Onimusha: Way of the Sword Guide | How to Defeat Daidara

Here's guide on how to defeate Daidara in Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Game Guide by Navid Kabbo on Sep 03, 2026

Daidara is a massive Genma boss in Onimusha: Way of the Sword who relies on slow but powerful attacks. His large swings can deal heavy damage, but his attacks are also heavily telegraphed, giving you opportunities to parry, dodge, and counter.

This guide explains how to defeat Daidara, including how to handle both phases, avoid his strongest attacks, and make the most of your openings.

Daidara Boss Fight Overview

Daidara uses a giant mace and relies on wide attacks to control the arena. Unlike faster sword-based bosses such as Sasaki Ganryu, Daidara gives you more time to react to his attacks.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword fighting Daidara

The main thing to watch is the blue souls floating around the arena. If you leave them alone for too long, Daidara can absorb them and become stronger. Absorb them yourself whenever possible to prevent the boss from powering up.

How to Counter Daidara's Attacks

Parry His Heavy Swings

Daidara's large attacks have long wind-up animations, making them good opportunities for well-timed parries. Watch his weapon rather than his body and prepare to deflect as the attack is about to connect.

A successful parry can stagger Daidara and give you enough time to land several attacks.

Dodge His Charge

Daidara can also charge directly toward Musashi. When he starts moving forward, dodge to the side rather than retreating in a straight line.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword parrying attacks

The attack is easier to avoid once you recognize the animation, and Daidara is vulnerable after completing the charge.

How to Handle Daidara's First Phase

During the first phase, focus on learning Daidara's attack timing. His overhead strikes and sweeping attacks are slow enough to read, so avoid rushing in while he's still recovering.

Stay close enough to react to his swings, but don't remain underneath him for too long. After successfully parrying or dodging an attack, use the opening to deal damage before backing away.

Keep absorbing blue souls throughout the fight to prevent Daidara from powering himself up.

How to Beat Daidara's Second Phase

Daidara enters his enhanced state after absorbing enough blue souls, with his belly beginning to glow red. His attacks become more dangerous, so focus on defense and avoid unnecessary trades.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword Daidara fighting gameplay

The second phase also introduces a blue hand-grab attack. This attack can be countered with a well-timed deflect, giving you another opportunity to punish Daidara.

Don't become too aggressive once the second phase begins. Wait for his attacks, counter them, and continue attacking during his recovery animations.

Best Strategy to Defeat Daidara

The safest strategy is to stay patient, absorb blue souls before Daidara can take them, and punish his slow attacks after successful parries or dodges.

Daidara's size makes his attacks intimidating, but his slow movements are also his biggest weakness. Learning his attack animations will give you plenty of time to react.

Once his posture is broken, use Break Issen to deal heavy damage and shorten the encounter.

Final Thoughts

Daidara is less about speed and more about recognizing attack patterns. His slow swings give you plenty of opportunities to practice parries, while his soul absorption mechanic adds another layer to the fight.

Keep the blue souls under your control, avoid getting greedy with your attacks, and take advantage of every opening to bring Daidara down.

FAQ

Q. Is Daidara difficult in Onimusha: Way of the Sword?

A. Daidara is considered one of the easier major boss encounters because his attacks are heavily telegraphed, although his enhanced phase can still punish mistakes.