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Capcom used today's PlayStation State of Play to lock in a release date for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, the long-awaited return of its samurai action series. The game arrives on 25 September 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, and pre-orders are open now.
A free demo now live
The more immediately useful bit of news is that there's a free demo available to download right now on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. No waiting, no sign-ups, just search it on your platform and hit download.
The demo lets you try the swordplay for the first time at home, explore the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and take on a boss fight against protagonist Miyamoto Musashi's rival, Sasaki Ganryu. There's a small incentive to play it, too: finishing the demo nets you a "Kubi Akari" charm to carry over into the full game at launch.
A long time coming
For a series that has been more or less dormant for the better part of two decades, a proper new mainline Onimusha with a firm release date and a playable demo is a certainly a big moment for the franchise itself but for the hardcore fans aswell.
Capcom has been on a strong run in recent years, and the fact that it's confident enough to put the swordplay in players' hands months ahead of launch is at least an encouraging sign.
Whether the combat holds up over a full game is the question a demo can't fully answer, but it's the best possible way to find out where your expectations should sit. I don't know about you but I've already hit the download button and can't wait to dive in later today.
Platforms and release
Onimusha: Way of the Sword launches 25 September 2026 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The free demo is available now on all four storefronts.
