Assassin’s Creed Shadows vs Sekiro: Which Is Better?

Trying to decide between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Sekiro? Our guide tells you which of these two games you should play.

With the recent launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, there has been some debate among players comparing the new Ubisoft title to Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Both games are set in the Sengoku Period in Japan, but that’s probably where the similarities end. While Shadows continues most of the gameplay mechanics and open-world activities established in recent Assassin’s Creed RPG games, Sekiro is a true souls-like developed by FromSoftware.

It doesn’t boast an open world, instead relying on closed-off zones throughout. And it isn’t a role-playing game but simply an action-adventure title. Take a look at our detailed comparison of the two games. In the end, we’ll suggest which of these games you should buy if you have to make a choice.

Which Game Is Better: Assassin’s Creed Shadows vs Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Here is a detailed look at the two games, where we’ll compare them using three distinct pillars: gameplay, plot, and visuals.

Gameplay Comparison

Sekiro is a souls-like action game that involves complicated blocking, parrying, and timing mechanics. You will need to master the brutal combat to get through some of the major boss fights in the game. At the same time, you will need to manage your stamina while attacking, or you might be left defenseless.

If you die in Sekiro, you’ll end up losing 50% of the XP progression to your next level. Also, you’ll end up losing 50% of your gold. In fact, you won’t even get the chance to reclaim the lost XP or coins. So, every time you face a tough enemy or boss, you should store all your gold in coin purses to keep it safe.

In AC Shadows, combat isn’t nearly as challenging as in Sekiro. Although you need to block, evade, and parry attacks, the complexity is nowhere near what Sekiro forces you to learn. Also, dying in this game is much more forgiving. If you die, you will simply restart from your last saved checkpoint. You don’t lose any XP or other items in the game. Also, being an RPG, Assassin’s Creed Shadows places much more importance on dialogue choices, character progression, and the narrative.

So, if you’re looking for a game that challenges you at every turn, we’d suggest trying Sekiro. It is one of the toughest action games out there, and it will take you countless hours to master the brutal combat. On the other hand, if you don’t want to break into a sweat every time you face an enemy, AC Shadows would be better suited for you.

Plot Comparison

Even though the story is set during the Sengoku Period, Sekiro’s plot involves gods and mythical/fantasy-based elements. You play as Wolf, a shinobi whose job is to protect a lord named Kuro. However, you fail and are left for dead by the enemy. Wolf recovers and gains a metal prosthetic arm, making him a Sekiro. Then, you’ll venture out into the world in search of Kuro so that you can rescue him. Along the way, you face all manner of monsters and warriors and learn more about the immortality curse plaguing the characters.

AC Shadows is based on a more historical retelling of Japan during the Sengoku Period. Although the game’s plot deviates into fiction from time to time, it doesn’t involve elements of magic realism or fantasy. The game has dual protagonists, each with their own stories and backgrounds.

Naoe is a ninja whose father is killed by mysterious masked individuals one night. They make off with a prized possession that belongs to her father. On the other hand, Yasuke is a samurai trained by the great warrior Oda Nobunaga. He becomes Oda’s right-hand man for a time. That’s how both characters start out, but they get embroiled in conspiracies thousands of years in the making.

Visuals Comparison

Both Sekiro and Assassin’s Creed Shadows have impressive graphics. The FromSoftware game has good texture quality, and the detailing on some of the enemies you face is truly mesmerizing. However, compared to the newer game, the visuals might look a bit dated. Also, due to it being older, the game lacks ray-tracing functionality. However, some mods will allow you to use ray-tracing features in the game.

On the other hand, Assassin’s Creed Shadows features beautiful visuals and a range of graphics customization options. The world looks much more vibrant and colorful, with lush green vegetation during summer and snow-covered fields in winter. You can also choose from a variety of ray-tracing presets depending on your system specs.

Also Read: Assassin’s Creed Shadows vs Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Which Is Better?

Which Game Should You Play?

The game you choose to play will depend mostly on your preference. If you are a fan of games such as Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice should be right up your alley. It has deep and excellent combat mechanics that force you to master every move and strike. Sekiro won the prestigious Game of the Year Award in 2019, which is why you should definitely play through the game sooner or later.

However, if you’re looking for a more casual experience or you’re an Assassin’s Creed fan, AC Shadows should be your choice by default. The new game improves on many of the longstanding features in the series. For instance, the combat feels much more responsive. Similarly, the two protagonists allow you to play the game just as you like, either as a hulking samurai or a silent ninja.

Also Read: Assassin’s Creed Shadows vs Rise of the Ronin: Which Is Better?

---

We provide the latest news and create guides for Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Meanwhile, you can check out the following AC Shadows articles or catch us playing games on Twitch and YouTube:

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows: PS5 and Xbox Performance and Quality Modes Explained
• Can You Do One-Shot Assassinations in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
• How To Get Assassin’s Creed Shadows Slash of Sprecher for Free
• Who Are the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Protagonists? Everything We Know About Yasuke and Naoe
• Can You Play Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Steam Deck
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows Release Time Countdown for All Regions