Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Free Update Now Live, Adds New Modes And Skins

Developer From Software has confirmed that the free update for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is now live on PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One. It adds new gameplay modes, unlockable outfits, and a replay feature that lets players upload a recording of their ghosts.

Two new modes are included in the update: Gauntlet of Strength and Reflection of Strength. The former is a boss rush where players have just one life to defeat as many enemies as possible. It was teased earlier this year, so fans have had some time to sharpen their blades. The latter lets players fight any previously defeated boss as many times as they want. As is the case with most From Software games, any one of these bosses can keep you struggling for hours. This is especially true for the very last boss in the game.

Should you be defeated in a Reflection of Strength fight, you are kicked back to a Sculptor's Idol and can immediately try again. Variants on some of the most-popular bosses are also included.

It's a feature that will certainly be popular with streamers and speedrunners. Previous From Software games require you to make it through the entire game again to replay a boss fight.

The update also adds three different outfits the White Wolf can equip to change his appearance. Two of them are unlocked by completing the newly added challenges, while the third one can be earned by beating Sekiro once. Outfits can be changed at Sculptor's Idols.

Lastly, the update adds the ability for players to upload 30-second recordings of their gameplay for other players to see akin to previous From Software titles like Bloodborne and Dark Souls. These recordings can be used to show players where secrets--like enemies or treasures--are located, as well as how to beat challenging and/or frustrating bosses. Players can also write messages with these recordings, though it's unclear how these will appear.

What you won't be able to do is summon other players to your game. This is a way to clear particularly frustrating bosses in the developer's other games, but you still need to beat them by yourself in Sekiro.

These updates are part of the Game of the Year Edition of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which is free for all owners of the action-adventure game. With the launch of the Game of the Year Edition, Sekiro also makes its way to Google Stadia for those interested in cloud gaming. It's appropriate that Sekiro should get a Game of the Year Edition--it was GameSpot's 2019 Game of the Year.