The Zanmato (斬魔刀 Zanmatō) is a weapon for Zangetsu and a Key Item in Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2.
Plot[]
The Zanmato is described as a weapon within which a strong magical power dwells. It focuses a swordmaster's energy when drawn, slaying demons while leaving the virtuous unharmed.
As such, it is the perfect weapon for destroying Mephisto without condemning Dominique to the same fate, and thus it is critical that Zangetsu obtain the weapon before confronting the demon.
Gameplay[]
The Zanmato is normally obtained in Stage 4 during Episode 2, after collecting three elemental swords, one in each of the previous stages.
With the three swords in hand, the player must turn around and go left after going underground and onto the second section of Stage 4. There they will see a sword sealed in a stone hand on an altar.
The three swords will interact with three slots on the background wall, and the sword will be released, allowing Zangetsu to claim it.
Alternatively, the Zanmato is automatically given to Zangetsu by Miriam after she, Alfred, and Gebel intercept Zangetsu in the introductory cutscene of Episode EX. Thus, Zangetsu will use it from the start of Stage 1, all the way through the rest of the game... barring a unique exception during the Final Episode.
However, wielding the Zanmato brings Zangetsu's play style back to where it was before he got his hands on the Soul Eraser: Single strikes instead of the 3-strike combo, and basic effects from his sub-weapons. Finding the aforementioned unique exception is the only way to restore Zangetsu's upgraded playstyle, but it comes at a restriction: It can only be used in a single stage.
Trivia[]
- Like the Soul Eraser before it, the player cannot proceed without obtaining the Zanmato. Either it is manually picked up by the player during Episode 2, or it is automatically given when a playthrough of Episode EX is started. Regardless, Zangetsu will be armed with the Zanmato at the start of the Final Episode.