A widely popular game genre these days are Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games or MOBA games. MOBA games allow players to create characters as a part of a team that will compete against an opposing team to win. The genre also brings together elements of strategy, role-playing, and action that players can experience in real-time.
One of the best MOBA games in the market today is Onmyoji Arena. Created by NetEase, this game features a rich character base. It combines superb graphics and innovative game designs among others.
The game boasts a 5-versus-5 battle format that allows teams of five to compete against another team in a battle that will surely test their strength and strategy. The game also features a 3-versus-3-versus-3 battle mode as well as a Battle Royale mode that proves to be a MOBA experience like no other.
Onmyoji Arena: Basic Gameplay
If you’re familiar with MOBA games, odds are you will already know the basics of Onmyoji Arena. But as a refresher, we’ll be doing a basic overview of its gameplay.
After installing the game, you will be prompted to choose your region and server. For reference, the current available regions and servers are as follows:
| Servers | Regions |
| Asia | Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia |
| World | North America, Europe, South America, Others |
Important notes to remember:
- World/Global and Asia servers do not share data.
- You can also select your server and region once so make sure that you’re choosing the right one as you won’t be able to change it after your confirmation.
After choosing your server, you will be asked to choose your Onmyoji or your in-game avatar. You can choose between four (4) Onmyoji, namely: Seimei, Kagura, Hiromasa, and Yao Bikuni.
What Is an Onmyoji?
In a historical sense, an Onmyoji was skilled in magic and divination during the Heian period. They were civil servants in ancient Japan’s ritsuryo system who were tasked with keeping track of the calendar, divination, and warding off of evil spirits from the capital.
Fun fact: The in-game Onmyoji, Seimei is based on the historical figure Abe no Seimei. He was a real-life Onmyoji during Japan’s Heian period. He is a prominent historical figure and a legendary figure in Japanese folklore.
After choosing your Onmyoji, you’re all set. The game will start with tutorial missions that will help you get a feel of the game. It’s recommended that you finish all of the tutorial missions because they cover all game basics that you will need to carry on with the game.
Battles are usually played in a five-versus-five format where you’ll be matched with other players to create a team. Battles are set in maps where players will have to navigate through to defeat enemies, destroy turrets, and win the game. It’s very similar to more popular MOBA games in terms of battle format so it will be no problem if you’re familiar with them.
From there, all you have to do now is get to know how the Onmyodo System works to effectively build your Shikigami to their highest potential.
Onmyoji Arena’s Onmyodo System
The Onmyodo System is very similar to a rune system that is more common in games. Here, you can freely mix and match abilities that you can utilize in the game. There are four default sets: physical, magic, tank, and support.
As your level goes up, you’ll be able to unlock the slots and customize your Onmyodo to your liking. Here’s a quick guide to see which levels unlock certain slots:
| Levels | Slots to Unlock |
| Level 3 | Slots 1 – 2 |
| Level 5 | Slots 3 – 4 |
| Level 7 | Slots 5 – 6 |
| Level 9 | Two slots in the top and bottom will be unlocked; two can be equipped |
| Level 12 | Located in the center, only one can be equipped |
Onmyoji vs Onmyoji Arena: What’s the Difference?
Onmyoji Arena has become a game that’s popular among MOBA players; however, for some seasoned players, the title Onmyoji might be familiar and that’s because Onmyoji Arena is the MOBA version of a game called Onmyoji.
Contrary to Arena, the original Onmyoji is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to play PvP or PvE. This is a single-player game that allows players to summon and create their Shikigami dream team. Here, players will have to complete various stories and quests to become the ultimate Onmyoji.
Moreover, Onmyoji is playable on both mobile and PC via Steam while Onmyoji Arena is only available on mobile. However, there are also ways on how you can play mobile games on your PC but for the best experience, it’s recommended that you play it on mobile.
Despite its differences, a similar aspect that both games have is the use of Shikigami.
The Shikigami of Onmyoji Arena
In a traditional sense, Shikigami are summoned spirits that serve and protect their masters from evil spirits. Shikigami in the game serves the same purpose.
In Onmyoji Arena, there are currently 81 available Shikigami that you can use. They are divided into Samurais, Mages, Marksmen, Ninja, Tanks, and Supports. If you’ve played games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Arena of Valor, such character types would be familiar to you.
As an Onmyoji, you’ll be using this Shikigami to battle other Onmyoji in your selected battle mode. To obtain Shikigami, you will have to collect Summon Amulets and Coins that you will use to purchase your Shikigami of choice.
Most of the Shikigami in the game is the same as the ones in the original Onmyoji game. So if you’re a seasoned player, you’ll see a couple of familiar faces including crossover servants such as Sesshomaru and Inuyasha from the anime series Inuyasha.
But, what makes Onmyoji Arena different from other MOBA games is that their Shikigami is well-balanced. The game evenly distributes power throughout each Shikigami ensuring that they are equal in strength. On the other hand, they are also uniquely different as they have individual skills that players can utilize.
Shikigami generally has four abilities and two general spells that can be used throughout the battle. Remember to always keep tactics and strategies in mind because they will ultimately help you.
Who Is the Best Shikigami?
While choosing the best Shikigami is objective and differs from player to player, we’ve rounded up three of the best Shikigami that you should consider using when playing Onmyoji Arena.
Satori is a Shikigami who you will mostly see in lists such as these. Many players love her for the amount of damage she can cause. If powered correctly, she can easily wipe a Shikigami in an instant. She’s a Shikigami that definitely shouldn’t be underestimated.
A character that you should also have is Ootengu. He has huge bursts and hitboxes, which allow him to dominate the battle. In addition, he’s known for his passive immunity & speed-up shield, which makes him a great Shikigami to have.
Lastly, Ebisu is a support that you should have on your team. He has easier healing support than shield support because they can automatically react to the damage done. Mastering Ebisu might require some skill but with practice, he will be a strong Shikigami to have on your team.
Remember that the Shikigami will only be as good as their master. The way that you will handle them will make a big difference in how they will perform.
Tips and Tricks for Onmyoji Arena Beginners
Top, Mid, Bottom: Which Lane Should You be On?
There are three lanes in the game. Strategically speaking, each character type is suitable for a certain lane so it’s important to consider those factors when you’re in battle.
Many rookies make the mistake of simply going with a random lane, but what they don’t know is that even the lanes play an important part in how the battle is played out.
Samurais and Ninjas usually take the top lane. You can also choose to put your Samurais and Ninjas in the jungles to defeat the monsters there for extra merits. Tanks, on the other hand, are recommended to be at the top lane because they don’t usually do well on the other two lanes.
The middle lane is normally for mages. This way, they’ll be able to assist those in the top and bottoms lanes if needed. If you’re taking the middle lane, don’t stay too long to help others because it will leave your lane open to enemies. Marksmen, in particular, don’t play well in the middle lane so it’s recommended that you keep your marksmen away from the middle lane; otherwise, it will prove to be difficult.
Lastly, the bottom lane is for Marksmen and Support characters. Keep an eye out for Ninjas, though, as they can easily ambush a Marksman. Mages can take the bottom lane as well, seeing as there are mages with support abilities.
Easy Coin Farming Guide
Farming for coins in Onmyoji Arena is easy if you’re a dedicated player. There are a variety of ways in which you can farm coins. You can try to earn them through daily pacts and guild quests. If you farm through these, you can easily get a reasonable amount of coins.
You can also earn them through battling area bosses, demon encounter bosses, and by participating in Kirin hunts. Consider participating in Demon Encounters because you earn coins depending on your damage contribution, which makes it easy to do.
You can also try your luck and visit the Traveling Merchant who sometimes has coins for sale. But to do this, you have to spend Jades, which is another in-game currency that is hard to come by.
As with most games, be wise as to where you spend your coins. Don’t spend them on items that you don’t need or join events that cost a lot of coins. This is a common mistake that rookies make because of their eagerness to immerse themselves in the game.
Take into consideration the number of coins that you already have and don’t splurge on it unless you need to do so. Otherwise, it will affect you greatly afterward.
Final Word
Onmyoji Arena, despite being one of the newer MOBA games in the market, proves to be a great contender for games that are already in the top tier. With its superb graphics, amazing control, and great over-all gameplay, it’s not surprising that the number of people playing the game is growing.
If you’re looking for a game that is similar to Onmyoji Arena but with more of a story arc, you might want to check out the original Onmyoji game as well. Either way, both games are worth giving a try.
While it will have a long way to go, there’s no denying that Onmyoji Arena is in the making to be one great game. If you want to try your hand at it, Onmyoji Arena is available on Android and iOS.
