Sekiro Anime Fans Should Watch MAPPA Dororo Before Release

FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is finally getting an anime adaptation, but fans don’t need to wait until its release to experience a story with a similar feel. MAPPA’s Dororo offers the perfect preview of what a Sekiro anime could deliver.

Sekiro Anime Confirmed as Crunchyroll Exclusive

Earlier this year, reports surfaced about a trademark filing for a Sekiro anime. That speculation became reality during Gamescom Opening Night on August 19, 2025, when Sekiro: No Defeat was officially announced. Produced by Studio Arch and Qzil.la, the adaptation will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll.

The teaser highlighted its dark, atmospheric style, giving fans a first look at how the game’s brutal swordplay and feudal Japan setting will translate to the screen. The story, much like the game, will follow Wolf as he protects his young master, Kuro, while battling enemies who seek Kuro’s mysterious powers.

Why Dororo Is the Perfect Match for Sekiro Fans

For anime fans eager to see how a ninja-driven tale like Sekiro could play out, MAPPA’s 2019 remake of Dororo is an essential watch. Based on the classic 1968 manga, the series mirrors many of Sekiro’s core themes.

Set in feudal Japan, Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a boy whose father sacrifices his body parts to demons in exchange for prosperity. Rescued by a doctor who outfits him with prosthetics, Hyakkimaru grows into a warrior hunting demons to reclaim his stolen humanity.

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Alongside him travels Dororo, a spirited young companion who keeps him grounded amidst the chaos. The parallels to Wolf and Kuro in Sekiro are striking: both feature a warrior with prosthetic tools, both unfold in demon-infested feudal Japan, and both explore the tension between losing humanity in the fight against monsters.

Action Meets Heartfelt Storytelling

While Sekiro is best known for its precise sword-fighting mechanics, its anime adaptation promises to dive deeper into character relationships—particularly the bond between Wolf and Kuro. In the same way, Dororo combines visceral battles with an emotional journey of identity, sacrifice, and redemption.

For fans waiting on Sekiro: No Defeat, Dororo offers not just a stylistic preview but also a narrative blueprint, showing how a blend of action and emotional storytelling can elevate a tale beyond combat.