Play it if
You want the most rewarding sword duels in gaming.
Skip it if
You want an easy or relaxed game.
Fact sheet
- Players
- Single-player
- Online play
- No
- Cross-play
- No
- Solo
- Single-player only
- Difficulty
- Brutal
- Typical playtime
- ~35 hours
- Steam Deck
- Verified
1The pitch
Wolf, a shinobi left for dead, sets out to rescue his lord and take revenge on a samurai clan. The story draws on Japanese history and folklore.
2How it plays
Combat is about posture: you deflect strikes until the enemy breaks and then land a deathblow. Your prosthetic arm adds tools like a shuriken and an axe, and a grappling hook gives you great freedom of movement.
3Where it beats its rival
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.
4Look & sound
Castles, temples and snowy mountains are stunning, and every clash of steel sounds right.
5Setup & value
It lists at $59.99, runs on Windows and is Verified on Steam Deck. It is extremely challenging.
Best bits
- Incredible sword combat
- Unforgettable boss fights
- Beautiful setting
Watch out
- Very hard
- No difficulty options
Score sheet
- Depth 25%
- 94
- Feel 25%
- 96
- Easy to start 15%
- 72
- Replay 20%
- 86
- Value 15%
- 88
94 × 25% + 96 × 25% + 72 × 15% + 86 × 20% + 88 × 15% = 88.70 → 89
The judges' verdict
Verdict
“Sekiro is a masterpiece of timing and nerve. It wins this rematch on combat.”
By the Bet Compare Guide editorial desk · Updated 20 Oct 2026 · How we score · Report an error
