Speedrunning Onimusha: Warlords is a niche but deeply rewarding pursuit that combines precise movement, combat optimization, and deep knowledge of the game's mechanics and level layouts. The game's relatively short length (6-8 hours for a casual playthrough) and chapter-based structure make it well-suited for speedrunning, as individual segments can be practiced independently and assembled into a full run. The speedrun community for Onimusha: Warlords, while small, has developed highly optimized routes and techniques that dramatically reduce completion times compared to casual play.
The two primary speedrun categories for Onimusha: Warlords are Any% and 100%. Any% requires reaching the final boss and completing the game as quickly as possible, with no regard for collectibles, optional content, or completion percentage. The current world record for Any% is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, achieved through aggressive Issen-focused combat, sequence breaking where possible, and minimal exploration. 100% requires collecting all Fluorite locations, solving all Trick Boxes, obtaining all equipment and weapons, and completing all optional content, with completion times typically ranging from 2 to 2.5 hours for experienced runners.
Beyond these two main categories, there are several subcategories and challenge runs that add additional constraints. Hell Mode Any% is a particularly brutal category that requires completing the game on the hardest difficulty, where any hit is lethal. New Game Plus (NG+) speedruns utilize carried-over equipment and stats from a previous playthrough, resulting in significantly faster times. There are also weapon-specific runs where players restrict themselves to a single weapon type throughout the entire game. Each category requires different strategies and routing decisions, and runners typically specialize in one or two categories rather than attempting to master all of them.
Before attempting a speedrun, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the game's mechanics, particularly the Issen system. Issen (critical hit) is the foundation of Onimusha speedrunning, as it allows players to one-shot most standard enemies and deal massive damage to bosses. The ability to consistently land Issens on every enemy type and boss is the single most important skill for a speedrunner, and it can take dozens of hours of practice to achieve the consistency required for a competitive run. Additionally, runners must memorize the optimal path through each area, including which enemies to fight, which to avoid, and which puzzles must be solved to progress.
Speedrun Basics and Category Overview
Speedrunning Onimusha: Warlords is a niche but deeply rewarding pursuit that combines precise movement, combat optimization, and deep knowledge of the game's mechanics and level layouts. The game's relatively short length (6-8 hours for a casual playthrough) and chapter-based structure make it well-suited for speedrunning, as individual segments can be practiced independently and assembled into a full run. The speedrun community for Onimusha: Warlords, while small, has developed highly optimized routes and techniques that dramatically reduce completion times compared to casual play.
The two primary speedrun categories for Onimusha: Warlords are Any% and 100%. Any% requires reaching the final boss and completing the game as quickly as possible, with no regard for collectibles, optional content, or completion percentage. The current world record for Any% is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, achieved through aggressive Issen-focused combat, sequence breaking where possible, and minimal exploration. 100% requires collecting all Fluorite locations, solving all Trick Boxes, obtaining all equipment and weapons, and completing all optional content, with completion times typically ranging from 2 to 2.5 hours for experienced runners.
Beyond these two main categories, there are several subcategories and challenge runs that add additional constraints. Hell Mode Any% is a particularly brutal category that requires completing the game on the hardest difficulty, where any hit is lethal. New Game Plus (NG+) speedruns utilize carried-over equipment and stats from a previous playthrough, resulting in significantly faster times. There are also weapon-specific runs where players restrict themselves to a single weapon type throughout the entire game. Each category requires different strategies and routing decisions, and runners typically specialize in one or two categories rather than attempting to master all of them.
Before attempting a speedrun, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the game's mechanics, particularly the Issen system. Issen (critical hit) is the foundation of Onimusha speedrunning, as it allows players to one-shot most standard enemies and deal massive damage to bosses. The ability to consistently land Issens on every enemy type and boss is the single most important skill for a speedrunner, and it can take dozens of hours of practice to achieve the consistency required for a competitive run. Additionally, runners must memorize the optimal path through each area, including which enemies to fight, which to avoid, and which puzzles must be solved to progress.
Any% Optimal Route Step by Step
The Any% route for Onimusha: Warlords is designed to minimize combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving time while progressing through the story as quickly as possible. The route relies heavily on the Issen mechanic to dispatch enemies in a single hit, allowing the runner to avoid prolonged combat encounters. The following is a high-level overview of the optimal Any% route, broken down by chapter.
Chapter 1 (Keep Entrance): The run begins with the mandatory opening cutscenes and first encounter. Issen the first two soldier demons immediately. Skip all optional exploration and head directly to the main keep entrance. Solve the first Trick Box quickly (the solution is always the same) to obtain the first key item. Proceed through the keep, Issening all enemies in your path. Do not collect any Fluorites or optional items. Reach the first save point and proceed to the next area.
Chapter 2 (Underground): Navigate the underground area using the optimal path. The key optimization here is to use the Raizan (lightning sword) once acquired, as its fast attack speed makes Issen timing more forgiving. Skip the optional Dark Realm entirely, as it is not required for progression. In areas with multiple enemies, use the wide attack arc of the Enryuu (fire sword) to hit multiple enemies simultaneously, setting up group Issens. Solve the required puzzles as quickly as possible using memorized solutions.
Chapters 3-5 (Castle and Surrounds): These chapters contain the majority of the game's content. The route prioritizes the fastest path through each area, skipping all optional content. The Kaede interlude chapters should be completed as quickly as possible, using her speed to run past enemies where possible rather than fighting them. Boss fights (Marcus, Gogandantess) should be approached with the Issen-focused strategy: bait the boss's attack, Issen the recovery, and repeat. Magic attacks should be saved for moments when Issen is not safely available.
Chapters 6-8 (Endgame): The final chapters are the most execution-heavy portion of the run. The Dark Realm, if it appears in the route, should be completed using optimized Issen chains to clear rooms quickly. The final boss (Fortinbras) is the biggest run-killer due to his high health and dangerous attacks. The optimal strategy is to use the Bishamon Sword if acquired, or the highest-level Raizan otherwise, and focus on Issen windows during his recovery animations. The final phase requires patience and precision; do not greed for extra hits, as a single mistake can end the run. The run concludes when Fortinbras is defeated and the ending cutscene begins.
100% Speedrun Route with Collectible Locations
The 100% speedrun route for Onimusha: Warlords is significantly more complex than the Any% route, as it requires collecting all Fluorite locations, solving all Trick Boxes, obtaining all weapons and equipment, and completing all optional content. The route must be carefully planned to minimize backtracking, as some collectibles are only accessible during specific chapters and cannot be obtained later. The following is an overview of the 100% route strategy, with emphasis on collectible locations and routing decisions.
Fluorite Collection: There are 20 Fluorite locations scattered throughout the game. The 100% route must visit each location, which requires exploring areas that would be skipped in an Any% run. The optimal strategy is to collect Fluorites in the order they appear along the main path, minimizing detours. Some Fluorites are hidden in breakable objects or behind puzzle-locked doors, so the runner must memorize their exact locations and the fastest way to access them. A Fluorite location guide or checklist is essential for practicing the 100% route.
Trick Box Solutions: There are 8 Trick Boxes in the game, each requiring a specific sequence of inputs to solve. In a 100% run, all 8 must be solved, as they contain valuable items and contribute to the completion percentage. The solutions are fixed and can be memorized; the runner should practice entering the solutions as quickly as possible, as the input speed affects the overall run time. One Trick Box contains the Decorated Arrow, which is required for story progression and cannot be skipped.
Weapon and Equipment Collection: The 100% route must obtain all weapons (Raizan, Enryuu, Shiden, Bishamon Sword) and all equipment items. The Bishamon Sword, obtained from the Dark Realm, is the most time-consuming acquisition, as it requires reaching the deepest level of the optional dungeon. The Dark Realm segment adds approximately 15-20 minutes to the run and is one of the most dangerous sections due to the high concentration of powerful enemies. The route should plan the Dark Realm visit at the optimal point in the run, typically when the runner's weapons are sufficiently upgraded to handle the enemies efficiently.
Optional Bosses and Challenges: Some optional boss fights and challenges must be completed for 100% completion. These include defeating specific enemies that drop unique items and completing time-limited challenges that reward equipment. The route should integrate these encounters into the main path where possible, rather than making separate trips. The total time for a 100% run is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for experienced runners, with the Dark Realm and final boss fight being the most time-consuming segments.
Boss Fight Speedkill Strategies for Speedruns
Boss fights are the most critical and execution-heavy segments of any Onimusha: Warlords speedrun. The difference between a clean boss kill and a messy one can be several minutes, which is significant in a game where the world record is approximately 75 minutes. This section provides speedkill strategies for each major boss, optimized for both Any% and 100% routes.
Marcus (Chapter 3): The Marcus fight can be completed in under 60 seconds with optimal play. The strategy is to immediately close the distance and bait his overhead lunge attack. As he begins the lunge animation, position yourself for an Issen. If the Issen lands, Marcus will be staggered, allowing 2-3 follow-up hits before he recovers. Repeat this cycle. In the Any% route, use the Raizan for faster Issen timing. In the 100% route, the Bishamon Sword can nearly one-shot Marcus with a single Issen. Avoid his projectile attack entirely by staying close; if he creates distance, immediately close it again.
Gogandantess (Chapter 5): This fight is more challenging to speedkill due to Gogandantess's high health and dangerous shockwave attack. The optimal strategy is to stay at medium range and bait his melee combo, which has a recovery window long enough for an Issen. After the Issen, land 2-3 hits and retreat before his next attack. When he charges his shockwave, immediately run to the arena edge and roll away from the center. Magic attacks can be used during his recovery from the shockwave to add damage. With practice, this fight can be completed in approximately 90 seconds. In Hell Mode speedruns, this fight is the most common run-killer due to the lethal shockwave.
Guildenstern (Chapter 7): The Guildenstern fight has two phases and can be completed in approximately 2 minutes with optimal play. Phase 1: immediately close the distance after each teleport and Issen him during his post-teleport recovery. If he uses his projectile attack, sidestep and continue closing distance. Phase 2: prioritize killing the summoned adds quickly using wide-arcing attacks, then focus on Guildenstern with the same Issen strategy from Phase 1. In the 100% route, use the Bishamon Sword to significantly reduce the time spent on this fight.
Fortinbras (Final Boss): The Fortinbras fight is the longest and most dangerous boss encounter, typically taking 3-5 minutes even with optimal play. Phase 1: maintain patience and wait for his bite attack, which has a long recovery window. Issen the recovery and land 2-3 hits. Do not greed for additional hits, as his follow-up attacks are fast and lethal. Phase 2: the fight becomes faster but more dangerous. Stay close to Fortinbras and roll through him when he fires his beam attack. Use magic attacks during his recovery windows. In the 100% route, the Bishamon Sword with full upgrades can reduce this fight to under 2 minutes. In Hell Mode, this fight requires near-perfect execution and is the final test of the run.