A new guide for Onimusha: Way of the Sword explains how players can break the "malice barriers" that block progress throughout the game, structures tied to the story's genma and malice-infested regions of Kyoto. These barriers first appear during the "The Stage is Set at Kiyomizu" main quest at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and recur frequently afterwards, both blocking main story paths and concealing optional objectives, making them unavoidable for anyone wanting to complete the campaign.

Unlike combat encounters, malice barriers cannot be broken with weapons or standard training; players must first unlock the Oni Strength ability, gained after defeating the boss Rasho-gan during the "Careful What You Wish For" mission, roughly five hours into the game. Once unlocked, holding the action button while facing a barrier destroys it, and a later skill-tree upgrade called "Destruction Speed" cuts down the time needed. Oni Strength also has combat uses, letting players break enemy shields and defensive stances, and pick up and throw objects such as explosive barrels or, with further upgrades, large pillars.