want the most rewarding sword duels in gaming.
3
West
Nine Sols 88
You want Sekiro-like combat in a 2D adventure with a strong story.
2
Five rounds
- Round 1CombatSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceSekiro's sword duels are the reference.
- Round 2StoryNine SolsNine Sols has the more surprising story.
- Round 3AccessibilityNine SolsNine Sols offers difficulty options.
- Round 4Boss fightsSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceSekiro's bosses are legendary.
- Round 5ExplorationSekiro: Shadows Die TwiceGrappling across castles and mountains is a joy.
Tale of the tape
| Compare | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Nine Sols |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 89 / 100 | 88 / 100 |
| Rank | Ozeki | Ozeki |
| Price | $59.99 | $29.99 |
| Players | Single-player | Single-player |
| Difficulty | Brutal | Hard |
| Typical playtime | ~35 h | ~30 h |
| Steam Deck | Verified | Verified |
| Systems | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Released | 21 Mar 2019 | 28 May 2024 |
| Depth | 94 | 92 |
| Feel | 96 | 92 |
| Easy to start | 72 | 80 |
| Replay | 86 | 82 |
| Value | 88 | 92 |
Pick Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice if
You want the most rewarding sword duels in gaming.
Against Nine Sols it wins on intensity and on the most precise sword duels in gaming. It is the better choice if you want pure, demanding combat.
Full review →Pick Nine Sols if
You want Sekiro-like combat in a 2D adventure with a strong story.
Against Sekiro it wins on story and price, and it is a little more forgiving thanks to difficulty options. It is the better choice if you want deflection combat in 2D.
Full review →Our call. Sekiro wins 3 rounds to 2. Pick Nine Sols if you prefer 2D, a strong story and a lower price.
Updated 20 Oct 2026. Prices are US Steam list prices. Rounds are editorial judgements; scores follow our method.
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