Bishamon Sword vs Normal Sword in Onimusha: Full Stat Comparison

The Normal Sword and the Bishamon Sword represent opposite ends of the weapon spectrum in Onimusha Warlords. The Normal Sword is Samanosuke's starting weapon, while the Bishamon Sword is the ultimate weapon obtained only through the Dark Realm. This comparison highlights just how vast the gap is between them.

Weapon Overview

Complete Stat Comparison

Attribute	Normal Sword	Bishamon Sword
Base Attack	20	80
Max Attack	60	150
Elemental Attribute	None	All (Thunder, Fire, Wind)
Magic Attack	None	Room-wide AoE blast
Attack Speed	Medium	Medium
Range	Short	Medium
Upgrade Levels	5	None (starts maxed)
Upgrade Cost	50 red souls	0 (already maxed)
Obtained	Starting weapon	Dark Realm completion
Issen Window	Standard	Slightly wider

Normal Sword Analysis

Strengths

Available from the start of the game
Requires no special unlock conditions
Reliable for early game enemies
Can be upgraded incrementally as you progress

Weaknesses

Lowest base attack in the game (20)
No elemental attribute, meaning no status effects
Cannot use magic attacks at all
Max attack of 60 is less than half of the Bishamon Sword
Quickly outclassed by elemental swords obtained early in the story

The Normal Sword is a placeholder weapon. Once you obtain Raizan (the first elemental sword), there is no reason to continue using or upgrading the Normal Sword.

Bishamon Sword Analysis

Strengths

Highest base attack in the game (80, maxing at 150)
Contains all three elemental attributes simultaneously
Devastating room-wide magic attack
Slightly wider Issen timing window
Comes pre-maxed, requiring no upgrade investment
Makes New Game Plus significantly easier

Weaknesses

Only obtainable by completing the entire Dark Realm (approximately 20 floors)
Obtained very late in the game, limiting its use in a first playthrough
No upgrade path, so it cannot be improved further
May make the game too easy, reducing challenge and enjoyment

The Bishamon Sword is a reward for dedicated players. Its power is balanced by the difficulty of obtaining it, but once you have it, no enemy in the game poses a significant threat.

Damage Output Comparison

Target	Normal Sword (Max)	Bishamon Sword	Difference
Zombie Soldier (HP 100)	2-3 hits	1 hit	50-66% faster
Skeleton Warrior (HP 150)	3-4 hits	1 hit	66-75% faster
Three-Eye Demon (HP 250)	5-6 hits	2 hits	60-66% faster
Mini-boss (HP 800)	14-16 hits	6-7 hits	56% faster
Boss (HP 2000)	34-40 hits	14-16 hits	58-60% faster

The Bishamon Sword roughly halves the number of hits required to defeat any enemy. Combined with its room-wide magic attack and all-element coverage, it is approximately 2.5x more effective than a maxed Normal Sword in practical combat.

Which Should You Use?

First Playthrough

Use the Normal Sword only until you obtain Raizan (the first elemental sword). After that, switch immediately. Do not waste red souls upgrading the Normal Sword.

Late Game / Dark Realm

Once you clear the Dark Realm and obtain the Bishamon Sword, use it exclusively. There is no situation where any other weapon is better.

New Game Plus

If you obtained the Bishamon Sword in your first playthrough, it carries over to NG+. Start NG+ with the Bishamon Sword equipped for an easy, fast playthrough ideal for S Rank attempts.

Challenge Run

If you want a challenge, try completing the game using only the Normal Sword at max level without elemental weapons. This is significantly harder and is a popular self-imposed challenge among veteran players.

More Onimusha Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Bishamon Sword is absolutely worth getting. It is the most powerful weapon in the game with 150 max attack, all three elemental attributes, and a room-wide magic attack. It also carries over to New Game Plus, making your second playthrough much easier. The main cost is the time required to clear the Dark Realm.

No, the Normal Sword maxes at 60 attack, which is less than half of the Bishamon Sword's 150 max attack. Additionally, the Normal Sword has no elemental attributes and cannot use magic attacks. There is no way to make the Normal Sword comparable to the Bishamon Sword.

The Bishamon Sword is approximately 2.5x more effective than a maxed Normal Sword. It has 2.5x the attack power (150 vs 60), all three elemental effects, a room-wide magic attack, and a slightly wider Issen timing window. In practice, it halves the number of hits needed to defeat any enemy.

No, you should not upgrade the Normal Sword. It is replaced by elemental swords (Raizan, Enryuu, Shiden) very early in the story, and these weapons are superior in every way. Save your red souls for upgrading elemental swords instead. The only reason to upgrade the Normal Sword is for a self-imposed challenge run.