The answer first
Official gameplay presents deflects, parries, Issen counterattacks, Perfect Evade, soul absorption, and Oni abilities as distinct parts of swordplay. Practice defense first, then add Issen attempts. This page does not claim exact frame windows, damage values, or a best build.
Last updated: 2026-08-14 · Capcom, official platform stores and announcements, official video, supplied video observations, and labelled hands-on previews.
Combat & Issen action checklist
- Guard and observe an attack sequence.
- Practice one deflect or parry response.
- Attempt Issen only after reading the attack.
- Use soul absorption and Oni power when the demo introduces them.
- Record changes after the demo update or full release.
Current answer table
| Mechanic | Practice goal | Boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Guard | Survive and observe | No hidden mitigation values claimed |
| Deflect / Parry | Respond to enemy attacks | Exact windows not measured |
| Issen | Counter with deliberate timing | No damage ranking |
| Perfect Evade | Test evasive timing | Final balance unconfirmed |
| Oni power | Observe supernatural options | No full skill tree claimed |
How should I practice Issen?
Treat Issen as a timing exercise after you can read an enemy attack. The supplied videos support observable practice advice, not a universal frame-data chart.
Are deflect and parry the same thing?
Official material names them separately. This site keeps the labels separate and avoids claiming an undocumented internal formula.
What does the Oni Gauntlet add?
Official material connects the Oni Gauntlet to soul absorption and supernatural combat power. Full progression and numerical effects wait for verified evidence.
What should change after launch?
- Enemy-specific testing
- Measured timing where reproducible
- Charm and weapon interactions
- Version and difficulty differences
What is verified
- Capcom explicitly presents deflects, parries, Issen, and Oni abilities.
- The demo provides a current place to practice these systems.
- Official and supplied videos show deliberate attack reading and counterplay.
What needs more evidence
- Exact timing frames, damage formulas, final-game cancel rules, enemy-specific optimal counters, and best charms remain unverified.
What should you do next?
Use the demo to decide whether deliberate counter-based swordplay suits you. Wait for verified launch data before following build, tier, or frame claims.
Related Guides
Download the current demo and use it to practice safely confirmed mechanics.Beginner Guide
Know what to learn first without treating demo observations as a full-game walkthrough.Review & Preview
Decide whether to try the demo, wait for launch, or preorder using clearly labelled evidence.FAQ
Resolve short mixed questions without creating thin pages.Complete Guide
Choose the right current guide without opening a future placeholder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Issen?
Capcom presents Issen as a precise counterattack within the swordplay system.
Are exact Issen frames known here?
No. This page does not publish unmeasured frame windows.
Should beginners attempt Issen immediately?
First learn to read attacks and survive consistently, then add counter attempts.
Does the page rank combat options?
No. It explains practice roles without a tier list.
Is the guide owner-tested?
Not yet. Current step guidance is official or video-observed and labelled accordingly.
Source scope and verification
Capcom, official platform stores and announcements, official video, supplied video observations, and labelled hands-on previews.
- Capcom official game website Official OFFICIAL_CAPCOM_SITE
- Capcom USA official videos Official video OFFICIAL_CAPCOM_VIDEO
- Supplied gameplay video observations Video observation VIDEO_OBSERVATION