PREVIEW – Onimusha’s legendary action-horror saga is making its comeback, and we’ve gathered all the details on Way of the Sword: release timing, story background, gameplay innovations, and more—read our full preview here.

When is Onimusha Way of the Sword actually coming out? Nearly two decades have slipped by since Capcom launched a new mainline entry in this iconic franchise.

After Dawn of Dreams—featuring Jean Reno’s notorious cameo in Onimusha 3—underwhelming sales left the series dormant. Now, Capcom is sharpening its blade for a revival, aiming to win back fans who have waited for so long.

So why is this return such a big deal? Set in a grim, feudal-era Japan, Onimusha Way of the Sword revolves around brutal sword battles, absorbing the souls of fallen enemies, and building your power for epic boss encounters. Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far about Way of the Sword’s release and what you can expect from the game’s haunting new adventure.

Release Window, Musashi’s Comeback, and Classic Inspirations

Capcom has confirmed that Onimusha Way of the Sword will launch in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Based on the series’ release history—every main game dropped between January and March—it’s a safe bet we’ll see Way of the Sword in February 2026.

This new chapter follows the legendary Musashi Miyamoto, already familiar to hardcore fans from Onimusha: Blade Warriors, the Night of Genesis manga, and Netflix’s animated adaptation. True to tradition, Musashi draws inspiration from the real-life master swordsman.

Early hands-on impressions make it clear: Capcom is refusing to copy the current soulslike trend, sticking instead to Onimusha’s signature blend of kinetic melee combat and horror. The spirit-collecting mechanic remains a central pillar, offering old-school fans a sense of homecoming rather than unwanted reinvention.

Way of the Sword’s reveal was first teased at The Game Awards, followed by a developer showcase during the Capcom Spotlight in February 2025. Producer Akihito Kadowaki underscored three key pillars for the project: memorable characters, an atmospheric Kyoto setting, and what he called “the ultimate sword-fighting action.”

Historical Figures and a Fresh Approach to Difficulty

Director Satoru Nihei has openly promised that players will cross paths with actual historical figures in this twisted vision of Kyoto. But if you’re worried about the game being punishingly hard, relax: Nihei states clearly that “we don’t want to make an impossibly difficult game.” For action fans tired of excessive challenge, that’s good news.

The second official trailer, showcased at Summer Game Fest 2025, showed Musashi hacking through waves of Genma before clashing with a grotesque, pig-like boss. Players caught a glimpse of Musashi’s new Oni abilities—he can literally warp space to push back enemies and reveal secret paths. After besting his monstrous foe, the teaser transitions to a fateful duel with Sasaki Ganryu, his historical rival.

Expect jaw-dropping moments—at one point, Musashi is seen dispatching two demons at once with a katana and a perfectly timed kick.

Gameplay: Classic Systems and Sinister New Mechanics

The beloved Issen system, which rewards perfectly timed counters with instant kills, makes its triumphant return. Only those who keep their cool and read their enemy’s moves will survive the most dangerous encounters.

The reveal also highlighted the Oni Gauntlet, absorbing souls in dramatic fashion. Series veterans will remember transforming into the unstoppable Onimusha form after gathering enough souls—here’s hoping this mechanic is even more satisfying in Way of the Sword.

Though the first teaser was light on plot, the official Steam page reveals the basics: Set in Edo-period Kyoto, the land is rotting under toxic clouds of Malice, and Musashi now wields the powerful Oni Gauntlet.

This artifact gives him the power to destroy the Genma—monstrous creatures from the underworld. As for Musashi’s motives? He confesses he’s “getting less human by the minute,” hinting at the personal cost of this demonic power. Expect the story to play fast and loose with Musashi’s legendary rivalry with Sasaki Kojiro, injecting the Onimusha flavor into classic Japanese lore.

Prepare for a New Journey into Demonic Japan

Now that Capcom has lifted the veil on Onimusha Way of the Sword’s release window, it’s time to brace yourself for another bloody journey through demon-plagued Japan. Want to revisit the franchise before launch? Check out our Onimusha 2 remaster review HERE. And for even more gaming coverage, see our updated list of the best new PC titles releasing soon!

– Gergely Herpai “BadSector” –