Rise of the Ronin’s Factions Explained in Latest Store Page Update

Developer Team Ninja has updated the PS5 store page for its upcoming open-world action title Rise of the Ronin, offering more details on the various factions that are part of the game’s story and setting of the Bakumatsu era.

Rise of the Ronin will feature three distinct factions at play: Sabaku, Tobaku, and Obei. The Sabaku is a faction of those loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate, and are looking to maintain its centralised rule over Japan. It is headed up by chief minister Naosuke Ii—feared as the “Red Demon of Ii”—and famed geisha of the Miyozaki pleasure district in Yokohama Taka Murayama.

Heading up efforts against the shogunate is the Tobaku faction, which is headed up by Ryoma Sakamoto and Kogoro Katsura. Like a Dragon: Ishin! players will recognise Sakamoto as a former Tosa clan ronin skilled in sword play as well as the use of Western-styled pistols. He is joined by Choshu clan retainer Kogoro Katsura, who is known for his level-headed and cautious approach.

The third major faction in Rise of the Ronin is the face of the Western forces, Obei, who are looking to open Japan up to foreign trade with the US and European powers. The Obei is headed up by US Navy commodore Matthew Perry, and British diplomat Rutherford Alcock.

Rise of the Ronin is slated for release on March 22, and will be coming exclusively to the PS5. The game is currently available for pre-order, and also has a Digital Deluxe Edition up for grabs.