Charms are 15 passive buffs from completing Mysteries of Kyoto and Chance Encounters. Enhance them via Emma's Hall shrine using Red Souls and Favor. Trophy: Charmed Life.
1. Overview
Charms are 15 passive buffs in Onimusha: Way of the Sword that grant ongoing combat benefits. Each Charm is acquired by completing a specific Mystery of Kyoto side mission or Chance Encounter event. Once you have a Charm, you can enhance it to higher levels by speaking with the shrine in the southeast corner of Emma's Hall.
The Charmed Life trophy requires both finding all 15 Charms AND fully upgrading them to maximum level.
Charms can only be enhanced after completing "The Stage is Set at Kiyomizu". Speak with the shrine in the southeast corner of Emma's Hall and Make Offering to enhance a Charm. Each level requires a specific combination of Red Souls and Favor.
2. Upgrade Materials
- Red Souls — the primary combat currency. Farm by defeating enemies throughout Kyoto. Late-game enemy density and boss rematches are the fastest sources.
- Favor — earned by trading items, finding loot on the ground, opening chests, helping citizens, and purchasing from merchants.
- Make Offering at Emma's Hall's southeast shrine to apply upgrades. Each Charm can be enhanced from base to Level 3.
3. Upgrade Cost Table
Costs are per Charm. Total material investment scales with the number of Charms you choose to max.
| Upgrade | Red Souls | Favor |
|---|---|---|
| All Charms to Level 2 (per Charm) | 3,000 | 3,500 |
| All Charms to Level 3 (per Charm) | 6,000 | 6,500 |
| GRAND TOTAL — max all 15 Charms | 135,000 | 150,000 |
Stockpile Red Souls and Favor before attempting to max all 15 Charms. The grand total is 135,000 Red Souls + 150,000 Favor. Late-game mob density in Mount Oe and Arashiyama makes those zones the best farming grounds.
4. All 15 Charms
1. Charm of the Healer
Source: Complete "The Stage is Set at Kiyomizu" mission.
Inferred effect: Boosts healing received from any source (healing items, life steal, etc.).
2. Charm of Purification
Source: Complete "The Blessed Man" Mystery of Kyoto.
Inferred effect: Reduces or resists status ailments (poison, curse, Genma effects).
3. Charm of Zeal
Source: Complete "Pale Lights in a Night Sky" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Boosts damage or attack speed during aggressive play / when chaining hits.
4. Sadist's Strength Charm
Source: Complete "Clear Space, Clear Mind" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Increases damage dealt when fighting at full health or when triggering Issen counters.
5. Reaper's Charm
Source: Complete "An Ugly Business" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Boosts soul drops from defeated enemies — accelerates Red/Purple soul gain.
6. Charm of Stamina
Source: Complete "The Growling Ghost" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Boosts maximum stamina and/or stamina recovery rate.
7. Inner Strength Charm
Source: Complete "Something in the Water" Mystery of Kyoto.
Inferred effect: Boosts defense or damage resistance.
8. Charm of Dexterity
Source: Complete "Noisy Neighbors" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Improves evasion, dodge window, or attack speed.
9. Charm of Enticement
Source: Complete "The Odd Couples" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Increases item drop rate from enemies and chests.
10. Fencer's Strength Charm
Source: Complete "The Faceless" Mystery of Kyoto.
Inferred effect: Boosts sword attack damage / weapon-specific damage bonus.
11. Blazing Charm
Source: Complete "Worm-ly Ways" Mystery of Kyoto.
Inferred effect: Adds fire damage or boosts fire-based weapon effectiveness.
12. Oni Strength Charm
Source: Complete "Some Unfinished Monkey Business" Mystery of Kyoto.
Inferred effect: Boosts damage output while in Oni Awakening form.
13. Charm of Protection
Source: Complete "The Night Parade" Mystery of Kyoto.
Inferred effect: Reduces incoming damage / grants a defensive barrier effect.
14. Charm of Awakening
Source: Complete "A Fishy Story" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Accelerates Oni Awakening gauge gain.
15. Charm of Oni Power
Source: Complete "Restless Spirits" Chance Encounter.
Inferred effect: Boosts Oni Power duration or effectiveness when activating Oni Vision.
5. Strategy & Tips
- Charms unlock during side content — work through Mysteries of Kyoto and Chance Encounters as you encounter them. They are not gated to a single chapter.
- Don't skip side content — Charm sources are tied to specific side missions. Skipping them permanently locks you out of that Charm.
- Farm in bulk before upgrading — wait until late-game when you've cleared most encounters, then start dumping Red Souls + Favor into upgrades.
- Prioritize Charms you use — if you play aggressively, max Sadist's Strength first. If you prefer a defensive playstyle, prioritize Charm of Protection and Inner Strength.
- Make Offering saves no cost — Emma's Hall shrine upgrades are instantaneous once you've paid. No risk of wasting materials.
Pair Oni Strength Charm + Charm of Awakening + an Oni Armament for maximum Oni Awakening uptime. Pair Charm of Stamina + Charm of Dexterity for sustained aggression in long fights.
6. Charms Checklist
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