Onimusha: Way of the Sword Boss List & Genma Types

Quick Answer

Use the Boss Rematch directory for all 18 encounter entries. This page groups enemies by the threats they create and points to detailed guides for Daidara, Nue and Greater Nue, Rasho-gan, and Shuten Doji. Start with the visible attack cue: weapon swings, body attacks and bow targets require different responses.

Enemy classes and the threats they create

Use these groups to choose your first response. The threat levels below describe how much attention an encounter demands; they are a planning aid, not fixed damage or health rankings. Enemy numbers, arena space and the attack currently in progress can change the danger.

Issen is a timed counterattack started just before a blow lands. Break Issen becomes available after enemy stamina is depleted. A boss can offer different targets at that opening, so check the options rather than assuming the same execution works against every enemy.

Enemy classes, threat levels and useful openings
Enemy class	Threat level	Main problem	Opening or execution choice
Melee Genma	Lower when isolated	A weapon swing can continue into another strike.	Defend a suitable attack, then use the recovery. Use Issen only when you know the timing.
Guarded enemies	Higher during a blocked combo	Repeated frontal attacks can leave you exposed.	Stop attacking into the guard and identify a punishable attack or stamina-break opportunity.
Ranged enemies	Higher while another foe attacks	An off-screen projectile can interrupt your melee exchange.	Keep the shooter visible; use the Oni Bow or an available projectile deflection when the attack allows it.
Beasts and body attackers	Higher at close range	Bites, lunges and body impacts need different answers from blade swings.	Use the appropriate dodge and keep the counter short.
Bosses and paired encounters	High; varies by encounter	Special targets, longer sequences or a second attacker can remove an apparent opening.	Read the full sequence; choose damage, souls or a removable body part when Break Issen offers them.

Basic enemies: identify the attack, then the response

A weapon, shield or low body shape helps you identify the threat, but it does not settle every defensive choice. Watch the current move and check whether another enemy is already starting an attack before you commit to a counter.

Combat Guide: compare Block, Parry, Deflect and Reflex Dodge

Common threats in ordinary encounters
What you see	First priority	Avoid
A melee enemy drawing back its weapon	Read the swing and its follow-up before taking your turn.	Attacking because the first hit has passed.
Your attacks repeatedly striking a guard	Reset and look for an attack recovery or a way to damage stamina.	Continuing the same blocked combo.
A ranged enemy behind the melee group	Move so you can track it and create a safe bow or deflection opportunity.	Aiming while a nearby enemy is winding up.
A beast beginning a body lunge	Prepare the dodge for when the attack reaches you.	Spending the dodge at the first movement.
Several enemies attacking from different sides	Regain a view of the group before choosing one target.	Treating an isolated enemy’s recovery as a safe opening for the whole group.

Nue variants: check the exact encounter

The Nue pair and Greater Nue are separate Boss Rematch entries. A regular Nue’s bites, claws and lunges make Reflex Dodge a useful starting point. In the paired fight, keep both enemies visible before starting your counter.

Greater Nue adds tail attacks and broader lightning pressure. A glowing tail strike can require parry or deflection, while a body attack can require a dodge. When Break Issen offers the tail, cutting it can reduce pressure; throwing the severed part also requires sufficient Oni Strength.

Nue & Greater Nue: body attacks, lightning and tail responses

Nue encounter identification
Encounter	Distinct threat	What to check
Nue (Blue) & Nue (Red)	Two attackers share the encounter.	The second Nue’s position before every punish.
Greater Nue	Tail moves and additional lightning attacks.	The tail cue, floor effects and available Break Issen targets.

Named bosses: match the mechanic to the guide

Use this table to recognize the problem, then open the named guide for the attack cues and steps. The full directory also includes Byakue, Dohatsu-ten, Ganryu, Benkei, Ifuu, Burai, Dokyo, Yoshitsune and their separate encounter variants.

Shuten Doji is a late-game boss with body and flying-head phases. Fire resistance can help against his attacks; it does not establish a fire weakness. Daidara’s tighter temple stage instead makes room, camera control and soul collection important. Rasho-gan’s distinctive interruption targets are his threads and objects, rather than an assumed elemental weakness.

Boss threats and practical openings
Boss	Identify the encounter	Main threat	Useful response
Daidara	Early story encounter at Oni Refuge	Body charges, heavy weapon swings and soul consumption.	Dodge the charge late, read weapon follow-ups and collect loose souls during a safe gap.
Nue / Greater Nue	Paired Nue and Greater Nue are different encounters.	Body attacks; Greater Nue adds tail and lightning pressure.	Keep all attackers visible and change your response when the cue changes.
Rasho-gan	Yasui Konpiragu Shrine	Fast blade attacks, binding threads and suspended scenery.	Use the Oni Bow on the relevant tether or projectile, then prepare for the follow-up.
Shuten Doji	The Demon on the Mount, at Mount Oe	Health recovery, delayed swings and a flying head in phase two.	Take short openings; interrupt the inhaling fire attack or swollen head with the Oni Bow.

Soul rewards: choose what the current fight needs

Absorb available souls during a safe opening. Against Daidara, leaving them in the arena can also give the boss an advantage because he consumes souls. Finish defending the current attack before stopping to collect.

At a boss stamina break, read the targets offered. Choose a soul option if resources are limiting the attempt, damage if you are ready to finish, or a removable part if that attack is repeatedly catching you. The available choices matter more than a fixed reward estimate.

Choose damage, souls or a body-part target

Soul and execution decisions
Situation	Priority
Souls remain while the enemy recovers	Check for a follow-up, then collect.
A Break Issen soul target is available and resources are low	Consider recovery before another damage burst.
The boss is almost defeated and resources are ready	Consider the damage target.
Greater Nue offers a tail target	Consider removing the recurring threat.

Turn the enemy list into a practice plan

Name the move that hit you: a weapon strike, body impact, projectile, floor effect or a second attacker.
Open the encounter guide and match that move to its visible cue.
Practice the response with a short counter before extending your combo.
After winning, use the Boss Rematch directory to find the correct variant for another attempt.

Direct answers

Frequently asked questions

How many boss fights are in the Boss Rematch list?

There are 18 encounter entries, including enhanced versions and paired fights. That count does not mean 18 different characters; use the Bosses directory to match the exact entry.

What is the difference between Issen and Break Issen?

Issen is a timed attack started just before an enemy blow lands. Break Issen follows a full stamina break and can offer an execution or a choice of boss targets.

Should I use the same defense against every boss?

No. A weapon swing, body charge and special bow target can require different responses. Match the action to the visible cue before practicing the timing.

Are Nue and Greater Nue the same encounter?

No. The paired Nue fight and Greater Nue are separate entries. Greater Nue adds tail attacks and more lightning pressure, so the regular Nue dodge routine needs adjusting.

Should I always choose the soul target in Break Issen?

Choose according to the attempt. Souls can help when resources are low; damage can finish a nearly defeated boss; removing a body part can reduce a recurring threat when that target is offered.