Onimusha: Way of the Sword is making a long-awaited return, but don’t expect a brutal Souls-like challenge – and that’s a good thing. 
At Summer Game Fest 2025, Capcom gave press a closer look at the upcoming action game and confirmed that it will embrace a more linear mission-based structure rather than following modern open-world trends or punishing difficulty spikes.
Set to release in 2026, Way of the Sword is a return to the franchise’s roots: structured, story-driven gameplay with carefully designed levels. According to the devs, each stage is relatively linear with optional side paths, culminating in classic boss battles. But don’t mistake this for a barebones experience – hidden content and environmental storytelling are layered throughout.
What sets this new Onimusha apart is Capcom’s clear intent: they’re not trying to mimic Dark Souls. In fact, the developers openly rejected the idea that the franchise’s revival was inspired by the recent wave of punishingly difficult games. Instead, they’re aiming for accessibility without compromising satisfaction. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, the goal is for players to enjoy both the gameplay and the narrative without needing to “git gud.”
“We want the experience to feel rewarding, not frustrating,” one dev said. “This isn’t about making it easy – it’s about making it fair, engaging, and inviting.”
While many modern games chase Soulsborne appeal, Capcom is taking a refreshing step in the opposite direction, staying true to the series’ DNA. With no sprawling open worlds or overly cryptic storytelling, Way of the Sword instead promises a focused, enjoyable journey with fast-paced combat and a stronger emphasis on narrative than ever before.
With a playable demo planned for Gamescom 2025, fans can expect hands-on impressions soon. And judging by early previews, Capcom might just deliver the kind of action-adventure experience that’s been missing for years – one that doesn’t need to be a masochistic gauntlet to be memorable.