What it is
Released in the UK on Friday 4 September 2026, Onimusha: Way of the Sword is Capcom’s first new entry in the series for more than 20 years. It is a third-person swordplay action game set in a supernatural version of early Edo-period Kyoto, combining deliberate duels, brutal executions, exploration and light RPG progression. It is already a substantial commercial success, with Capcom reporting more than one million copies sold worldwide on launch day.
- UK release
- Friday, 4 September 2026
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
- Developer
- Capcom
- Publisher
- Capcom
- UK price
- From £59.99; PS5 editions range from £64.99 to £84.99
- PEGI
- PEGI 18
- Genre
- Swordplay action, action-adventure and RPG
- Game Pass/PS Plus
- Not included in the catalogues at launch; Xbox cloud play requires purchase
- Engine
- RE Engine
- Online mode
- No — single-player only
Story and setting
The game follows Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary swordsman, as he arrives in Kyoto and becomes entangled in a supernatural disaster. The historic capital has been warped by clouds of Malice, allowing Genma demons and other creatures from the underworld to spill into the human world. Musashi is modelled on the late Japanese film star Toshiro Mifune, whose likeness gives the character a distinctive, weathered presence.
Musashi wields the Oni Gauntlet, a mystical weapon that lets him absorb the souls of defeated Genma and draw on supernatural power. The story moves between recognisable Kyoto landmarks, villages, temples and more fantastical locations, balancing grim horror with the odd streak of dark comedy. It is a fresh starting point for the series, although returning players will recognise familiar ideas such as the Oni Gauntlet, soul absorption and Issen executions.
How it plays
The combat is the main attraction. Musashi can attack, guard, deflect and evade, with well-timed defensive moves damaging an enemy’s posture. Break that posture and you can perform an Issen, instantly cutting down a vulnerable opponent. The timing is demanding without turning the game into a punishing endurance test, and boss fights place much greater emphasis on reading attacks and finding openings than ordinary encounters.
Souls serve several purposes. Red souls act as a currency for upgrades and supplies, yellow souls restore health, and blue souls charge special Oni Armaments. These weapons provide powerful attacks that can change how a fight develops, while Musashi’s sword, clothing and Oni Gauntlet can all be improved at Spirit Mirrors. Kyoto also includes a sizeable hub area, optional objectives, rescues and collectibles, although some reviewers found the backtracking and errands less interesting than the swordplay. The main campaign takes roughly 15 to 20 hours, with additional replay value after the ending.
Platforms, editions and UK price
Way of the Sword is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC through Steam, the Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store. The PC version unlocked at 5am BST on Friday 4 September. On PS5, the game is PS5 Pro Enhanced; the Switch 2 version offers a locked 30fps option or an unlocked mode that can reach higher, variable frame rates, making it a capable portable version but a less consistent technical experience than the current-generation console releases.
UK digital pricing varies by platform. Steam lists the Standard Edition at £59.99, the Deluxe Edition at £69.99 and the Premium Deluxe Edition at £74.99. PlayStation Store prices are £64.99 for Standard, £74.99 for Deluxe and £84.99 for Premium Deluxe. Nintendo Switch 2 is listed at £59.99 for the standard release. Deluxe and Premium Deluxe add charms, outfits, weapon appearances and other equipment or cosmetic extras rather than new story chapters. The game carries a PEGI 18 rating for its strong violence, blood and gore.
Launch content and updates
This is a single-player game with no online multiplayer or co-operative mode. The launch package includes the full campaign, optional exploration content and post-game replay features. Completing the story unlocks Carnage, a harder New Game Plus mode that carries selected upgrades and equipment into another run while increasing the challenge.
The current store listings also include free cosmetic and materials add-ons, including outfits for Okuni and the Oni Lady plus a Red Souls materials pack. The Deluxe and Premium kits are sold separately for players who buy the Standard Edition. As of 27 September 2026, Capcom has not documented a post-launch patch for the retail game, a story expansion or an additional combat mode beyond the content already available at launch.
Reception and verdict
The critical response has been strongly positive, particularly towards the combat, boss encounters, animation and atmosphere. Nintendo Life awarded the Switch 2 version 9/10, praising the slower, more deliberate swordplay and the way the revival retains the series’ identity. IGN gave the game 10/10, while Eurogamer scored it 4/5. The common reservations concern uneven pacing, repeated journeys through Kyoto, occasional busywork and an English voice performance that some reviewers felt sat awkwardly alongside the setting.
The best version depends on priorities. PS5, Xbox Series X and a suitably powerful PC offer the strongest image quality and smoother performance options, while Switch 2 is the practical choice for portable play and remains a respectable conversion. It is not included in the PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass catalogues at launch. Xbox cloud play is supported for owners with an eligible Game Pass subscription, but the game itself still has to be purchased.
Not yet confirmed
- Capcom has not announced a story expansion or paid DLC campaign for Way of the Sword as of 27 September 2026.
- No post-launch retail patch or new standalone combat mode has been documented by Capcom as of 27 September 2026.
- A future addition to the PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass catalogues has not been confirmed.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword: your questions
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword out in the UK?
Yes. It released on Friday 4 September 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. The PC version unlocked at 5am BST on release day.
Does Onimusha: Way of the Sword have multiplayer or an online mode?
No. It is an offline, single-player action game with no co-op or competitive multiplayer.
Do I need to play the older Onimusha games first?
No. Way of the Sword introduces a new story centred on Miyamoto Musashi and can be played without prior knowledge of the series. Long-time fans will still recognise returning concepts such as the Oni Gauntlet, Genma and soul absorption.
How long is Onimusha: Way of the Sword?
The main campaign takes about 15 to 20 hours, depending on how much optional content you tackle. Carnage New Game Plus provides a tougher second run after completing the story.
Is Onimusha: Way of the Sword on Game Pass or PS Plus?
It is not included in the Game Pass or PS Plus catalogues at launch. Xbox supports cloud play for owners with an eligible Game Pass subscription, but a separate purchase is required.
