Mastering the Blade: How Long Does it Really Take to 100% Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’ve braved Ashina, faced the horrors within, and are now staring down the monumental task of achieving 100% completion in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You’re likely wondering: just how much time will this commitment cost me? The short answer is, expect to dedicate roughly 70 hours to fully conquer Sekiro. This encompasses the initial playthrough for the main story (around 30 hours) and an additional 40 hours spent pursuing all achievements, endings, and secrets. However, several factors can influence this estimate, making the journey both shorter or considerably longer depending on your skill, determination, and approach.
Factors Influencing Completion Time
Player Skill and Experience
Prior experience with Soulsborne games definitely offers an advantage. Understanding core mechanics like enemy attack patterns, dodging timings, and resource management will naturally accelerate your progress. If you’re a newcomer to the genre, anticipate a steeper learning curve and potentially longer playtime to master the crucial parrying system.
Thoroughness of Initial Playthrough
How much did you explore on your first run? Did you diligently search every nook and cranny for hidden items, mini-bosses, and lore tidbits? A more thorough initial playthrough can significantly reduce the time needed for subsequent runs as you’ll have a better understanding of the game world and its secrets.
Reliance on Guides and Walkthroughs
While purists may eschew external assistance, utilizing guides and walkthroughs can drastically shorten completion time. Knowing the optimal path for specific endings, locating crucial items, and mastering challenging boss encounters can save hours of frustration and experimentation.
Difficulty Setting (Or Lack Thereof)
Unlike many modern games, Sekiro does not offer difficulty settings. This means everyone experiences the same level of challenge, demanding mastery of the game’s core mechanics. This lack of adjustability contributes to the game’s reputation for difficulty and, subsequently, its lengthy completion time.
Playstyle and Build
While Sekiro doesn’t offer traditional RPG-style character builds, your preferred combat style can impact efficiency. Focusing on stealth for easier enemy encounters, or mastering specific prosthetic tools for unique advantages, can influence the speed at which you progress.
The Road to 100%: A Detailed Breakdown
Beating the Main Story
Expect your initial playthrough to take around 25-35 hours, depending on your skill and exploration habits. This involves defeating key bosses, progressing through the storyline, and unlocking various areas of Ashina.
Unlocking All Endings
Sekiro features four distinct endings, and achieving 100% completion requires experiencing them all. Due to specific choices you must make, reaching all endings requires multiple playthroughs, at least 2.5. This is because you can reach one ending, and then go back to just before you made those final choices with New Game+. Each playthrough typically adds another 10-15 hours, depending on your speed and focus.
Mastering Combat and Skills
Sekiro demands mastery of its unique combat system. Achieving all achievements often involves defeating challenging bosses with specific techniques or without certain items. This requires practice, patience, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Collecting All Items and Skills
100% completion also entails collecting all prayer beads, prosthetic tools, and skill trees. This involves extensive exploration, defeating optional mini-bosses, and completing specific side quests.
The Grind: Skill Points and Sen
Acquiring all skills necessitates a considerable amount of skill point farming. The late game can be a grind as you battle the same enemies repeatedly to accumulate enough XP. Likewise, gathering enough Sen (in-game currency) to purchase all necessary items can also be a time-consuming process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Sekiro harder than Elden Ring?
Many players find Sekiro harder than Elden Ring. Elden Ring offers more options for character builds, summoning help, and exploring at your own pace, allowing for a more forgiving experience. Sekiro’s focused combat system and fixed difficulty demand greater precision and mastery.
2. Can you 100% Sekiro in one playthrough?
No, you cannot 100% Sekiro in a single playthrough. The game has four distinct endings, and you need to experience each of them to unlock all achievements. This requires at least 2.5 playthroughs, taking advantage of the New Game+ system.
3. How many endings does Sekiro have?
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has four different endings. These are: Shura, Immortal Severance, Dragon’s Homecoming, and Purification. Each ending requires the player to make specific choices throughout the game.
4. Which Sekiro ending is canon?
The canon ending of Sekiro is generally considered to be the Dragon’s Homecoming ending. This ending requires you to collect various items and perform specific actions related to the Divine Child of Rejuvenation, suggesting a more hopeful and complete resolution to the story.
5. Is there an easy mode in Sekiro?
No, Sekiro does not have an easy mode. The game is designed to be challenging, and the developers have not included any difficulty settings. This means everyone faces the same level of difficulty, relying on skill and perseverance.
6. What happens if you die too much in Sekiro?
Dying in Sekiro results in the loss of half of your current Sen (money) and half of your current XP toward the next skill point. You can mitigate Sen loss by converting it into coin purses.
7. What is the hardest boss in Sekiro?
Many players consider Isshin, the Sword Saint to be the hardest boss in Sekiro. His multiple phases, relentless attacks, and adaptability make him a formidable challenge. Other contenders include the Demon of Hatred and Owl (Father).
8. How long does it take to beat Sekiro if you only focus on the main story?
If you focus solely on the main story objectives, Sekiro can be beaten in approximately 25-35 hours. This excludes extensive exploration, side quests, and optional bosses.
9. Is Sekiro harder than Dark Souls?
Whether Sekiro is harder than Dark Souls is subjective, but many players believe Sekiro is more challenging due to its demanding parry-based combat system. Dark Souls offers more flexibility in character builds and playstyles, while Sekiro requires mastering specific techniques.
10. What is posture in Sekiro?
Posture is a crucial mechanic in Sekiro’s combat system. By deflecting attacks, you build up an enemy’s posture. Once their posture is broken, you can perform a deathblow, instantly killing them. Managing posture is essential for both offense and defense.
11. What are prayer beads in Sekiro?
Prayer beads are collectible items in Sekiro that increase your vitality and posture. Collecting four prayer beads allows you to combine them into a prayer necklace, providing a permanent boost to your character’s stats.
12. What are prosthetic tools in Sekiro?
Prosthetic tools are attachments for Sekiro’s prosthetic arm, offering a variety of combat options. These tools include the Loaded Shuriken, Flame Vent, Loaded Axe, and more, each providing unique advantages against different enemies.
13. Why is parrying so important in Sekiro?
Parrying (or deflecting) is essential in Sekiro because it allows you to deflect enemy attacks without taking damage, build up their posture, and create opportunities for counterattacks. Mastering parrying is crucial for success in combat.
14. How does New Game+ work in Sekiro?
In New Game+ in Sekiro, you retain your skills, prosthetic tools, and most items from your previous playthrough. Enemies deal more damage and have increased health, but you also earn more experience. New Game+ is essential for unlocking all endings and achievements.
15. Is Sekiro a good starting point for Soulsborne games?
Sekiro is generally not recommended as a starting point for Soulsborne games. Its unique combat system and demanding difficulty can be overwhelming for newcomers. Starting with Dark Souls or Bloodborne might provide a more gradual introduction to the genre.
Final Thoughts
Achieving 100% completion in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It requires dedication, skill, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Whether you choose to embrace the challenge alone or seek guidance from online resources, mastering Sekiro is a testament to your gaming prowess. Embrace the challenge, sharpen your blade, and prepare for a journey unlike any other. And remember, learning through games can be a powerful tool – explore the opportunities offered by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.