Explore a curated list of games like Sekiro that push your skills and determination to the limit.
Experience challenging gameplay and immersive worlds akin to 1500s Sengoku Japan.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice sends gamers on an expedition through 1500s Sengoku Japan. In his pursuit for vengeance, the ‘one-armed wolf’ will stop at nothing to recover his dignity. This game is quite unique, therefore we’ve gathered a list of games like Sekiro that will put your abilities and commitment to the test.
Sekiro is a ‘Souls’ game. Souls games are extremely challenging, and it is not uncommon that you will lose your life to simple opponents, much alone bosses, when playing them. Players will need to perfect the fighting and mobility choices in these sorts of games, while also managing health resources. So, if you enjoy violent and deep games, here are ten harsh games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice you should try out now.
Elden Ring
Long-anticipated games seldom live up to the hype when they are finally launched. Some instances of this are Duke Nukem Forever, No Man’s Sky, and Cyberpunk 2077. However, Elden Ring not only met, but may have exceeded, people’s expectations of the game. It is an amazing masterpiece.
While a game like Ghost of Tsushima may embody more of what fans love about Sekiro (the samurai fighting, severe difficulty, and Japanese setting), Elden Ring is such an incredible experience that we felt it deserved a higher ranking for pure excellence. Elden Ring is one of the finest games of the decade, and a must-play for lovers of games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
This is all without even mentioning the incredible boss bouts scattered throughout the game, which comprise the primary gameplay experience. To defeat each boss, you must research and understand about their unique mechanic. Each death will most likely provide you with microseconds of learning opportunity to examine the attack patterns and phases of each monster. It seems difficult, but that’s what you expect from a game like Elden Ring. Overall, Elden Ring is the top Soulsborne game. There is no disputing that Elden Ring has had an impact on the gaming community and will continue to be played for years to come.
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima mixes the terrible difficulty of a Dark Souls game with the graphics and worldbuilding of Nioh, resulting in a game that is nearly identical to Sekiro. First and foremost, Ghost of Tsushima is far less tough than previous Souls games, including Sekiro. While the game is undeniably difficult, it was not designed to make players pull their hair out like past Soulsborne titles. If you find Sekiro too difficult, Ghost of Tsushima is a good option.
Ghost of Tsushima also focuses on the plot and open-world exploring. Similar to Assassin’s Creed, this game is about more than simply battle. Exploration is an important component of this game, and it encourages players to dive deep into the storyline.
Both of these games make you feel like a classic Japanese warrior. The combat in Ghost of Tsushima differs slightly from that of Sekiro, which is fast-paced and reactive. Combat is more simpler here, however altering stances is required to optimize damage in certain scenarios.
The basic fighting is appropriate for a game as simple as Ghost of Tsushima. This is not to say that Ghost of Tsushima is a weaker version of Sekiro. The two games function in very distinct gaming genres, and each thrives in its own way.
Dark Souls
What can we say about the Dark Souls series? This trilogy of games transformed the brutally tough game genre at a time when hints, skippable levels, and invincibility power-ups were becoming increasingly widespread in computer games.
There are no get-out-of-jail free cards in these games, and success can only be achieved by focusing only on combat mastery. Dark Souls boasts excellent levels, monsters, and a fighting system with greatly enhanced parrying. Dark Souls 2 is the trilogy’s black sheep, splitting fans down the middle. The game isn’t bad, but some fans were put off by the new director and the parallels to the first Dark Souls.
Dark Souls 3 was a return to form, building on what came before it. Dark Souls 3 featured far more engaging and nuanced boss encounters, as well as a few quality-of-life enhancements that improved combat overall. When it comes to challenging games that test your abilities, the Dark Souls series is unrivaled. Fans of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice will be perfectly at home in the universe of Dark Souls.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne single-handedly prompted a change in the nomenclature of Souls games. While they are still popularly referred to as such, they are now more often known as ‘Soulsborne’ games.
When compared to past Souls games, Bloodborne feels quite familiar while being new and unique in areas. Dodge-rolling, healing pots, parrying, and brutally challenging boss battles are all commonplace in Bloodborne. However, Bloodborne’s general visual tends more toward the gruesome setting of 18th Century Gothic horror, as opposed to the more fantastical setting of previous Souls games.
Other Souls games need stamina management while facing strong bosses. Other games in this genre have a greater focus on defensive play, but Bloodborne is a far more attacking game.
Sekiro and Bloodborne both demand players to be aware of the time of an enemy’s assault and react appropriately, allowing for far greater offensive potential. If you like Sekiro’s fast-paced, reactive combat, Bloodborne is the game for you.
Nioh
Nioh is a game set in late 1500s Japan in which you play as a Western samurai facing up against deadly Yokai. Yokai are traditional Japanese creatures with their own histories and backstories, which are explained in-game and elaborated on in the real world.
Nioh is frequently regarded as an honorary Souls game. The fighting in the game is similar to those of earlier titles we’ve examined. However, Nioh also allows players to call animal allies to help them struggle through challenging levels.
The biggest similarities between Nioh and Sekiro are their settings. Both of these games are set in a bygone age of Japan, and merely exploring the sceneries in both titles may be enjoyable in and of itself.
Despite the fact that Nioh is not an official Souls game, some of the bosses may be quite tough to defeat and demand a high level of skill and resource management.
If the location and inspiration from traditional Japanese settings were your favorite aspects of Sekiro, Nioh has much more of them.
Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls, the pioneer of the current, insanely tough video game, was released in 2009 and is still as polished and demanding today.
Demon’s Souls on the PS5 is essentially a remake rather than a remaster. After all, the game was completely recreated from the ground up. As a result, various sequences, animations, and the user interface have enhanced. Souls combat has progressively improved with each every game.
Demon’s Souls’ extremely methodical fighting matches the amount of difficulty seen in Sekiro. If you appreciate testing your dodge-rolling abilities, try out the definitive edition of Demon’s Souls. For lovers of games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, this is a must-play.
God of War
This God of War title departs from the series’ traditional hack-and-slash fighting approach in favor of a narrative-driven, third-person RPG structure. When it comes to fighting and boss battles, Sekiro has no equal.
However, the plot, world building, and exploring features are quite clumsy in sections. God of War is ideal for those searching for games that are less combat-oriented and more focused on world creation and exploration, such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This game also features excellent graphics, voice acting, and unique scripting. It is a must-play for Sekiro enthusiasts. Sekiro is a game that pushes the boundaries of player abilities. God of War is a more complete experience that is engaging from beginning to end.
Devil May Cry 5
Devil May Cry 5 is far better than it should be. Following DmC: Devil May Cry, which divided the Devil May Cry fandom in part, Devil May Cry 5 is a return to form for the series. This game is packed of great and legendary characters. Players will navigate a brand-new tale while playing Dante, Nero, and V, each with their own distinct and complicated gameplay styles.
Devil May Cry 5 has always been about defeating foes in as stylish a fashion as possible. Mastering the game’s fighting system and releasing elegant combinations is challenging, but it provides a significant incentive for experienced players. While Devil May Cry 5’s primary fighting experience may not be as demanding as Sekiro or other Souls titles, mastering it is. Keeping your combo string alive requires a lot of effort, so get out there and start practicing.
Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter, like other Japanese titles such as Fire Emblem, was far more popular in Japan than it was in the West. However, the push from committed fans to release more of these titles internationally has, happily, resulted in some of the finest Japanese games making their way permanently overseas.
Monster Hunter Rise has a plenty of monsters to hunt, fascinating gear sets to equip, and mechanics to master. This brand has undergone various quality-of-life enhancements throughout the years, all of which culminate in a very engaging experience.
Parkouring over the ground and over a monster’s head to deliver a crucial blow is incredibly thrilling. Furthermore, riding your animal buddy across many scenic zones is an excellent technique to make travel more fun than before.
Monster Hunter has always done an excellent job at making you feel like you’re fighting a massive giant. The lack of visual health bars makes fights considerably more intense, as you have no idea whether you’re five or fifty hits away from defeating a boss.
Monster Hunter, like Sekiro and other Souls games, needs precise precision while evading attacks as well as intelligent resource management. If you appreciate the challenge and mood of games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, you’re going to adore this game too.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Some consider Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order to be a watered-down or diet version of what Sekiro has to offer. This is not a disparaging phrase, but the intricacy of the fighting system in Fallen Order provides a lighter experience similar to Sekiro. Still, the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order combat system is a lot of fun to use. Wielding lightsabers and using the force allows for a variety of amazing combinations.
In addition, unlike previous From Software games, Fallen Order has a hard option. Grand Master is the highest setting, making things significantly more difficult (albeit it still pales in contrast to games like Sekiro). Overall, Fallen Order’s sword-wielding combat is a lot like Sekiro. If you like the gameplay of Sekiro but found it too difficult, Fallen Order could be the game for you. Additionally, if you prefer a future environment, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is one of the greatest space games available on Steam.
Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West picks on where Zero Dawn left off, with Aloy heading west in quest of a mysterious technology that promises to rescue the planet from extinction.
Things quickly spin out of hand, however, as new and old foes return to obstruct her efforts. The gameplay hasn’t altered much from its predecessor, but you’ll have a new roster of weapons to learn, new locales to explore, and a better parkour system that allows you to easily scale collapsing ruins or sneak up on your victim.
SteelRising
SteelRising is an extremely unusual Soulslike set in 18th-century France during a parallel French Revolution in which technology equals political and military might. King Louis XVI controls Paris and aims to control all aspects of society, which he can easily achieve with his powerful army.
Fortunately, you may take on the role of a beautiful machine named Aegis, who has been charged by the nobles with defeating this despotic threat. Fans of Sekiro will like SteelRising, which combines refined and fluid action combat, sophisticated controls and gameplay, and plenty of RPG elements to keep you interested for the long haul.
Blasphemous
Blasphemous, a gothic horror 2D Soulslike, offers a whole distinct perspective. Blasphemous is a dramatic and hyper-brutal pixel art action RPG that fans of Sekiro will like. It has religious iconography and connotations that run alongside supposedly Eldritch abominations and monsters.
As the Penitent One, you will traverse Cvstodia, a destroyed and haunted region. The gameplay mechanisms that change from moment to moment are what make this game so great. The platforming, fighting, exploration, and RPG components are all well-tuned and robust. Make no mistake: like Sekiro, this game will punish you at every turn, which appears to tie into the grim plot.
Hollow Knight
This huge indie hit is a superb convergence of numerous themes and systems from games like Sekiro. A real Metroidvania game in which you play as a little insect. After traveling to a new country, you explore and meet other formidable insects. Naturally, you must combat these terrifying creatures. It offers quick-reaction boss fights that are both tough and enjoyable.
Hollow Knight also features one of the most entertaining creative directions, with a moving and strong music that works wonderfully with the hand-drawn graphics and animation. It’s a gorgeous but gloomy environment that’s fun to explore when you’re not fighting other bug monsters in hectic clashes.
Code Vein
The gameplay of Code Vein was heavily influenced by the Dark Souls series, although it’s luckily not as challenging. Nonetheless, most gamers will find enough difficulty and material to keep them engaged for a long time. In that sense, it’s one of the most approachable Souls-like games available.
However, the game is not without flaws. Some of the most noteworthy instances are generic boss encounters and a general lack of variety in adversaries. It makes up for this, however, with superb visuals and some novel ideas that set it apart from the numerous other Souls-like games available. The narrative isn’t that horrible, however, albeit people who dislike anime might find it a little too exuberant for their tastes.
