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What Percentage of People Beat Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice?

The brutal but beautiful world of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is infamous for its demanding combat and unforgiving difficulty. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many players never reach the end credits. Generally, statistics show that approximately 20-25% of players who purchased Sekiro have actually completed the game. This percentage can fluctuate slightly depending on the platform and the data source used for tracking achievements.

Understanding the Completion Rate

Several factors contribute to Sekiro’s relatively low completion rate compared to other games, even within the challenging “Souls-like” genre.

High Difficulty: Sekiro deviates significantly from the traditional Dark Souls formula. Its emphasis on parrying (deflecting) and posture breaking requires a different skillset and mindset, often frustrating players accustomed to dodging and managing stamina.
Steep Learning Curve: Mastering Sekiro’s combat system takes time and dedication. Players must learn enemy attack patterns, timings for parries, and utilize various prosthetic tools effectively.
Lack of Traditional RPG Elements: Unlike Dark Souls or Elden Ring, Sekiro offers limited character customization. Players cannot rely on over-leveling or specialized builds to overcome challenges. Instead, they must improve their skills and master the game’s core mechanics.
Unforgiving Boss Fights: Sekiro’s bosses are renowned for their intricate attack patterns, multiple phases, and high damage output. Defeating them requires patience, persistence, and a deep understanding of their weaknesses.
No Easy Mode: Sekiro does not offer difficulty settings. This uncompromising approach appeals to a specific audience but can deter more casual players.

Factors Influencing Completion Statistics

While the 20-25% range is a good general estimate, several factors can influence the reported completion statistics.

Platform: Completion rates may vary slightly between platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This could be due to differences in player demographics or the way achievements are tracked.
Achievement Tracking: The accuracy of completion rate data depends on the method used to track achievements. Some platforms may only track players who are connected to online services, potentially excluding offline players.
Time Since Release: Completion rates tend to decrease over time as newer players, who may be less familiar with the genre, purchase the game.
Sales and Player Base: A larger player base will generally result in a lower completion percentage, as more casual players are likely to purchase the game.
Gameplay Style: Some players may purchase Sekiro primarily to experience the initial areas or boss fights without intending to complete the entire game.

Is Sekiro Worth Playing Even If You Don’t Beat It?

Despite its difficulty and relatively low completion rate, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is widely considered a masterpiece and an incredible gaming experience. The game offers:

A Unique and Rewarding Combat System: Mastering Sekiro’s parry-focused combat is incredibly satisfying and provides a sense of accomplishment unlike any other game.
A Beautiful and Atmospheric World: The game’s feudal Japan setting is stunningly realized, with detailed environments and memorable characters.
A Compelling Story: Sekiro’s story of loyalty, sacrifice, and revenge is gripping and emotionally resonant.
Challenging but Fair Gameplay: While difficult, Sekiro’s challenges are generally considered fair and rewarding, encouraging players to learn and adapt.

Even if you don’t reach the end credits, experiencing Sekiro’s core gameplay and world is a worthwhile endeavor. The game provides a unique and unforgettable experience that will challenge your skills and reward your perseverance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sekiro’s completion rate and related topics:

1. What is considered “beating” Sekiro for achievement purposes?

Generally, beating Sekiro means defeating the final boss and seeing any one of the game’s endings. Acquiring all achievements typically requires multiple playthroughs to unlock all endings.

2. How does Sekiro’s completion rate compare to other FromSoftware games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring?

Sekiro generally has a lower completion rate than Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Elden Ring, in particular, benefits from its open-world design and more accessible gameplay options, making it more approachable for a wider audience. Dark Souls, while still challenging, offers more build variety, making it slightly more forgiving than Sekiro’s more rigid combat system.

3. Is it possible to get help with Sekiro if I’m struggling?

Yes, there are many resources available to help players struggling with Sekiro, including online guides, videos, and communities. Many players are willing to offer tips and advice on specific bosses or combat techniques. However, the game does not offer in-game co-op functionality like other Souls-like games.

4. Does Sekiro have multiple endings, and do they affect the completion rate?

Yes, Sekiro has multiple endings, which can affect the completion rate. To see all endings, players must complete multiple playthroughs, making the game more time-consuming.

5. How important is it to master parrying in Sekiro?

Mastering parrying is absolutely crucial for success in Sekiro. It is the core mechanic of the game’s combat system, and players who fail to master it will struggle significantly.

6. Are there any “easy” bosses in Sekiro?

While Sekiro doesn’t have explicitly “easy” bosses, some bosses may be easier for certain players depending on their playstyle. However, all bosses require players to learn their attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses.

7. Does Sekiro have any hidden mechanics or secrets that can make the game easier?

Yes, Sekiro has several hidden mechanics and secrets that can make the game easier, such as exploring different prosthetic tool combinations, finding hidden prayer beads to increase vitality, and discovering secret pathways.

8. Is Sekiro harder than Dark Souls?

This is subjective and depends on individual player preferences. Some players find Sekiro harder due to its emphasis on parrying, while others find Dark Souls harder due to its slower combat and stamina management. Both games are challenging in their own unique ways.

9. What are some tips for improving my chances of beating Sekiro?

Some tips for improving your chances of beating Sekiro include:

Practice parrying: Dedicate time to mastering the timing of parries.
Learn enemy attack patterns: Study enemy movements and telegraphs to anticipate their attacks.
Utilize prosthetic tools: Experiment with different prosthetic tools to find the ones that suit your playstyle.
Don’t be afraid to die: Death is a learning experience in Sekiro. Use each death to analyze your mistakes and improve your approach.
Be patient and persistent: Sekiro requires patience and perseverance. Don’t give up easily.

10. Can you respec your character in Sekiro?

No, there is no character respec option in Sekiro. Once you allocate skill points, they cannot be redistributed. This emphasizes the importance of choosing skills that align with your playstyle.

11. Is it possible to cheese bosses in Sekiro?

While some glitches and exploits may allow players to “cheese” certain bosses, these are often patched out by the developers. The intended way to beat bosses is to learn their mechanics and fight them legitimately.

12. How long does it typically take to beat Sekiro?

The average playtime for beating Sekiro is around 30-40 hours, but this can vary depending on player skill and experience.

13. Does Sekiro have any DLC or expansions?

No, Sekiro does not have any DLC or expansions. The game was released as a complete package.

14. Is Sekiro a good game for beginners to the Souls-like genre?

Sekiro is generally not recommended as a starting point for the Souls-like genre due to its high difficulty and unique combat system. Dark Souls or Elden Ring might be more approachable for beginners.

15. Where can I find reliable Sekiro guides and resources?

Reliable Sekiro guides and resources can be found on websites like IGN, GameSpot, and Fextralife Wiki, as well as on YouTube channels dedicated to Souls-like games. Also, consider the Sekiro subreddit for community help.

What percentage of people beat Sekiro?