Onimusha: Way of the Sword gives you two difficulty options when starting your first playthrough, but its hardest mode is locked behind the campaign. If you’re looking for a serious challenge, you’ll need some practice first. Here is everything on how to unlock Carnage Mode in Onimusha: Way of the Sword.
How to Unlock Carnage Mode in Onimusha: WotS
To unlock Carnage Mode in Onimusha: Way of the Sword, you need to complete the main story once on either Story or Action difficulty. Once you’ve finished the campaign, New Game+ becomes available. Start a New Game+ playthrough from your completed save, and you’ll be able to select Carnage as your difficulty.

What Is Carnage Mode?
Carnage is the hardest difficulty in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. It’s designed for players who don’t shy away from a challenge and have already learned the game’s combat and enemy patterns during their first playthrough.
The biggest difference is how punishing damage becomes. On Carnage difficulty, a single hit can potentially kill Musashi, making parries, Issens, deflections, evasions, and careful positioning much more important.
Carnage is also locked once you select it for that New Game+ run. You cannot switch back to Story or Action during that playthrough. If you’ve only completed the game on Story difficulty and aren’t sure whether you’re ready for Carnage yet, finishing a playthrough on Action mode is a solid route.
Onimusha: Way of the Sword Carnage Mode FAQ
A: No, you can complete the game on both Story and Action to unlock Carnage.
Q: Can you change difficulty after selecting Carnage?
A: No, once you select Carnage for a playthrough, you’re locked into that difficulty.
Q: Is Carnage Mode New Game Plus?
A: Yes, Carnage becomes available when you start a New Game+ playthrough after completing the campaign.
Q: Is Carnage Mode harder than Action?
A: Yes, Carnage is designed as the game’s ultimate difficulty, with dramatically more punishing combat where taking a single hit can mean death.
That’s everything you need to know about unlocking Carnage Mode in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Finish your first playthrough, start New Game+, and prepare to put your Issen, parry, and deflection skills to the test.
Published: Sep 6, 2026 07:04 pm