Nioh vs. Sekiro: Which Game Truly Tests Your Skill?

The age-old question: Is Nioh as hard as Sekiro? The short answer is: it’s complicated. Both Nioh and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice are renowned for their demanding gameplay, but they achieve their difficulty in drastically different ways. To simply declare one harder than the other is to ignore the nuances of each title’s combat system, enemy design, and player progression. While personal experience and playstyle heavily influence perceptions, a deeper dive reveals distinct challenges presented by each game. In general, Nioh has a steeper initial learning curve, while Sekiro demands more precise execution and adaptation throughout the entire game. Let’s break down why this is the case.

Apples and Oranges: Comparing Difficulty Philosophies

Instead of framing this as a competition, it’s more accurate to say that Nioh and Sekiro represent different types of difficulty. Think of it like comparing a marathon to a powerlifting competition. Both are incredibly challenging, demanding different strengths and skillsets.

• Nioh: Complexity and Customization Over Simplicity: Nioh inundates players with options from the get-go. Three weapon stances, a vast array of customizable equipment with randomized stats, a Ki Pulse mechanic for stamina management, Guardian Spirits, Ninjutsu, Onmyo magic – the list goes on. The sheer complexity of Nioh’s systems is its primary source of difficulty. Early game deaths often stem from feeling overwhelmed by these choices, struggling to understand how different stats affect your build, or failing to effectively manage Ki. This steep learning curve is a common complaint, but once mastered, these systems allow for incredible character customization and a wider range of approaches to combat. Mid to late-game, a well-optimized build can significantly mitigate the initial difficulty. The ability to summon help in Nioh missions also reduces the difficulty if you choose to make use of that option.

• Sekiro: Precision and Deflection Over Flexibility: Sekiro, on the other hand, strips away much of the RPG elements found in Nioh. There is less focus on stats and equipment, and more on mastering the fundamental mechanics of the game. Parrying (deflecting) is absolutely crucial. Sekiro forces players to learn the precise timing of enemy attacks and to respond with perfect deflections. This system, centered around posture breaking and deathblows, encourages aggressive play but punishes hesitation. Sekiro is the game that forces you to “unlearn” your habits from other action games. The difficulty lies in the unforgiving nature of its combat and the relentless pace of its encounters. While there is character progression through skills and prosthetic tools, these primarily enhance existing capabilities rather than drastically altering playstyle. Sekiro provides far fewer options than Nioh does, so if you find yourself stuck, it is likely an indicator that you are not implementing Sekiro’s system the way it was intended to be.

Combat Pacing and Enemy Design

Further contributing to the difference in difficulty is how the combat is paced and how the enemies behave.

• Nioh: Aggressive AI and Deliberate Action: Nioh’s enemies, even standard minions, hit hard and are relentless in their attacks. Many enemies can and will punish errors with powerful attacks, sometimes resulting in one-shot kills. However, the game provides tools to manage these threats, such as blocking, dodging, and using weapon skills to interrupt enemy attacks. Players are expected to be deliberate and tactical in their approach, carefully managing Ki and exploiting enemy weaknesses.

• Sekiro: Rhythm-Based Combat and Unforgiving Punishments: Sekiro’s combat is more akin to a rhythm game. It’s about deflecting, attacking, and understanding the flow of each encounter. Bosses demand near-perfect execution, with little room for error. Even a single missed deflection can lead to significant posture damage or health loss. Sekiro bosses have a punishing difficulty because the player is required to play almost flawlessly to defeat them.

Leveling the Playing Field: Build Diversity vs. Skill Mastery

Nioh provides a significant advantage through character builds and equipment customization. The right gear and stat allocation can make previously insurmountable challenges manageable. Sekiro, however, offers no such crutch. Skill mastery is paramount. Players must improve their reflexes, learn enemy patterns, and internalize the combat system to succeed. Some players will inevitably find it easier to build their way through Nioh’s difficulty, while others find Sekiro’s focus on pure combat to be more satisfying.

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nioh and Sekiro:

1. Which game has a steeper initial learning curve?

Nioh definitely has the steeper initial learning curve due to its complex systems and mechanics.

2. Is Sekiro harder than any Dark Souls game?

Many players find Sekiro harder than the Dark Souls games, due to its emphasis on parrying and posture management.

3. Is Nioh 2 easier than Nioh 1?

Generally, Nioh 2 is considered easier than Nioh 1 due to its improved mechanics and player options.

4. Which game has a better story?

Sekiro has a more straightforward and engaging narrative compared to Nioh’s more historical, lore-heavy storyline.

5. Is Nioh a Souls ripoff?

While Nioh takes inspiration from the Souls series, it offers unique gameplay elements and a distinct identity.

6. Which game is better for casual gamers?

Neither game is particularly well-suited for casual gamers, but Nioh‘s build options can offer more accessibility.

7. Which game is longer?

Nioh typically requires more hours to complete than Sekiro, especially when considering all the side content and endgame activities.

8. Is coop/online help available in both games?

Nioh features coop play, whereas Sekiro is purely a single-player experience.

9. Which game has better replay value?

Nioh offers higher replay value due to its loot system, build variety, and multiple difficulty levels.

10. Will I like Nioh if I like Sekiro?

If you enjoy challenging action games with intricate combat systems, you will likely enjoy Nioh if you liked Sekiro.

11. Which game has more build variety?

Nioh has significantly more build variety due to its extensive loot system and customizable stats.

12. Is Sekiro the hardest game ever?

That’s subjective. While some consider Sekiro the hardest game ever, difficulty is often a matter of personal preference and skill.

13. Which game requires more patience?

Both games demand patience, but Sekiro‘s unforgiving combat system can be particularly frustrating, requiring greater perseverance.

14. Is Nioh too hard for new players to the Soulslike genre?

Nioh can be overwhelming for new players, but its customizable nature provides some room for error and experimentation.

15. Which game has a more rewarding combat system?

This depends entirely on your preference. Some find Nioh’s complex system more rewarding due to its versatility, while others prefer Sekiro’s precise and challenging combat.

Final Verdict: It’s All About Preference

Ultimately, determining whether Nioh or Sekiro is harder is a matter of subjective opinion. Nioh is more complex, demanding players to understand a myriad of systems. Sekiro is more precise, requiring near-flawless execution. The challenges each game presents depend on individual playstyle, patience, and willingness to adapt. Both are excellent titles that push players to their limits, but in very different ways. Instead of seeking a definitive answer, it’s best to try both and experience their unique approaches to difficulty firsthand. The study of how games affect learning and behavior is ongoing, and organizations like the Games Learning Society continue to push the boundaries of what we know. You can learn more about their research at GamesLearningSociety.org.