Onimusha: Way of the Sword Weapons — Katana, Bows and Elemental Blades
Updated 2026-06-03
Onimusha: Way of the Sword features four main weapon types, each with distinct movesets, upgrade paths, and combat roles. You start with a basic katana and unlock the nodachi, dual blades, and bow through story progression and exploration. Each weapon can be upgraded at shrines using yellow souls, with each upgrade tier adding new combo strings or special effects.
Weapon types and usage
The katana is your all-rounder—fast, reliable, and effective against most enemies. The nodachi hits hard but is slow; use it against armored enemies and groups you can crowd-control first. Dual blades sacrifice range for speed and excel at building the combo meter that increases soul drop rates. The bow is a ranged tool for picking off archers, flying demons, and triggering environmental puzzles from a distance.
| Weapon | Speed | Damage | Best Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katana | Fast | Medium | General purpose, all-round |
| Nodachi | Slow | High | Armored enemies, crowds |
| Dual Blades | Very Fast | Low | Combo building, single targets |
| Bow | Slow | Medium | Aerial enemies, puzzles |
Upgrade priorities
Upgrade the katana first—it carries you through the first half of the game and its upgrades benefit your overall combat effectiveness. The nodachi is worth upgrading second for boss fights. Dual blades are a luxury upgrade for combo-focused players. The bow needs only a single upgrade to unlock charged shots. Each weapon maxes out at level 5, with the final tier requiring a rare material found in hidden areas.
Elemental infusions
After unlocking elemental affinities on the Oni Gauntlet, you can infuse your melee weapons with Flame, Frost, or Lightning. Infusion consumes red souls but lasts until you sheathe the weapon or swap affinities. Each element changes the weapon's visual effect and adds bonus damage against weak enemies.
FAQ
- Can I use the bow in melee range?
- The bow has a quick melee swipe at close range that does minimal damage. It is not intended as a melee weapon—switch to katana when enemies close the gap.
- Are there hidden weapons?
- Yes. One optional weapon is found by completing a side path in the Noble District that requires both Flame and Frost magic to access. It is a spear that offers medium speed and reach.