GameTimeline

Release & story order

Sekiro timeline

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice from the March 2019 launch through the Game of the Year Edition—US release date, Ashina story order, GOTY bonus content FAQ, and how it fits beside Souls and Elden Ring.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When FromSoftware shipped Sekiro in the US—Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (March 22, 2019). Game of the Year Edition bundles are optional; no separate expansion entry.

  • Newcomers 2026 → Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice GOTY on Steam (App 814380) or consoles
  • GOTY is the definitive buy—includes base game plus update content
  • No Sekiro 2 announced as of August 2026
  • Souls/Elden Ring skills help; parry timing is the new muscle memory
Story order tips

One Wolf path: the base Ashina campaign from Hirata Estate through the Sengoku-era climax. GOTY bonus missions (Gauntlet of Strength, etc.) are optional challenge content—not a story sequel.

  • Core path: one Ashina campaign—Hirata flashback unlocks mid-game
  • Three main endings (Immortal Severance, Purification, Shura)—same story-order titles
  • GOTY Gauntlets and Reflections → optional post-campaign challenges
  • On Story order, ending branches are hidden—reveal when ready or use Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

    PCPS4Xbox OneActionMainlineFromSoftware

    Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the Wolf’s shinobi war in Ashina—posture combat, resurrection, and vertical stealth.

    Overview
    FromSoftware’s deflect-focused action pivot without RPG stat spreads—see also *Dark Souls* and *Elden Ring*. Later chapters still answer the systems and tone this entry set.
    In-game setting
    Standalone IP—not a Dark Souls sequel. Cross-tone with *Bloodborne* aggression fans.
    Should you play it?
    Only mainline Sekiro release as of 2026. GOTY Edition is the standard edition. Current storefront editions are the practical buy for newcomers.
    Release date
    US March 22, 2019 on PC/PS4/Xbox One (Steam 814380).

FAQ

Release vs story order, GOTY Edition, difficulty vs Souls, and FromSoftware cousins.

Release order

Release order is the March 2019 launch (plus GOTY packaging history in FAQ). Story order is the single Ashina campaign—there is no separate expansion story. Ending branches (Shura vs Purification) happen inside the same playthrough.

Recommended: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice — Game of the Year Edition on Steam or console. Play the main campaign once, then optional GOTY Gauntlets if you want boss rushes. No prior FromSoftware game is required.

Story & DLC

Editions & platforms

GOTY Edition (Steam App 814380) includes the full game plus post-launch update content—Gauntlet of Strength, Reflection boss rematches, and outfit variants. If you already own the base game with all patches, you have the same content. This page keeps one release-order titles for clarity.

Optional & related

No. Sekiro is its own Sengoku Japan setting. Combat skills transfer loosely; lore does not. For the wider FromSoftware map see the Elden Ring timeline or Dark Souls timeline.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.