Mastering the intricate skill trees in Onimusha: Way of the Sword can seem like a formidable challenge at first glance, with a vast array of both regular and Oni skills to unlock. Fortunately, the game allows for free and rapid refunds of Power Stones, Oni Stones, and Souls, removing any penalty for experimentation and allowing players to freely respec their character to discover preferred playstyles.
While personal preference plays a significant role, certain skills undeniably streamline the gameplay experience, making them prime candidates for early investment. These abilities can offer substantial advantages, even if they are not permanently integrated into a player's final build.
Recommended Regular Skills
Investing Souls into upgraded tiers of frequently used skills is always a sound strategy, as it directly enhances their damage output or overall effectiveness. Players are encouraged to explore the entire skill tree, as some less-highlighted options, like Flat-Out Sprint, can significantly improve movement speed in environments like Kyoto, while others, such as Item Effect Duration and Charm Capacity, cater to players who heavily rely on consumable items and charms.
Blazing State and Its Enhancements
The Blazing State is a crucial regular skill that activates upon successfully executing a series of parries. During this state, Musashi inflicts increased damage. The only scenario where this skill might be undesirable is during a specialized Issen-only playthrough. Complementing this is Blazing State Range, an upgrade that extends the reach of both one-handed and two-handed attacks while Blazing State is active, making it exceptionally effective for damaging groups of enemies.
Reflex Combo and Defensive Offense
While not strictly essential, the Reflex Combo skill offers considerable utility. Normally, a Reflex Dodge solely evades enemy attacks. However, with the Reflex Combo unlocked and its associated meter filled, Musashi can follow up a successful dodge with a one-handed attack. This is particularly beneficial against stronger Genma and bosses encountered after Byakue, who often employ attacks requiring precise Reflex Dodges. The combo allows players to maintain offensive pressure even while prioritizing defense.
Absorb Souls While Attacking
This skill provides a significant quality-of-life improvement by allowing Musashi to automatically absorb souls during combat. This eliminates the need to pause offensive actions to collect souls, preventing potential disruptions from bosses or enemies that might otherwise enter a frenzied state upon soul absorption.
Oni Bow Enhancements
For players utilizing the Oni Bow, the Ultimate Charged Attack skill is highly recommended. It prevents enemy stamina regeneration, making them more susceptible to Break Issen strikes and critical hits. Equally mandatory is the Charge Time upgrade for the bow's charged attack. Without it, the lengthy charge-up period leaves Musashi vulnerable.
Issen and Chain Issen
The Issen skill presents a high-risk, high-reward mechanic. Successfully executing an Issen can instantly defeat standard enemies or inflict substantial damage on tougher foes. However, failure to execute it can leave Musashi vulnerable. Chain Issen and its upgrades allow for successive Issen strikes. While mastering Issen can be challenging, it offers a potent offensive option. Players unable to consistently land Issen are encouraged to respec and allocate their resources elsewhere.
Quick Use Item Activation
Although it requires significant investment, unlocking the Quick Use skill in the seventh tier of the regular skill tree is well worth the effort. This skill drastically reduces the delay between initiating an item use command and Musashi actually consuming the item, a crucial factor that can be a lifesaver in intense combat scenarios.
Effective Oni Skills
Similar to regular skills, upgrading abilities associated with a frequently used Oni Armament will yield direct benefits. Investments in Oni Strength or Oni Awakening are generally beneficial, regardless of the chosen armament.
Oni Vision: Treasure Detection
Oni Vision makes Musashi's gauntlet glow when valuable collectibles are nearby, proving particularly useful in navigating the more complex environments of East Kyoto. Its upgrade further highlights the locations of Hozuki and other hidden treasures, aiding in thorough exploration.
Oni Strength: Offensive Integration
The Slice and Chop upgrades allow Oni Strength to be integrated with both one-handed and two-handed attacks, significantly boosting their power. These enhancements also generate blue souls, allowing players to deal substantial damage while simultaneously powering up their Oni Armaments.
Oni Awakening: Extended Duration
Once Musashi gains access to his awakened form, the Oni Awakening: Duration skill becomes essential, extending the time he can remain in this powerful state. This is especially critical for challenging encounters, including the game's final boss.
Investing in these select skills can significantly enhance the player's combat effectiveness and overall experience in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, making progression smoother and more enjoyable.