18 long years has passed since the last Onimusha game was released, but good things come to those who wait. At The Game Awards 2024, Capcom dropped a surprise announcement with Onimusha: Way of the Sword, a brand new entry in the franchise that will arrive sometime in 2026.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword takes place in Kyoto during the early Edo period. In this time of
relative peace for Japan, Malice has befallen the ancient city. Twisted into an eerie and
unsettling place, Kyoto has been infested by the demonic Genma. In the debut trailer, a lone samurai armed with the Oni Gauntlet engages in fierce, blood-soaked sword fights with these hellish creatures from another world.
So we are getting new characters, modern graphics, and what will likely be a new take on the combat of the franchise. It is likely we will be getting something close to a Soulslike experience, and with the likes of Nioh and Rise of the Ronin having great success in recent times, something similar would be great. What doesn’t change is the threat of the Genma, and will there be a celebrity cameo here and there? Who knows, but that’s the fun of speculating until the game eventually launches in 2026.
Onimusha is rooted in the Sengoku period, Japan’s legendary age of warring states. The games infuse history with Japanese folklore to tell tales of warriors who wield the mystical power of the Oni. These heroes are drawn into conflict with the Genma, relentless monsters hellbent on conquering the world.
The franchise debuted in 2001 and instantly captivated players with its satisfying sword-based combat and exhilarating “Issen” counterattack mechanics. The series also gained recognition for its spellbinding stories portraying historical figures and real events in a dark fantasy setting. Now, having grown in popularity as one of Capcom’s best-selling properties, Onimusha is entering a whole new era.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026.
