Onimusha: Way of the Sword HDR Settings: Washed-Out Colors or HDR Unavailable

The short answer

Steam lists HDR support. Check the monitor and Windows HDR settings first, then enable the game’s HDR output separately. If the game exposes separate controls, adjust peak brightness to the display’s capability before overall brightness. If HDR causes a black screen, return to SDR and check the connection before continuing calibration.

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Key facts

HDR support: Listed on the Steam store page
In-game adjustments: Use the brightness and color controls actually available in your version; adjust them separately
Start in Windows: Settings → System → Display → select the display → HDR
Windows calibration: Microsoft’s Windows HDR Calibration app for Windows 11

Find your symptom

Start with your symptom. Skip steps that do not apply to your setup.

What you see	What to check	Go to
HDR cannot be selected in the game	Check Windows HDR availability and the monitor/input setup	Step 1
Colors look washed out or blacks look gray	Compare peak and overall brightness before saturation	Step 3
Only the UI or subtitles are too bright	Compare the separate UI-brightness setting if available	Step 3
HDR causes flickering or no picture	Check the monitor input and cable’s supported signal	Step 5

Fixes, in order

Continue this issue

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Step 1｜Check HDR on the monitor and in Windows

Establish Windows HDR output before changing the game.

Time: About 2 minutes · Risk: low

Open Windows Settings → System → Display and select the monitor used for the game.
Open HDR and enable Use HDR if supported. If the option is missing or unavailable, check display capabilities, connection mode and driver support; the missing switch alone does not prove the monitor lacks HDR.
Check the monitor manual and on-screen menu for an HDR-capable input and any required input setting.

Step 2｜Enable the game’s HDR output separately

Do not change Windows and game HDR settings at the same time.

Time: About 1 minute · Risk: low

Open the game’s display options and record the current values.
Enable HDR Mode and apply it. If the picture becomes unstable, return to the previous setting before adjusting brightness.

Step 3｜Adjust peak brightness before overall brightness

Use the display’s capability and the calibration pattern, rather than copying another monitor’s numbers.

Time: About 5 minutes · Risk: low

Start with the peak-brightness control if available. Follow its test pattern and the monitor’s HDR specifications; avoid losing bright detail.
Next adjust overall brightness while comparing the same dark scene.
Adjust saturation only if needed, and use a separate UI-brightness control, if available, for an overly bright interface or subtitles. Labels and available controls may vary by version.

Step 4｜Use Windows HDR Calibration if needed

The Windows 11 app creates a color profile for the selected HDR display.

Time: About 5 minutes · Risk: low

Obtain Windows HDR Calibration from Microsoft Store using Microsoft’s linked instructions.
With HDR enabled on the intended display, follow the dark/bright test patterns and color-saturation adjustment, then save the profile.
Restart the game and compare the same scene before revisiting the in-game brightness settings.

Step 5｜Check the cable and HDR-capable monitor input

If HDR removes the picture, diagnose the connection before calibration.

Time: About 3 minutes · Risk: low

Check the HDMI cable’s model and support for the intended 4K/HDR signal; Capcom includes these details in its support checklist.
Read the monitor manual for the input ports and settings that support HDR at your chosen resolution and refresh rate.
If the problem remains, use SDR for now. If the game menu is invisible, close the game and turn off HDR in Windows for that display before relaunching.

Avoid

Do not change Windows and game HDR settings simultaneously.
Do not change all brightness controls together. Compare peak brightness, then overall brightness, one at a time.

Important cautions

HDR appearance depends heavily on the display. Use its manual and calibration pattern; there is no universal brightness value for every monitor.

FAQ

Why does the whole game look washed out in HDR?

A mismatch in the HDR output chain or brightness settings can contribute. Confirm Windows and game HDR first, then compare peak and overall brightness. If needed, use Windows HDR Calibration. Do not assume one brightness value fixes every display.

Only the interface or subtitles are too bright. What should I change?

If your version exposes a separate UI-brightness control, lower it before changing the brightness of the whole scene. Do not assume another version’s setting names or a different monitor’s values apply.

What if the screen goes black after enabling HDR?

Restore SDR using the visible game menu or Windows HDR settings, then check the monitor, input and cable. Follow the black-screen guide rather than trying to navigate an invisible calibration screen.

Sources

These steps summarize the linked Capcom, Steam and Microsoft guidance in our own words. PCGamingWiki is linked as a secondary reference, not publisher guidance. Unverified version-specific settings and save paths are not treated as established facts. This is a source-based guide, not a claim that we tested every fix on this game. Follow newer official guidance if it differs.

Steam: Onimusha: Way of the Sword system requirements PCGamingWiki: Onimusha: Way of the Sword (community reference)Capcom: Onimusha: Way of the Sword PC troubleshooting guide Microsoft: HDR settings in Windows Microsoft: Calibrate your HDR display using Windows HDR Calibration Onimusha: Way of the Sword Japanese version of this page