Onimusha: Way of the Sword Guide | How to Defeat Rasho-gan

Rasho-gan is a multi-armed Genma that tests your ability to handle both close-range attacks and ranged projectiles in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. This guide explains how to defeat Rasho-gan, including how to weaken it, counter its attacks, and handle both phases of the fight.

Rasho-gan appears at the end of Careful What You Wish For and can be a noticeable difficulty spike compared to some of the earlier encounters.

The boss uses a katana alongside its strange tendrils, allowing it to attack Musashi from a distance as well as up close.

How to Start the Rasho-gan Boss Fight

Rasho-gan is encountered at the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine during the Careful What You Wish For quest. Once the fight begins, you'll need to pay attention to both the boss and the environment, as Rasho-gan's attacks can come from several directions.

Before attacking, activate Oni Vision. This reveals the cord connecting Rasho-gan to the surrounding area. Use the Oni Bow to shoot the cord and weaken the boss.

How to Counter Rasho-gan's Attacks

Deflect the Malice Projectiles

Rasho-gan can create distance and bombard Musashi with Malice projectiles. These attacks can be difficult to deflect because several projectiles may come in quick succession.

Keep your guard ready and focus on the timing of each projectile. If Rasho-gan throws a larger, bubble-like Malice orb, use the Oni Bow to destroy it instead.

Parry Its Katana Attacks

When Rasho-gan closes the distance, it relies on several katana attacks. These can be parried or deflected with proper timing.

Pay particular attention to its jumping attack and spinning strike. Learning these animations will make it much easier to recognize when you should counter rather than continue attacking.

Watch for the Grab

Rasho-gan has a dangerous grab attack that can catch you if you're too close at the wrong time. Another variation uses its red cord to pull Musashi toward the boss before following up with a sword strike.

React quickly when you see the grab animation and use the appropriate counter to avoid taking unnecessary damage.

How to Beat Rasho-gan's Second Phase

Rasho-gan has two separate health bars, with the second phase introducing more dangerous attacks. During this phase, the boss can use its cord-like arms to throw trees toward Musashi.

When you see the tree attack, use a well-timed Perfect Dodge or create as much distance as possible to avoid the projectile.

Continue switching between your sword and Oni Bow depending on the attack Rasho-gan uses. Don't stay at long range for too long, as this encourages the boss to use more of its difficult-to-deflect projectile attacks.

Best Strategy to Defeat Rasho-gan

Stay close enough to control the fight, use Oni Vision and the Oni Bow to weaken Rasho-gan, and rely on parries and deflects whenever it attacks with its katana.

The key is patience. Rasho-gan has several attacks that punish reckless aggression, so wait for its recovery animations before committing to a combo. When the boss creates distance, be ready for projectiles rather than immediately chasing it.

Final Thoughts

Rasho-gan is a good test of the combat mechanics introduced earlier in Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Once you learn when to use your sword, Oni Bow, parry, and Perfect Dodge, the fight becomes much more manageable.

Focus on weakening the boss with the Oni Bow, control your distance, and don't get greedy during your attack windows.

FAQ

Q. Where do you fight Rasho-gan?

A. Rasho-gan is fought at the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine during the Careful What You Wish For quest.

Q. How do you weaken Rasho-gan?

A. Use Oni Vision to reveal its tether and then shoot the cord with the Oni Bow.

Q. Can you parry Rasho-gan?

A. Yes. Its katana attacks can be parried or deflected with proper timing.

Q. How many phases does Rasho-gan have?

A. The fight consists of two phases, each with its own health bar.