Upgrading in Onimusha: Way of the Sword is split across four separate systems that use four different currencies in three different places, which is why it feels confusing early. The short version: enhance your sword first, because that single track raises Regular Attack Power, Issen Power and Oni Armament Power together.
Equipment Enhancement (Spirit Mirrors)
Unlocked automatically during “The Oni’s Apprentice,” found under Enhance at any Spirit Mirror. This track uses collected materials, not souls.
- Sword: Whetstone, Iron, Tempered Iron, Tamahagane. Raises Regular Attack Power, Issen Power and Oni Armament Power in one go. This is your priority.
- Clothing: Hempen Cloth, Cotton Cloth, Leather, Fine Silk Cloth. Raises Health and Stamina.
- Oni Gauntlet: Malicite, Malicite Mass, Byakue’s Talisman, Dohatsu-ten’s Horn. Raises maximum Oni Power and the speed and range of Soul Absorption.
Materials come from chests, mission and side-quest rewards, and optional battles. There is also a shortcut worth knowing: after the “Careful What You Wish For” quest you can trade surplus Red Souls for materials at Yorimasa’s monument, which removes most of the grind.
Skills (Spirit Mirrors)
Also at the mirrors, but on a different economy. Basic Skills cost Red Souls plus Power Stones. Special Skills, meaning Oni Vision, Oni Strength, Oni Agility, Oni Awakening and the per-Armament upgrades, cost Red Souls plus Oni Stones.
Our souls and best skills guide covers what to buy first, and note that Issen: Range costs 2 Oni Stones and is worth owning before certain boss fights.
Charms (Enma’s Hall)
Charms are upgraded at Enma’s Hall in Rokudo-chinnoji Temple, next to the Spirit Mirror near Takamura, using Red Souls plus Favor. Favor is earned by making offerings of non-consumable food items such as sake and persimmon. Each charm has three tiers. Our best charms guide covers which to prioritise.
Hozuki Pouches (Okuni)
Your healing pouches are upgraded by Okuni, in the same temple, after completing the mission “Patching up the Pouch.” Three levels each, with the level-three step requiring a Skeleton Hozuki. Our Hozuki pouch guide covers which pouch to carry.
The New Game Plus Catch
This is the detail worth planning around: equipment enhancements do not carry into New Game Plus. Skills, Oni abilities, Hozuki Pouches with their enhancements, and items all do, but your sword, clothing and gauntlet upgrades reset, so material spending starts over.
That makes materials the one resource not worth hoarding “for later.” Spend them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I upgrade first?
The sword, because that single track raises Regular Attack Power, Issen Power and Oni Armament Power together.
Where do I upgrade equipment?
At any Spirit Mirror, under Enhance. Charms and pouches are handled separately at Rokudo-chinnoji Temple.
Can I convert Red Souls into materials?
Yes, after the “Careful What You Wish For” quest, at Yorimasa’s monument.
Does upgrading carry into New Game Plus?
Skills, Oni abilities, pouches and items carry over. Equipment enhancements do not.