Sekiro Shadows Die Twice Anime Adaptation Announced for Crunchyroll
The lucrative pipeline of video game adaptations has another major project on the way. FromSoftwares notoriously difficult title Sekiro Shadows Die Twice is officially getting the anime treatment. The announcement was made during Gamescom 2025s Opening Night Live event.
The new series will be titled Sekiro No Defeat and is scheduled to premiere exclusively on the streaming service Crunchyroll at some point in 2026. Directing the project is Kenichi Kutsuna, an industry veteran whose past work includes key animation roles on popular series like One Punch Man and Naruto Shippuden.
While details on the plot are still under wraps, the announcement was accompanied by a trailer that gives a first look at the shows aesthetic. The vibe presented appears to be distinct from the games original tone. The anime utilizes a hand-drawn style that is notably more vibrant and colorful compared to the muted, atmospheric, and immersive world of the 2019 action-adventure game.
However, one core element from the source material seems fully intact. The trailer does not shy away from the brutal combat the game is known for, showcasing a couple of grisly attacks. This suggests the anime will faithfully maintain the games over-the-top violent action and its original tagline of kill ingeniously. Fans can expect the same high level of swordplay and inventive executions that defined the gameplay experience.
Sekiro Shadows Die Twice was a critical and commercial success for developer FromSoftware, known for its challenging titles like the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring. The game was particularly praised for its intense combat, setting, and boss fights. It went on to win numerous awards, including The Game Award for Game of the Year in 2019.
This move continues the strong trend of adapting beloved gaming franchises into animated series, with Crunchyroll becoming a major hub for such projects following the immense success of shows like Cyberpunk Edgerunners and Arcane. The Sekiro anime joins a growing list of highly anticipated video game adaptations aiming to capture the essence of their source material for a new audience on streaming platforms.