When Musashi enters Nijo‑jo Castle, the Onimusha: Way of the Sword Mask puzzle forces him to fire arrows at four hanging masks in a precise sequence to unlock a hidden door.
Puzzle Overview
The challenge appears after you locate the Underground Laboratory key and open two red‑string shackled doors early in Chapter 11, “What Lurks in the Shadows.” Four masks hang from ceiling threads, while identical silhouettes are spotlighted on the corridor walls.
Decoding the Mask Order
Venture past the entrance and observe the masks’ shadows on the wall. Each silhouette contains a distinct number of holes. Count these apertures—this count sets the removal order. The sequence is as follows:
- First arrow to the third mask: a white face with closed eyes, smiling.
- Second arrow to the fourth mask: a red face, eyes open, green accents.
- Third arrow to the first mask: a yellow face with purple details, smiling.
- Fourth arrow to the second mask: a purple face, eyes and mouth open.
These steps correspond to the four masks’ hole counts. Failing to execute the order resets the scene, placing the masks back in their original positions.
Completing the Puzzle
Once the masks are shot out of alignment, the Unsettling Mask drops, and the path forward opens. Musashi can then dismantle the mask and continue toward his objective.
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