To start New Game Plus in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, finish the story and begin a new playthrough on Carnage Mode, according to a September 7, 2026 Destructoid guide. The guide reports that abilities, charms, outfits, and several unlocks carry over, while Red Souls, some equipment, and side-content progress reset. Capcom’s official materials do not confirm these detailed NG+ rules, so treat them as reported mechanics rather than an official carryover list.
How to unlock and start New Game Plus
- Finish the main story in your current playthrough.
- Start a new playthrough and choose Carnage Mode. Destructoid describes this as the NG+ route and as the game’s hard difficulty.
This unlock and start sequence is reported by Destructoid’s September 7, 2026 guide. Capcom’s official sources reviewed do not independently document the NG+ unlock conditions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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Onimusha: Way of the Sword - PlayStation 5 | Buy on Amazon | |
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Onimusha: Way of the Sword Steelbook Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 | $74.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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Onimusha: Way of the Sword - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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What carries over, according to the guide
The guide says the following progress carries into the new run:
- Awakened Oni Abilities and upgraded basic and special abilities
- Hozuki Pouches and their enhancements
- Charms and their upgrades
- Most items, offerings, and materials
- Unlocked clothing, Haori Coats, and sword appearances, including Panda and Wataru-kun costumes
- Unlocked drills and Boss Rematch stages
- Rescued Lion Dogs
- Acquired Genma Notes
“Most” matters: this is not a claim that every item or material transfers. In particular, the guide lists equipment enhancement materials among the exclusions. It also cautions that carried-over unlocks can remain gated by story progression in the new run; Haori Pouch switching is one example.
#1 Best Overall
- Ultimate Swordplay Action – Master the blade with an arsenal of exhilarating sword techniques in absorbing battles and overcome fierce fights using every tool at your disposal, including environmental hazards and supernatural abilities.
- A Legendary Cast of Characters – Dark fantasy and history collide to tell tales of fabled figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (whose face is modeled after the late, iconic samurai movie actor Toshiro Mifune), plus Sasaki Ganryu, and more.
- Overcome Your Demons – Duel formidable foes in intense boss encounters, standing toe to toe against unfathomably powerful Genma and a sadistic rival swordsman armed with an Oni Gauntlet and devilish powers of his own.
- Explore the Mysteries of Kyoto – Step into a twisted vision of Japan’s historic capital, including faithful recreations of real-life locations like the famed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as otherworldly realms with surreal landscapes.
- Pre-order Bonuses – Reserve an early copy to receive the “Sealed Curse” sword skin and “Lion Dog” charm as bonuses.
What resets or does not carry over
Destructoid reports that these are lost or must be earned again:
- Side-content progression
- Clothing, Weapon, and Gauntlet levels
- Red Soul stock
- The Oni Bow
- Equipment enhancement materials
- Unlocked Spirit Mirror fast-travel points
Because this list comes from a secondary guide rather than an official Capcom explanation, confirm it against the game if a specific item or progression flag matters to your run.
Rank #2
- Ultimate Swordplay Action – Master the blade with an arsenal of exhilarating sword techniques in absorbing battles and overcome fierce fights using every tool at your disposal, including environmental hazards and supernatural abilities.
- A Legendary Cast of Characters – Dark fantasy and history collide to tell tales of fabled figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (whose face is modeled after the late, iconic samurai movie actor Toshiro Mifune), plus Sasaki Ganryu, and more.
- Overcome Your Demons – Duel formidable foes in intense boss encounters, standing toe to toe against unfathomably powerful Genma and a sadistic rival swordsman armed with an Oni Gauntlet and devilish powers of his own.
- Explore the Mysteries of Kyoto – Step into a twisted vision of Japan’s historic capital, including faithful recreations of real-life locations like the famed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as otherworldly realms with surreal landscapes.
- Pre-order Bonuses – Reserve an early copy to receive the “Sealed Curse” sword skin and “Lion Dog” charm as bonuses. Pre-orders of the Deluxe Edition and Premium Deluxe Edition also include additional bonus rewards.
Can you change the difficulty in New Game Plus?
The guide says a first playthrough lets you switch between Action and Story at a Spirit Mirror. It reports that NG+ uses Carnage Mode and that you cannot lower the difficulty after starting that run. Plan accordingly if you prefer a more forgiving setting. These details are guide-reported, not independently confirmed by Capcom.
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Capcom announced Onimusha: Way of the Sword for September 25, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is a dark-fantasy adventure starring Miyamoto Musashi in an Edo-era Kyoto transformed by Malice. Capcom’s release announcement and platform information are available at Capcom’s official game page.
Rank #3
- Ultimate Swordplay Action – Master the blade with an arsenal of exhilarating sword techniques in absorbing battles and overcome fierce fights using every tool at your disposal, including environmental hazards and supernatural abilities.
- A Legendary Cast of Characters – Dark fantasy and history collide to tell tales of fabled figures, including Miyamoto Musashi (whose face is modeled after the late, iconic samurai movie actor Toshiro Mifune), plus Sasaki Ganryu, and more.
- Overcome Your Demons – Duel formidable foes in intense boss encounters, standing toe to toe against unfathomably powerful Genma and a sadistic rival swordsman armed with an Oni Gauntlet and devilish powers of his own.
- Explore the Mysteries of Kyoto – Step into a twisted vision of Japan’s historic capital, including faithful recreations of real-life locations like the famed Kiyomizu-dera Temple, as well as otherworldly realms with surreal landscapes.
- Pre-order Bonuses – Reserve an early copy to receive the “Sealed Curse” sword skin and “Lion Dog” charm as bonuses. Pre-orders of the Deluxe Edition and Premium Deluxe Edition also include additional bonus rewards.
Players do not need prior knowledge of earlier entries to follow this installment: director Satoru Nihei told the PlayStation Blog on August 25, 2026 that the universe was rebuilt so newcomers can start without knowledge of previous titles, with no direct storyline connections to earlier games. That background does not establish any NG+ mechanics.
Quick Recap
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