How to start combat in Onimusha: Way of the Sword

Start every fight by looking for an opening instead of trading hits blindly: Onimusha: Way of the Sword is built around Parry and Deflect, with the signature Issen critical attack as the payoff for a well-read exchange. Oni Armament, Oni powers and soul absorption complete the game’s starting combat vocabulary. This is the safe way to learn the system before you worry about boss routes, upgrades or collectibles.

Parry and Deflect come first

The official combat overview puts blade-on-blade clashes, Parry and Deflect at the centre of the game. Treat them as your first answers to an enemy attack. Watch what the opponent commits to, keep your defence ready and avoid spending every opening on a desperate attack.

Do not learn the two techniques from an unverified button list. The correct input can depend on your platform and control settings, while the timing principle is universal: observe the exchange, use the defensive option the game presents, then act when the enemy gives you room.

Issen is the moment to recognise

Issen is the series’ signature critical attack. You do not need to memorise a long combo before your first encounter; you need to recognise when an enemy has created the kind of opening that makes a critical response worthwhile. If you miss it, reset your spacing and read the next attack instead of forcing the same attempt.

Oni power is part of your positioning

The Oni powers are not only a late-game bonus. The official overview describes Oni Strength as a way to break through enemy defences and Oni Agility as explosive speed that can also open routes through the environment. Keep both in mind when a normal sword exchange stalls or when the arena gives you a path to use.

Do not forget the rest of the toolkit

The demo introduction specifically calls out Oni Armament and absorbing souls alongside Parry, Deflect and Issen. Learn what each option does from the in-game prompts, then use the Practice Ground to repeat the timing before you judge a weapon or ability.

PowerPyx’s skill reference also separates basic and special skills and points to the Spirit Mirror for upgrades. That is a reason to review the upgrade screen after you understand the fundamentals, not a reason to spend every material immediately.

A simple first-fight routine

1. Watch one attack cycle before committing to damage.
2. Use Parry or Deflect when the enemy gives you the corresponding exchange.
3. Look for the Issen opportunity instead of forcing a full combo.
4. If the fight stalls, consider the Oni power that changes the space or breaks the defence.
5. After the encounter, check the upgrade screen and keep the exact costs shown by your current game version.

The goal of the first hour is not to perform every technique perfectly. It is to learn which defensive answer creates your next decision.