| Demon Slayer Kimetsu no Yaiba The Hinokami Chronicles 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Join Tanjiro and his friends as they continue their battle against the demon forces of Muzan in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles 2. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Review Overview
What is Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2?
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 is a 3D action 3D fighter game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by SEGA. It is scheduled for release on August 5, 2025, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in North America and Europe.
This sequel introduces a new story mode, allowing players to experience the events of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba from the Entertainment District Arc, Swordsmith Village Arc, and Hashira Training Arc through the perspective of Tanjiro. The game will feature over 40 playable characters in VS mode, along with new gameplay elements, dual ultimates, gear customization, and mini-games.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 features:
⚫︎ Anime
⚫︎ Action
⚫︎ 3D Fighter
⚫︎ Online PvP
⚫︎ Over 40+ Characters
⚫︎ Adventure
⚫︎ CyberConnect2 Game
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2's gameplay and story.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 An Impressive Roster Size Fantastic Story Mode CyberConnect2 Reaches Ufotable-Level Animation Improved Combat System That’s Easy to Learn, Hard to Master |
No Crossplay Single Player Content Offers Hardly Any Challenge |
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Overall Score - 82/100
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 joins the small group of elite anime games—standing proudly alongside the ranks of Dragon Ball FighterZ—and builds on its predecessor in nearly every way. If the first game was Hinoe rank, this sequel is without a doubt Hashira tier, sharpening the overall experience across the board. That said, much like a Nichirin Sword, it's not without its dull edges. The single-player content lacks any sort of challenge, and the absence of crossplay and rollback netcode keeps the online experience from truly cutting deep. Still, it’s an absolute blast—an experience both Demon Slayer fans and newcomers alike can sink their blades into.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Story - 8/10
Hinokami Chronicles 2 delivers a stylish and heartfelt adaptation of the Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training arcs, turning the anime’s most emotional highs into an interactive, cinematic ride. With fluid and jaw-dropping cutscenes, it captures the spirit and spectacle fans expect. Some story moments feel a bit rushed or trimmed down, which does soften the emotional punch at times. Still, it’s a tightly paced experience that pulls you in and doesn’t let go for a solid nine hours of demon-slaying action.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Gameplay - 9/10
The game offers solid, if somewhat easy, single-player content alongside a seasonal online matchmaking system—which is a great addition. On top of that, the gameplay feels significantly more fluid and impactful. Characters now stand out with more distinct playstyles, expanded skill sets, and just being a lot more balanced. There’s also enhanced assist moves, team ultimates, gear customization, faster-paced combat, and a massive roster that includes every character and DLC from the previous game, plus brand-new fighters and stages. The only real drawback is the online experience, which still relies on delay-based netcode—making some matches feel sluggish or inconsistent.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Visuals - 8/10
The character models look better than ever, and the visual effects and animations—especially during combat—are stunning. Techniques like Water Breathing feel lifted straight from the anime, and in some cases, certain scenes even surpass Ufotable’s work in visual impact. The presentation is visually impressive and highly dynamic. However, the game does lose a few points due to some noticeable low-poly textures in the background environments and occasional janky-looking character models, particularly for background NPCs.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Audio - 8/10
It’s no surprise that the voice acting in this game is phenomenal—especially in the Japanese dub. Natsuki Hanae once again delivers a heartfelt performance as Tanjiro, capturing every ounce of pain, determination, and warmth the character is known for. His delivery in the most emotional moments is nothing short of gut-wrenching. I also loved how the story mode features much of the anime’s original soundtrack; it really helps ground the experience in something familiar and moving. That said, I do wish the game included more original tracks of its own. There were a few scenes that felt oddly quiet—moments that could have soared emotionally with just the right piece of music behind them.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Value for Money - 8/10
At $60, Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 offers solid value with an 8–9 hour campaign and three distinct single-player modes. However, its biggest drawback is that those additional modes are far too easy, offering little challenge for seasoned players. On the multiplayer front, the absence of crossplay and a pretty subar netcode is a noticeable shortcoming. In 2025, especially from an experienced studio like CyberConnect2, that's difficult to justify—especially when smaller games have managed to implement both. Hopefully, these features will be addressed in future updates. That said, it’s not a dealbreaker. Online play remains functional, and the inclusion of seasonal ranked modes adds welcome variety and longevity to the competitive scene. Plus, newcomers don’t need to play the first game—The Path of the Demon Slayer mode conveniently recaps the original story, making this a strong jumping-in point for new players.
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Review: Worthy of a Hashira’s Praise
The first Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles turned out to be a genuinely great experience—and I don’t say that to slight the developers. It’s just that great anime games are rare, and licensed titles often feel rushed or half-baked. I had faith in CyberConnect2—thanks to their work on the Ultimate Ninja Storm series—but their track record hasn’t always been consistent. Some of their Naruto and Dragon Ball titles outside the mainline games were underwhelming, and more recently, Sweep the Board missed the mark. That’s what made the first Hinokami Chronicles feel like lightning in a bottle: a licensed anime game that wasn’t just decent—it was genuinely well-crafted.
Given how many anime tie-in games end up feeling like rushed cash grabs, the first game's quality came as a welcome surprise. So when The Hinokami Chronicles 2 was announced, my expectations were understandably high. With the Infinity Castle movie arriving in North America soon, the sequel’s release couldn’t be better timed. It had the potential to capitalize on the hype and expand on the foundation laid by its predecessor.
Thankfully, Hinokami Chronicles 2 delivers. Not only does it retain the strengths of the original, but it also makes key improvements that elevate the overall experience. In doing so, it sets a new standard that many future anime games should aspire to reach.
Entertainment District Arc is Called Entertainment for a Reason
I’ve been a long-time fan of the Demon Slayer franchise, all the way back when it was still just a manga—long before Ufotable adapted it into the masterpiece we know today. Seeing how far the series has come, it’s honestly been such a joy to witness. And with the anime set to go out with a bang in its final movie, Infinity Castle, I’m beyond excited—even though I’ve already read the manga and know how it all ends.
The first Hinokami Chronicles game did a solid job adapting the early arcs, but it had some issues. It felt a bit too condensed and overly linear at times, which held it back from reaching its full potential. So, going into the sequel, I was hoping for a more expanded and engaging Story Mode—something with a bit more “oomph.” Thankfully, this follow-up delivers, especially with its adaptation of the final arcs before the big finale: Entertainment District, Swordsmith Village, and Hashira Training.
And let’s be real—The Entertainment District Arc is easily one of the best arcs in the entire series. The anime elevated it into an absolute spectacle, so the game had some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, it kicks things off strong with the rooftop battle between Tanjiro and Daki, immediately throwing you into the action with smooth gameplay and a well-paced setup.
From there, it follows the same beats as the anime, like Tanjiro hunting a demon in a hidden shack. But I quickly noticed some nice new additions—like being able to sprint through open areas, collect items, and earn points you can spend at the Kimetsu Shop (more on that later). After that, we return to the Butterfly Mansion where we meet Tengen Uzui, the flamboyant Sound Hashira, trying to recruit Aoi and Naho as bait. Of course, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke volunteer to take their place—setting the stage for the thrilling showdown in the Entertainment District against Daki and her brother, Gyutaro.
It’s a strong and compelling start. The pacing of this arc is tight and addicting, and I’m happy to say that the Story Mode in this game is a huge step up. In terms of adaptation, it’s solid. While it obviously can’t include everything from the anime or manga (and yeah, I do wish some moments were kept), it still balances storytelling and gameplay well.
What I really appreciated is how the game doesn’t just recreate scenes—it enhances them. The camera work in combat is far more dynamic now, and certain scenes that were previously just cutscenes are now fully playable. You don’t just play as Tanjiro either—you get to control Zenitsu, Inosuke, and even some of the Hashira.
And it’s not just in combat. Tanjiro can use his heightened sense of smell to track down demons or clues, Zenitsu has rhythm mini-games with his shamisen, and Inosuke can detect nearby enemies. It makes the whole experience feel more interactive and varied.
There’s also more to do between story beats. You can explore small open areas, collect items, and earn points to use on a new gear system. These gears
are essentially passive buffs—kind of like the Masteries system from League of Legends—that you can equip to boost your stats. Some are exclusive to Story Mode, but others unlock for use outside of it, too.
I also loved the inclusion of exclusive boss fights, like Gyokko, and even new forms of Daki that weren’t shown in the anime. The quick-time events are visually stunning, and the whole Story Mode is about nine hours of nonstop Demon Slayer hype. The voice acting is top-notch as always, and some performances even sound like they were re-recorded just for the game—adding fresh energy to already iconic scenes.
All in all, it’s a massive improvement over the first game’s Story Mode. If you’re a fan of the anime or manga, you’ll be happy to know Cyberconnect2 did an impressive job overall.
Flashier than Tengen
There’s always been something spellbinding about the way techniques and powers are animated in Demon Slayer—each move bursts to life like a living ukiyo-e painting, rich with elegance and drama. The first Hinokami Chronicles game captured that aesthetic well enough, but the sequel? It cranks the spectacle dial all the way up. The visual effects flow more fluidly now, more vibrant and expressive, turning every battle into a dazzling clash of art styles—demon arts and breathing techniques colliding like brushstrokes on a stormy canvas.
The new Ultimate Arts are genuinely jaw-dropping. Sure, you’ll spot some recycled animations—Tanjiro’s old moves still make the rounds—but they’ve been given a fresh coat of polish, sharper timing, and extra cinematic flair. The Entertainment District version of Tanjiro has an especially stunning Ultimate, and the addition of dual ultimates is an inspired touch. Nezuko and Tanjiro’s combo move is pure visual poetry, while Shinobu and Giyu’s tag-team attack feels like a quiet storm—grace and force rolled into one. And Gyutaro? His finisher is vicious, violent, and absolutely perfect for his chaotic energy.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Water Wheel technique, and now it spins smoother than ever, slicing through the air like a liquid blade. Mitsuri’s Love Breathing is another visual treat—her heart-shaped strikes and vibrant pink hues light up the screen with charm and power in equal measure. Altogether, it feels less like you’re playing a fighting game and more like you’ve stepped into an animated spectacle. It’s bolder, flashier, more theatrical—and all the more thrilling because of it.
A Diverse and Accessible Roster That’s a Joy to Master
Want someone who excels in speed and weaving in and out of opponents’ reach? Try Zenitsu, Uzui, or Nezuko. Prefer tanky, close-range powerhouses that dish out tons of damage? Rengoku and Inosuke are your go-tos. If you’re after more balanced picks, Tanjiro and Giyu fit the bill. And for those who like zoning and keeping opponents at a distance, Daki and Enmu are perfect choices.
The game features a wide variety of characters, and while many return from the first Hinokami Chronicles, they feel significantly better here. Everyone feels faster, smoother, and more responsive. Assists are stronger, cancel animations are tighter, and quality-of-life improvements—like being able to swap characters instantly between rounds—make matches flow better overall.
Characters also have more depth now. For instance, heavy attacks aren’t tied to “forward + attack” anymore; you hold the guard button and press attack to avoid accidental inputs. Stage rules have been tweaked too—demons now only have two bars of healing instead of being overly tanky, and the assist system allows for extended combos. Reducing matches to two rounds instead of three keeps things fast-paced, which really benefits the flow of online battles.
Combat is still very accessible—you can pick up any character and do pretty well—but there’s also a surprising amount of depth for players who want to dig in and master the mechanics. It’s a great balance. The combat system still revolves around light and heavy attacks, but with added mobility through dashes, sidesteps, and parries. Three unique special moves tied to each character’s breathing style or Blood Demon Art give variety, and you’ve got the Ultimate Gauge for flashy cinematic finishers.
Boost Mode temporarily increases your speed and power, while Surge Mode pushes that even further—letting you pull off near-limitless combos. It adds another layer of competitiveness and excitement to each fight.
One caveat: gear buffs aren’t available in ranked, so it’s all about skill there. Also, I do wish there were fewer clone characters—having a full lineup of Academy versions takes up slots—but at least they feel somewhat distinct in gameplay. Personally, I main Shinobu and Nezuko, and they’re an absolute blast. I also love using Daki—her Blood Demon Art with the obi ribbons is so unique. Zohakuten and Gyokko are also really fun additions.
All in all, the combat just feels more fluid and satisfying this time around. Every time I tell myself, “One more match,” I end up playing for hours. It’s also great that Hinokami Chronicles 2 gives us more ways to test our skills. Seasonal Ranked Matches are a welcome addition, offering competitive players a reason to keep coming back. Endurance Mode is another highlight—it really pushes you to your limits as you try to survive as long as possible.
Then there’s The Path of a Demon Slayer and Hashira Training, which feel like a tournament-based roguelike mode. You battle through different characters one by one, earning gear and buffs along the way. It adds a fun layer of progression and challenge that makes replaying the game way more engaging.
Becoming a Hashira Seems Easier than it Should Be
I’m really grateful that the game offers a decent amount of single-player content. You’ve got the classic VS mode with local 2-player, CPU fights, and an endurance mode that actually provides a good challenge—it’s essentially a gauntlet where you test how long you can last. Then there are the two more structured modes: Path of a Demon Slayer, which is a recap of the first game where you refight key bosses and earn rewards, and the Training Paths, which let you train under the Hashira.
The Training Paths are especially cool in concept—they’re like survival challenges where you fight through waves of characters to reach each Hashira. Each one has multiple difficulty levels and unique rewards, making them a great opportunity to level up your characters.
But as much as I appreciate the idea behind these modes, they’re just way too easy. It makes them feel like a slog, since you’re mostly rinsing and repeating the same simple objectives. Sure, there are conditions like “switch with your assist more than once,” but the AI barely puts up a fight—they often just stand there, especially in Training Paths, which feels odd compared to the much more active CPU behavior in VS and endurance modes.
What’s frustrating is that there’s no way to change the difficulty in these modes, which really undercuts the sense of progression. Becoming a Hashira should feel like an achievement, but instead, it feels way too easy. I hope these modes get some tweaks or additional content in future updates, because the potential is definitely there—it just needs a better challenge to keep it engaging.
Arena Fighters Should Require Crossplay
Honestly, one of my biggest complaints with Hinokami Chronicles 2 is the lack of crossplay—because time and time again, we’ve seen anime games lose their player base almost immediately because of this. Just look at Sparking! Zero—an amazing game, but its lack of crossplay really hurt its competitive and online community. You couldn’t play with all the top players, and worse, you couldn’t even play with your friends if they were on a different console. It’s frustrating, and it ends up limiting the game in a way that really hurts the genre.
Then there’s the delay-based netcode. I’ll admit it’s one of the better ones out there, but it’s still unreliable. When it works, it’s fine—but when it doesn’t, it can cause lag spikes and even full match losses. For a franchise as massive as Demon Slayer, where fans of all ages and platforms are expected to buy in, it’s baffling that crossplay wasn’t implemented from the start.
I really hope the devs add it in a future update, because otherwise, players are either going to drop the game or have to go out of their way to set up their own unofficial solutions—something we’ve seen too many times with anime titles. While Hinokami Chronicles has managed to stay alive thanks to the dedication of its community, it shouldn’t be on us to keep things afloat.
Ranked mode is genuinely fun and satisfying to climb, but I want to play with a full, diverse pool of players—and there’s no excuse when even smaller games and mobile titles have seamless crossplay.
Is Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Worth It?
Yes, Even Without Crossplay
Despite its flaws, Hinokami Chronicles 2 is an absolute blast and easily one of the best anime games out right now. It’s not just visually stunning—faithfully capturing the anime’s vibrant style—but it also nails the feel of the characters. Whether you’re unleashing Tanjiro’s Hinokami Kagura or tearing through opponents as one of the demons, the game makes you feel like you're part of the Demon Slayer universe.
Yes, some of the extra modes are far too easy, but there’s still fun to be had, and the story mode thankfully strikes a much better balance in both pacing and challenge. VS mode remains a strong, enjoyable core feature as well. Ranked play is genuinely fun too, and the fact that it’s seasonal gives hope that CyberConnect2 plans to support the game for the long term with DLC already on it’s way.
At $60—the same price as the first game—it’s a solid offering. You don’t even need to have played the original to enjoy this one, thanks to the Path of the Demon Slayer recap mode. It’s also a perfect way to pass the time while we all wait for the Infinity Castle arc to arrive in the anime. Honestly, it got me hyped all over again.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Xbox |
 PlayStation |
 Switch |
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| Price | $59.99 | ||||||
Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 FAQ
Do You Get Bonuses in Hinokami Chronicles 2 for Having Save Data from Previous Games?
Yes, if you have saved data from Hinokami Chronicles and Sweep the Board, you’ll receive the following bonus items:
⚫︎ Hinokami Chronicles - 6 Academy Character Unlock Keys
⚫︎ Sweep the Board! - Playable pack: Hinatsuru/Makio/Suma + Meal Prep costumes
Will The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Have the Infinity Castle Arc as DLC?
SEGA has officially announced the Infinity Castle DLC content:
⚫︎ Infinity Castle Arc Character Pass – Features new playable characters from the Infinity Castle arc
⚫︎ Muzan Kibutsuji Joins VS Mode – Muzan Kibutsuji will become a playable character in Versus Mode through a free post-launch update
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Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Product Information
 |
|
| Title | Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 5, 2025 |
| Developer | CyberConnect2 |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Supported Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series XIS, Switch, PC |
| Genre | Anime, Action |
| Number of Players | 1-2 |
| ESRB Rating | T |
| Official Website | Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 Website |
