BOSSES
How to Beat Yoshitsune in Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Prepare for the three-phase Yoshitsune final boss, manage defensive responses and recovery, and use safer Issen and projectile counters without wasting resources.
Quick answer
Minamoto no Yoshitsune is the 18th and final boss in the documented Boss Rematch order. The fight has three phases. Play the first phase conservatively, preserve Hozuki and Oni resources for the more aggressive second phase, and treat the final phase as an execution check rather than a reason to abandon defense.
Major ending spoilers follow. Keep the manual save recommended before The Clash at Rendaino.
Preparation before the fight
- Fully enhance the Sword and the equipment you actually use rather than spreading rare materials across unfinished alternatives.
- Carry the strongest available Hozuki setup; Resistance or recovery-focused options are safer while learning.
- Equip defensive and revival support if execution is inconsistent.
- Enter with Oni power available instead of spending it on the last minor encounter.
- Practice Parry and Deflect timing in Boss Rematch; Yoshitsune punishes panic inputs.
Use the Hozuki Pouch guide and Upgrade Materials guide before accepting the final mission.
Phase 1: learn the sword rhythm
The first phase is the best place to establish the timing without burning healing. Block or Parry unfamiliar strings, then move toward Deflect only after the delay between hits is clear.
Community-tested routes consistently identify the last, heavier swing in a multi-hit sequence as a more dependable Issen attempt than the faster opening hits. If two purple swings precede a larger finisher, dodge or defend the early pair and take the clear final cue rather than gambling on every contact.
Phase 2: separate dodge attacks from sword attacks
Phase 2 mixes more movement, projectiles and large body attacks into the sword exchanges. Use different answers instead of trying to Deflect everything:
- Dodge stomps, fist attacks and large aura-driven body pressure.
- Parry or Deflect the committed sword finishers after the movement sequence.
- Return projectiles only when the timing is stable; ordinary avoidance is better than losing a full healing charge.
- Use Oni attacks or the pillar-style opening when it creates a clean armor or stamina break.
If the phase feels random, stop attacking through the first cue. Watch whether Yoshitsune is beginning a weapon string, a movement attack or a projectile pattern, then choose the response.
Handling the vacuum and soul sequence
Player reports identify a vacuum-style sequence followed by a sword action. Absorb available souls during the pull when safe, then prepare to dodge, Deflect or Issen the committed follow-up. Do not remain locked into soul absorption after the attack cue appears.
This sequence can replenish resources, but it is not free healing. Survival takes priority over completing a long absorb animation.
Phase 3: finish cleanly
The third phase rewards the same discipline as the earlier fight. Preserve at least one recovery option, avoid extending unsafe combos and use the clearest punish windows rather than racing the boss's remaining health.
If repeated attempts fail late:
- Spend fewer Hozuki in Phase 1.
- Use Parry instead of failed Deflect attempts on unfamiliar Phase 2 strings.
- Save the strongest Oni burst for a confirmed opening.
- Treat one safe punish as success; do not turn it into a full combo unless the stagger is visible.
After defeating Yoshitsune
After the finale, use Continue and return behind Rokudo-chinnoji Temple near the well. Reveal the hidden chest there to collect the Yoshitsune Genma Note, the 23rd and final entry required for Genma-ologist.
For another cycle, check New Game Plus before replacing the clear-state save.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yoshitsune the final boss?
Yes. He is the final story boss and entry 18 in the documented Boss Rematch sequence.
How many phases does the fight have?
Current launch guides document three phases.
What should I do with the projectile attacks?
Deflecting can deal useful return damage, but dodge them until the timing is consistent. Preserving health is more important than forcing the counter.
Is there a collectible after the fight?
Yes. Continue after the finale and collect the Yoshitsune Genma Note behind Rokudo-chinnoji Temple.