Quick Answer
The free demo lets you try Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Sasaki Ganryu fight before starting the full game. Your story progress does not transfer, but demo save data qualifies you for the Kubi Akari charm in the full game. Keep that save if you want the reward. The August PS5 demo update expands the playable area and adds Daidara; update the demo if your PS5 version only contains the original route.
- Demo platform
- PS5 · Xbox · Switch 2 · PC (Steam)
- Demo stage
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Opening area of the game
- Demo boss
- Sasaki Ganryu
- On the stage of Kiyomizu's main hall
- Save carry-over
- Not supported
- Demo progress stays separate from the full game
- Demo save reward
- Kubi Akari charm
- Keep the demo save data
- Full release
- September 4, 2026
Where to get it
The demo is free on every platform
Onimusha: Way of the Sword has a free demo on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam. It has been available since before launch and remains live after release for players still deciding on the full game.
| Platform | Demo |
|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Free demo on PlayStation Store |
| Xbox Series X|S | Free demo on the Microsoft Store |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Free demo on the Nintendo eShop |
| PC (Steam) | Free demo on the Steam store page |
What you get
Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Sasaki Ganryu fight
The demo covers the early-game Kiyomizu-dera Temple stage and its surrounding content, closing with the boss waiting on the famous stage of Kiyomizu's main hall: Sasaki Ganryu, Musashi's formidable rival.
Ganryu is the demo's main difficulty check. The trial includes one-handed and two-handed attacks (which function essentially as light and heavy), the blade barrage clash when both combatants attack simultaneously, and the complete parry-and-deflect defense ladder.
Save data
Progress stays in the demo; save data earns a charm
Completing the demo does not skip the opening of the full game or import the character you built during the trial. The save-data reward is separate: having a demo save lets you obtain Charm: Kubi Akari in the full game.
Keep the demo save when you move to the full game. The bonus is tied to save data, so do not treat uninstalling the demo application and deleting its save as the same action. Once the charm is available, equip it through Equipment → Charms; simply owning a charm does not fill a loadout slot.
| Item | What happens |
|---|---|
| Story progress | Start the full game's story normally; demo progress does not transfer. |
| Kubi Akari charm | Demo save data makes this full-game bonus available. |
| Combat practice | Your timing practice carries over as player experience, not character progress. |
The updated PS5 demo adds Daidara
The August 25 PS5 demo update adds explorable areas and the giant Daidara encounter. If you finished the original temple trial, check for the update before assuming you have seen all of the current PS5 demo.
Use the trial to compare defensive options: practice a timed block for Parry, then try Deflect to drain enemy stamina. Save risky Issen attempts for attacks you recognize. This gives you a useful starting routine for the full game without needing to grind the demo.
Direct answers
Frequently asked questions
Is there an Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo?
Yes. A free demo is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC (Steam), and it remained available after the full game's September 4, 2026 release.
What is in the Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo?
The demo features the Kiyomizu-dera Temple stage and closes with the Sasaki Ganryu boss fight on the temple's main hall. It covers the full parry-and-deflect combat system, one- and two-handed attacks and the blade barrage clash.
Does demo progress carry over to the full game?
Story progress does not transfer. However, keeping demo save data lets you obtain the Kubi Akari charm in the full game; the reward and story progression are separate.
Which platforms can I play the demo on?
The demo is on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC via Steam, matching the full game's platform lineup.