From Game of the Year to anime epic – Sekiro takes the next step
When FromSoftware released Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice in 2019, the studio took a bold step away from the typical Souls formula toward an aggressive combat style full of parries and precise movements. The risk paid off. More than 10 million copies sold and the Game of the Year award speak for themselves.
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Now it’s back – but in an unexpected form. At gamescom 2025, a trailer was unveiled for the anime adaptation of Sekiro: No Defeat, which is set to launch exclusively on Crunchyroll next year. The epic story of Shinobi Wolf will be retold in a completely hand-drawn version. Fans can look forward to a rebirth of the well-known saga in the style of Japanese animation art.
“A monumental task” – big words, big expectations for Sekiro: No Defeat
Behind the project is the young studio Qzil.la, which has only been involved in series such as Chainsaw Man and Hell’s Paradise on a selective basis. With Sekiro: No Defeat, the creative team is now venturing into its first major project. Director Kenichi Kutsuna left no doubt in a statement that something big is in the works:
“We are tackling the monumental task of animating the breathtakingly beautiful Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. We are putting all our artistic flair and passion for aesthetics into the production.”
Crunchyroll is also enthusiastic. Asa Suehira, Chief Content Officer of the streaming service, emphasized:
“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a game known for its precision and intensity, and these qualities translate beautifully into this adaptation.”
The story remains faithful to the original. Wolf, the Shinobi, must rescue his young master Kuro, who has become the target of dark forces due to his mysterious dragon heritage. A plot full of betrayal, sacrifice, and difficult decisions. And now all of this has been repackaged in a format that is sure to captivate not only gamers but also anime fans around the world.
