What is the Onimusha Way of the Sword release date? It’s been almost 20 years since the last new Onimusha game launched. The last mainline entry was Dawn of Dreams following Jean Reno’s infamous appearance in Onimusha 3, but poor sales put the series on ice. Until now.
It’s time to sharpen that sword and make peace with your inner demons again, because we’ve got a confirmed release window for Onimusha Way of the Sword. Set mainly in feudal Japan, the samurai game revolves around harvesting souls from your fallen foes to become stronger and defeating whatever big boss happens to be standing in your way. Here’s what we know about the Onimusha: Way of the Sword release date window.
Onimusha Way of the Sword release date window
Onimusha Way of the Sword will be released in 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. With the previous games all coming between January and March, we believe Way of the Sword will follow suit by releasing in February 2026.
We don’t yet know which direction Onimusha Way of the Sword will take; whether it sticks to its action-horror roots or head in the ever-popular soulslike direction.
Judging by the trailer, melee combat plays a huge part in the proceedings, and the collection of souls is still part of the gameplay loop, so fans of the previous games should still find a lot to be excited about.
Onimusha Way of the Sword trailers
Following its world premiere at The Game Awards last year, a Capcom Spotlight in February 2025 included a message from the Onimusha Way of the Sword developers. Producer Akihito Kadowaki established the three core aspects of The Way of the Sword’s dark fantasy: compelling characters, its Kyoto setting, and “ultimate sword-fighting action.”
Game director Satoru Nihei also confirms that The Way of the Sword will introduce real-life historical figures in its strange alternate setting of Kyoto. He also revealed that the team are “not trying to make an impossibly difficult game,” which should come as some relief to action game fans who don’t want to see Onimusha go down the soulslike route.
Onimusha Way of the Sword gameplay
While we haven’t received any confirmation so far, the game’s official website highlights the Issen system as one of the series’ defining pillars. The Issen system is a parry, but with immediate and deadly consequences for your enemy. It favors those who are calm in battle and ones who know their foe well. Judging by this information, there’s a good chance this system returns in Way of the Sword.
We also see the powerful Oni Gauntlet in the reveal trailer. In previous games, our protagonists were able to transform into a powerful Onimusha state after collecting a certain number of souls. We can see the collection of souls initially in the trailer, so we’re hoping that this mechanic makes a comeback in Way of the Sword.
Onimusha Way of the Sword story
Though the Way of the Sword teaser was quite story-lite, we know the outline of the plot from the game’s official Steam page. Set in Edo-era Kyoto, the land has been corrupted by clouds of Malice. You play as a samurai who has found themselves in possession of the Oni Gauntlet.
The Oni Gauntlet gives him the power to slay the Genma, referred to as “monstrosities from the underworld”. It’s unclear what the samurai’s reason for fighting is, but he claims he is “getting less human by the minute,” which may suggest that he is also subject to demonic corruption.
Now that we have a window for the Onimusha Way of the Sword release date, it’s time to start preparing for our next foray into a rather hostile, demonic Japan. If you’re looking for something to play in the meantime, you won’t have long to wait until the Onimusha 2 remaster drops. We also have a list of the best new PC games to help you stay up to date with the latest releases.