Onimusha: Way of the Sword gives Musashi a selection of sword appearances to collect. Most are earned by finding Lion Dogs, while several are tied to pre-orders or special editions. These rewards are cosmetic only: they do not alter damage or add combat effects.
Spoiler warning: this guide discusses quests, locations and unlock requirements from the campaign.
How to unlock sword skins
After completing “What Lurks in the Shadows” and meeting Lady Murasaki, Lion Dogs begin appearing in fixed locations across maps including Eastern Kyoto. Find and interact with enough of them to claim new sword appearances.
You can change Musashi’s sword at any Spirit Mirror. Select “Change Appearance” to equip an unlocked skin. For more gaming and arcade news, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Lion Dog sword rewards
The following skins are unlocked by reaching the listed Lion Dog totals. The descriptions identify each appearance in the game.
- Sakurahime — Find six or more Lion Dogs. “This once-noble blade is stained with the blood of countless victims.”
- Shishioh — Find 12 or more Lion Dogs. “Said to have been made from the body of a beast slain by a great warrior.”
- Myogo — Find 18 or more Lion Dogs. “A swordsmith prayed to every god in the land, and this was the result.”
- Ura-giri — Find 24 or more Lion Dogs. “Filled with the fire of an Oni who was slain for betraying his kind.”
- Mooncrossed — Find 30 or more Lion Dogs. “This moon-given gift is so beautiful, it’s almost frightening.”
- Kikoku — Find all 36 Lion Dogs. “Though beautiful, it is haunted with the night-time wails of weeping Oni.”
Pre-order and special-edition skins
Four additional appearances are not unlocked through Lion Dog totals. Their requirements are tied to how the game was purchased.
- Sealed Curse — Available for players who pre-ordered the game. “Whether or not the rumours of it being cursed are true, its appearance is certainly unnerving.”
- The White Lion — Included with the deluxe or premium deluxe edition. “A special skin for Musashi’s sword, as bold and beautiful as a white lion. It imbues any who wields it with courage and conviction.”
- Bamboo & Panda — Included with the deluxe or premium deluxe edition. “It may be made from bamboo, but Musashi is fond of wielding it. The panda is a nice touch.”
- Whittled Oar — Included with the deluxe or premium deluxe edition. “A skin that will transform Musashi’s sword into a wooden oar that can be used to crack the skulls of his enemies.”
- Raizan — Included with the deluxe or premium deluxe edition. “A striking skin for Musashi’s sword said to be imbued with lightning’s power. In fact it is an ordinary blade, despite appearances.”
- Enryuu — Included with the deluxe or premium deluxe edition. “A striking skin for Musashi’s sword said to be imbued with fire’s power. In fact it is an ordinary blade, despite appearances.”
How to find every Lion Dog
Once “What Lurks in the Shadows” is complete, Lady Murasaki explains the Lion Dogs and marks some of them on the map with paw icons. Travel to each marked location and interact with the ghostly dog to rescue it.
There are 36 Lion Dogs in total. Their locations become available as you progress through the campaign, so completing the story is necessary to reveal every one. The Curious Cases menu records your total and shows the maps where dogs can be found.
Quests that reveal Lion Dog locations
- “What Lurks in the Shadows” — 12 dogs: Eastern Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nijo-jo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
- “The Roots of All Evil” — five dogs: Eastern Kyoto.
- “Okuni’s Kabuki Dance” — five dogs: Eastern Kyoto.
- “The Demon on the Mount” — six dogs: Mount Oe.
- “In the Light of an Icy Moon” — eight dogs: Eastern Kyoto and Arashiyama.
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