A no upgrade run in Onimusha: Warlords means completing the game without spending any Red Souls on weapon upgrades. All weapons remain at their base level throughout the entire playthrough. You may still obtain new weapons (Raizan, Enryuu, Shippuu, Bishamon Sword) and use all items, but you cannot upgrade weapon levels with Red Souls.
Additional self-imposed rules that many players follow include: no using the Dragon Orb (which enhances magic gauge), no using the Soul Bracelet (which speeds soul absorption), and no using the Bishamon Sword (since it comes maxed and trivializes the challenge). These restrictions make the run significantly harder but more rewarding.
The no upgrade run is a player-created challenge, not an official game mode. There is no in-game tracker or reward for completing it. However, it is recognized by the Onimusha community as one of the most demanding self-imposed challenges, alongside the no-healing run and the level 1 weapon only run.
| Rule | Restriction |
|---|---|
| No weapon upgrades | No Red Souls on weapons |
| No Dragon Orb | Base magic gauge only |
| No Soul Bracelet | Standard soul absorption |
| No Bishamon Sword | Optional but recommended |
No Upgrade Run Rules and Restrictions
A no upgrade run in Onimusha: Warlords means completing the game without spending any Red Souls on weapon upgrades. All weapons remain at their base level throughout the entire playthrough. You may still obtain new weapons (Raizan, Enryuu, Shippuu, Bishamon Sword) and use all items, but you cannot upgrade weapon levels with Red Souls.
Additional self-imposed rules that many players follow include: no using the Dragon Orb (which enhances magic gauge), no using the Soul Bracelet (which speeds soul absorption), and no using the Bishamon Sword (since it comes maxed and trivializes the challenge). These restrictions make the run significantly harder but more rewarding.
The no upgrade run is a player-created challenge, not an official game mode. There is no in-game tracker or reward for completing it. However, it is recognized by the Onimusha community as one of the most demanding self-imposed challenges, alongside the no-healing run and the level 1 weapon only run.
| Rule | Restriction |
|---|---|
| No weapon upgrades | No Red Souls on weapons |
| No Dragon Orb | Base magic gauge only |
| No Soul Bracelet | Standard soul absorption |
| No Bishamon Sword | Optional but recommended |
Early Game Strategy: Castle Area Without Upgrades
The early game is the most manageable part of a no upgrade run, as enemies have low health and predictable patterns. Use the standard katana until you obtain Raizan, then switch to Raizan for its faster attack speed. Focus on learning the Isshin counterattack, as it deals bonus damage that compensates for your low weapon level.
Against Osric, the first boss, use the dodge roll to avoid his charge attack and land 2-3 hits after each combo. Do not use magic attacks yet; save your magic gauge for emergencies. Bring at least 5 Herbs, as your base damage output makes the fight longer than normal.
In the underground area, use Enryuu against Reynaldo since fire damage is effective. Without upgrades, Reynaldo takes significantly more hits to defeat, so be patient and focus on cutting his arms first. Use the matchlock for additional damage during his recovery animations. Explore thoroughly to collect all available Herbs and Medicines, as you will need them later.
- Use Raizan for fast attacks and easy dodging
- Master Isshin counterattacks for bonus damage
- Save magic for emergencies only
- Stockpile all healing items found
Mid Game Boss Strategy Without Upgrades
The mid game bosses become significantly harder without weapon upgrades. Marcellus has high health at base weapon levels, so the fight takes 8 to 10 minutes. Use Shippuu to break his guard, then land charged attacks. Dodge his three-hit combo by rolling backward, and punish his shield bash with a full magic attack.
Guildenstern is manageable if you focus on destroying his summoned minions first. Each minion drops soul orbs that refill your magic gauge, allowing you to use magic attacks more frequently. Use the matchlock to hit Guildenstern while he teleports, and rush in for melee combos when he charges his energy ball.
Velaguerus requires patience, as your base damage means you must survive more dive attacks. Use the bow to damage him while airborne, then hit him with charged upward slashes when he lands. Bring at least 3 Medicines, as the prolonged fight increases the chance of taking damage. Save your magic for his landing recovery windows.
| Boss | Time (No Upgrade) | Items Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Marcellus | 8-10 min | 3 Medicines |
| Guildenstern | 6-8 min | 2 Medicines |
| Velaguerus | 5-7 min | 3 Medicines |
Final Boss Strategy Without Upgrades
The final Fortinbras fight is the ultimate test of a no upgrade run. Without the Bishamon Sword, you must rely on a fully stocked inventory and flawless execution. Use whichever elemental sword matches your playstyle; Raizan is recommended for its speed and consistent damage.
In Phase 1, focus on survival over damage. Dodge all attacks and only attack after his laser beam, which gives the largest window. Use magic attacks sparingly, as your base magic gauge is limited. Bring at least 10 Medicines for the entire fight.
In Phase 2, the meteor attacks create dangerous situations. Read the ground patterns and move to safe zones. Use magic attacks during his spinning attack windup. In Phase 3, when the core is exposed, unload all remaining magic and use soul-charged strikes. This phase is a damage race; if you run out of healing items before the core breaks, you will fail.
- Bring 10+ Medicines for the final fight
- Use Raizan for speed and consistent damage
- Save magic for Phase 3 core exposure
- Focus on survival in Phase 1