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Entertainment • Video Games

Sifu (video game)

Sifu is a 2022 martial arts action game developed and published by Sloclap.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sifu is a 2022 martial arts action game developed and published by Sloclap. Set in modern China, it follows a young kung fu student seeking revenge for their father's death. The game features third-person combat and a unique death-and-aging mechanic.

Gameplay

Sifu is a third-person action game focused on hand-to-hand martial arts combat. Its defining mechanic is aging after death, creating a trade-off between stronger attacks and reduced survivability.

Premise

The story is set in modern China and centers on a kung fu student pursuing revenge against the people responsible for their father's death. The title refers to a martial arts teacher or master.

Release

Sifu launched on 8 February 2022 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows. It later released on Nintendo Switch in November 2022 and on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S in March 2023.

Reception and legacy

The game became notable for its difficulty and distinctive combat system. By May 2025, it had sold more than 4 million units and later received a television adaptation.

Key facts

  • Players control the child of a martial arts school sifu who seeks revenge for their father's death.
  • Each death causes the protagonist to be resurrected and age, which increases offensive power but lowers health.
  • The game was first released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows in February 2022.
  • The game sold over 4 million units by May 2025.
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Canadian context

Sifu is available on major console and PC platforms used by Canadian players, including PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and Windows. Its martial arts themes and broader global release made it accessible to Canadian gaming audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game is Sifu?
Sifu is a third-person martial arts action game with beat 'em up gameplay and a single-player focus.
Who developed Sifu?
Sifu was developed and published by Sloclap.
What is the main gameplay mechanic in Sifu?
When the protagonist dies, they are revived by a magical talisman and age, gaining stronger attacks but losing health.
When was Sifu released?
It first released on 8 February 2022 for PS4, PS5, and Windows.
What platforms is Sifu available on?
It is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Is Sifu set in a real place?
It is set in a fictionalized modern China rather than a specific real-world city or region.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sifu_(video_game)
    Supports: Developer, genre, premise, gameplay mechanic, platforms, release dates, sales, and television adaptation
  2. Steam — https://store.steampowered.com/app/2138710/Sifu/
    Supports: Game description as a third-person brawler with Kung Fu combat mechanics
  3. PlayStation — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FQ1YO3Ks2U
    Supports: Official reveal trailer description and third-person action framing