Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the award-winning action game by FromSoftware and published by Activision, will be reimagined as a hand-drawn anime series. Titled Sekiro: No Defeat, the adaptation was announced during Gamescom 2025’s Opening Night Live and will be streamed exclusively on Crunchyroll in most regions from 2026. The anime will not be available in Japan, China, Korea, Russia, and Belarus.
A faithful retelling of a modern classic
Produced by Kadokawa, Qzil.la, and ARCH, Sekiro: No Defeat aims to capture the intensity and precision that defined the original game. The story follows the unforgettable tale of loyalty and blood set in a fantastical version of Sengoku-era Japan. Every frame is being crafted to reflect the spirit of the game, with the creators promising to deliver an experience that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences.
Director Kenichi Kutsuna spoke about the scale of the project, saying, “We are taking on the monumental task of animating the breathtakingly beautiful Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. In doing so, we are pouring every ounce of our artistic vision and passion for beauty into its production. The final product is being crafted to be a truly memorable experience, one that will leave a lasting impression on both dedicated fans of the game and those who are discovering the world of Sekiro for the very first time. Please look forward to it.”
Expanding the world of Sekiro
Crunchyroll’s Chief Content Officer, Asa Suehira, emphasised the importance of staying true to the game’s legacy. “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a game known for its precision and intensity, and those qualities carry through beautifully in this adaptation. We’re excited to bring Sekiro: No Defeat to fans around the world, and honoured to work alongside Kadokawa, Qzil.la, and ARCH to expand this iconic story through the medium of anime.”
The anime draws inspiration from the game’s dark and emotional storytelling, highlighting the struggles of Wolf, the loyal shinobi, and Kuro, the Divine Heir. With themes of resilience, sacrifice, and unbreakable bonds, the adaptation is set to explore the depth of these characters against the backdrop of a turbulent era.
Creative team and cast
The series brings together an acclaimed line-up of anime creators. Alongside director Kenichi Kutsuna, the project features screenwriter Takuya Satou, character designer Takahiro Kishida, and art director Yuji Kaneko. The animation is further guided by Shunsuke Fukui as deputy director, Kaito Moki as chief animation director, and Takashi Mukoda as action animation director.
Other notable contributors include Azusa Sasaki as colour designer, Keisuke Nozawa as cinematographer, Yoshinori Murakami as editor, Yasushi Nagura as sound director, and Shuta Hasunuma as composer. Production is handled by Qzil.la, with ARCH serving as producer.
The voice cast includes Daisuke Namikawa as Wolf, Miyuki Satou as Kuro (the Divine Heir), and Kenjiro Tsuda as Genichiro Ashina, ensuring that the adaptation remains faithful to the characters that defined the original experience.
Sekiro: No Defeat will combine hand-drawn artistry with the atmosphere of the game, offering a new way to experience a story that has already left a mark on the gaming world.
