Is Sekiro Part of the Souls Universe?
The topic of Sekiro’s affiliation with the Souls universe has been a topic of debate among fans and gamers. The director of Sekiro, FromSoftware’s Hidetaka Miyazaki, has explicitly stated that the game is a standalone work, separate from the Dark Souls series. But the question remains, is it a part of the same universe? Let’s explore the similarities and differences to determine the answer.
Similarities with the Souls Universe
On the surface, Sekiro bears many similarities to other games in the Souls franchise, including:
- Protagonist with complex history and motivation
- Ancient, dark fantasy world
- Enemies with unusual behavior and movements
- Atmosphere of tension, darkness, and mystery
Additionally, both Sekiro and the Souls games often employ similar mechanics, such as:
- Exploration-focused gameplay
- Combat involving elemental weaknesses and strategic placement
- Items and estus flasks for resource management
These similarities make it tempting to consider Sekiro as part of the Souls universe, but this surface-level analysis is premature. Let’s dive deeper into the differences that separate Sekiro from the rest.
Differences That Set Sekiro Apart
Here are some key points that distinguish Sekiro from the Souls franchise:
- Non-traditional Souls Gameplay: Unlike previous Souls games, Sekiro does not feature fast, aggressive enemies or respawning enemies in the way the Souls series is typically characterized. Enemies in Sekiro are slower-paced, often requiring precise timing to take down.
- No souls or items collecting: There is no currency system, no way to collect and hoard items, or no enemies dropping souls to collect in Sekiro.
- No leveling up, character customization: Unlike most Souls games, Sekiro has no level-up or character customization mechanics. Characters, including the protagonist Wolf, are fully fleshed out and defined from the beginning.
- Increased emphasis on storytelling and context: Sekiro explores its narrative in a far more explicit way than many Souls games. The protagonist has a well-defined personal quest, and the environment, characters, and side stories all work together to reveal a more cohesive tale.
Hidetaka Miyazaki’s Insights
When asked if Sekiro was part of the Souls universe, director Miyazaki replied: "Sekiro is its own creation. I think some people say, ‘It’s dark and it’s Souls,’ but I don’t see any connection in terms of storyline or universe." Further elaborating on the games’ differences, Miyazaki stated that Sekiro "takes a unique direction", emphasizing how FromSoftware is willing to explore new territory and iterate on their concepts.
| Comparison | Dark Souls | Bloodborne | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gathering and collecting items | Souls, Essence, and Shard collection | Collection of Chalk |
(used to upgrade Ashen Blood)
| Player-character customization | Level-based Attribute points spending, Attire customizability | Attribute
points spending, weapon-switching and
tinkering, and potion concoction |
| Fast-paced combat | Aggressive foes requiring quick reflexes, rolling, and dodging | Fast-paced combat relying on dodging, retreating, and exploiting Hollows attacks |
Conclusion
As demonstrated above, while Sekiro shares many similarities with the Souls universe, significant differences set it apart from its predecessors. The omission of traditional Souls mechanics such as item collecting, fast-paced combat, and enemy respawning further solidifies the game as a separate, standalone entity.
Rather than being a part of the Souls universe, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is Hidetaka Miyazaki’s own "visionary experiment"; a departure from what gamers have come to associate with the Souls series.
We hope this article sheds more light on the relationships between Sekiro and other games in the Souls family, and leaves you equipped to form your own judgments about the nature of its ties to the Souls universe.
Join the debate: Share your thoughts with the community below! Does Sekiro deserve to be part of the Souls family?