Not counting HD remasters, the last mainline Onimusha game we got was Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams in 2006. After 20 years of waiting for another full installment, I have a feeling Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be well worth the wait.
I first played Way of the Sword at PAX West last year, went hands-on with it again during Summer Game Fest this year, and have also played the public demo that is now available. Honestly, I have been ready for this game since that first demo. I love the Onimusha series as a whole, and the horror-ified version of Feudal Japan seen here is exactly what I want from its return.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword has been my number-one most anticipated game this year—right next to Resident Evil Requiem, of course. Here is everything you need to know before it releases.
What is Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is a single-player action game and the first brand-new mainline entry in Capcom’s Onimusha series in 20 years.
The story follows legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi as he explores a dark fantasy version of Edo-period Kyoto. The city has been corrupted by clouds of Malice and overrun by monstrous creatures known as the Genma. Armed with the mystical Oni Gauntlet, Musashi can absorb the souls of defeated enemies and use their power to continue fighting.
This is exactly the type of setting I wanted from a modern Onimusha game. Capcom has taken recognizable historical locations, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and transformed them into grotesque, blood-soaked environments filled with demons. The combination of Japanese history, folklore, body horror, and dark fantasy gives Way of the Sword an identity that immediately separates it from other samurai games.
What is the gameplay like for Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is built around fast, brutal, and deliberate sword combat. Musashi can perform standard attacks, block incoming strikes, parry enemies, dodge dangerous attacks, and use the environment to gain an advantage.
The most satisfying part of the combat is its emphasis on timing. Successfully deflecting an attack can create an opening for a powerful counter, while precisely timed attacks can cut through enemies and deal huge amounts of damage. Combat feels cinematic without completely taking control away from the player.
The Oni Gauntlet also plays an important role. Musashi can absorb souls from defeated Genma to restore resources and fuel his supernatural abilities. Charms can be equipped to strengthen his abilities, while multiple sword appearances and outfits allow players to customize his look.
After playing the game at PAX West, Summer Game Fest, and at home through the public demo, I have been impressed by how much weight every strike carries. It is bloody, flashy, and occasionally downright disgusting—all things I mean as compliments. The swordplay is approachable enough to pick up quickly, but its parries and counters give it room for more skilled players to really master it.
The free demo is currently available, allowing players to explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple and battle Musashi’s rival, Sasaki Ganryu. Players who keep their demo save data will also receive the Kubi Akari Charm for use in the full game. Capcom has confirmed that the demo will receive an update before launch, although the update will not add new content.
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword a sequel?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is the latest mainline entry in the series, but it does not appear to be a direct continuation of Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams.
Instead, it introduces a new story centered around Miyamoto Musashi, a new cast of characters, and a different period of Japanese history. Familiar elements including the Genma, Oni Gauntlet, soul absorption, and supernatural reinterpretations of historical figures connect it to the larger identity of the series.
That means longtime Onimusha fans should find plenty that feels familiar, but new players should be able to jump into Way of the Sword without playing all of the previous games first.
When does Onimusha: Way of the Sword release?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword releases on September 4th!
The game was originally scheduled for September 25, but Capcom moved the release date forward by three weeks following the response to its public demo. Capcom announced the new September 4 release date on July 2, 2026.
I am certainly not going to complain about getting my most anticipated game of the year three weeks earlier.
What platforms will Onimusha: Way of the Sword be on?
Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be available on:
PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store
The Xbox version also supports Xbox Play Anywhere, allowing players to access the game across Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC with a single digital purchase.
How much does Onimusha: Way of the Sword cost?
The Standard Edition of Onimusha: Way of the Sword costs $69.99.
Players who want additional charms, weapon appearances, outfits, and other digital extras can choose between the $79.99 Deluxe Edition and the $89.99 Premium Deluxe Edition.
What are the different versions of Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
There are three versions of Onimusha: Way of the Sword available.
The Standard Edition costs $69.99 and includes the complete base game.
The Deluxe Edition costs $79.99 and includes the base game alongside the Deluxe Kit. The additional content includes:
Oni Lady, Little Dancer, and Mentor Charms
Bamboo & Panda, Whittled Oar, Raizan, and Enryuu sword appearances
Musashi’s Red Armor outfit
Crimson Lotus Oni Gauntlet appearance
The Premium Deluxe Edition costs $89.99 and contains everything from the Deluxe Edition alongside the Premium Kit. Its additional content includes:
Hellfire, Moonlight, and Cloudbiter Haori
Three outfits for Okuni
Three outfits for the Oni Lady
An in-game mini digital soundtrack
Most of the bonus items are cosmetic, although the included Charms can strengthen Musashi’s abilities. For players who only want the complete story and core gameplay experience, the Standard Edition should be enough. The Deluxe and Premium Deluxe Editions are aimed more at fans who want additional ways to customize Musashi and his allies.
Is there a pre-order bonus for Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
Yes, although Capcom now refers to it as an Early Adopter Bonus following the game’s release-date change.
Players who purchase the Standard Edition early will receive:
Lion Dog Charm
Sealed Curse sword appearance
Those who purchase the Deluxe or Premium Deluxe Edition will also receive:
White Monkey Charm
White Lion sword appearance
The charms provide gameplay benefits by strengthening Musashi’s abilities, while the sword appearances are purely cosmetic.
The digital Early Adopter Bonus will remain available until September 25 at 4:59 p.m. PDT or 7:59 p.m. EDT. Capcom has also noted that these items may become available separately after launch.
Final Thoughts
Twenty years is a long time to wait for another mainline Onimusha game, but everything I have played so far makes Way of the Sword feel like the return the series deserves.
I love its horror-ified interpretation of Feudal Japan, the Genma designs are beautifully grotesque, and the combat has only become more satisfying each time I have played it. Going hands-on at PAX West put the game at the top of my wishlist, and playing it again at Summer Game Fest has only made the wait harder.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword is easily my most anticipated game of the year, sitting right alongside Resident Evil Requiem. Capcom has been on an incredible run, and if the full game can maintain the quality of what I have already played, September 4 cannot get here soon enough.
While we wait for Musashi’s long-awaited return, be sure to check out our July 2026 Video Game and Tech Release Calendar for all the biggest games, hardware, and tech arriving this month.
