Nioh 3 Wiki

Nioh 3 Beginner's Guide

Nioh 3 Review

Nioh 3 Gameplay Early Thoughts

Alpha Demo ♦ DLC ♦ Patch Notes ♦ Controls ♦ Combat ♦ Gestures ♦ FAQs ♦ Stone of Penance

Character Creation ♦ Tokugawa Takechiyo ♦ Character Creation Codes ♦ Stats ♦ Skills ♦ Ninjutsu Ninja Skills ♦ Guardian Spirits ♦ Martial Arts ♦ Amrita ♦ Titles

Weapons ♦ Weapon Skills ♦ Ninja Weapons ♦ Samurai Weapons ♦ Armor ♦ Accessories ♦ Items ♦ Soul Cores ♦ Onmyo Box

Interactive Map ♦ Locations ♦ Crucibles ♦ Missions ♦ Shrines ♦ NPCs ♦ Blacksmith ♦ Hidden Teahouse ♦ Bosses ♦ Enemy Base ♦ Enemies ♦ Six Jizo ♦ Spirit Veins ♦ Benevolent Grave ♦ Lore

Online Information

Multiplayer ♦ Clans ♦ Matchmaking ♦ Clan Battles

New Player Help ♦ Amrita Memories ♦ Game Progress Route ♦ New Game Plus ♦ Walkthrough ♦ Endings Guide ♦ Trophy Guide ♦ All Chijiko Locations ♦ All Scampuss Locations ♦ All Kodama Locations  

What is Nioh 3?

Nioh 3 is the upcoming sequel to Nioh 2, Team Ninja’s critically acclaimed action RPG released in 2020. Set in a dark, war-torn version of Japan, Nioh 3 follows a new protagonist, a young warrior destined to become the next Shogun. In this third installment, players will explore a dangerous open field filled with deadly yokai, mythical creatures, and rival warriors.

Building on the franchise’s fast-paced, punishing combat, Nioh 3 introduces a dual-style combat system that allows players to seamlessly switch between Samurai and Ninja techniques. With refined mechanics, new weapons, and deeper customization, Nioh 3 expands the series’ legacy while staying true to its intense and strategic gameplay roots.

 

When is the Release Date of Nioh 3?

Nioh 3 is scheduled to release on February 6, 2026.

 

What Platforms is Nioh 3 available on?

Nioh 3 is available for PlayStation®5 / Steam® (PC).

 

Nioh 3 Announced for 2026

Nioh 3 confirmed release date for February 6, 2026. The game was officially announced during the State of Play on June 4, 2025, with a targeted release window of early 2026. Published by Koei Tecmo and developed by Team Ninja, the game is the latest entry in the dark fantasy action RPG series. Set in Japan’s historically turbulent Sengoku period, Nioh 3 promises a gripping continuation of the franchise’s brutal, fast-paced combat and rich, mythological storytelling.

 

Nioh 3 News & Articles

• Nioh 3 Review
• How Long Will Nioh 3 Be PlayStation Exclusive?
• Early Look at Nioh 3 Combat
• Nioh 3 Won't Be An Open World Game

 

Nioh 3 PC System Requirements

Recommended Requirements

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows® 11
• PROCESSOR: Intel Core i5-10600K, AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6 cores / 12 threads or higher
• MEMORY: 16 GB RAM
• GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti VRAM 8GB, AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT VRAM 12GB
• DIRECTX: Version 12
• NETWORK: Broadband Internet connection
• STORAGE: 125 GB available space
• SOUND CARD: 48000Hz 16bit Stereo
• ADDITIONAL NOTES: Multi-channel memory configuration recommended. SSD is required; NVMe SSD recommended. Playable at 1080p / 60fps using the ‘Standard’ graphics preset (with upscaling). Frame generation is supported. Note: Complies with Windows® 11 system requirements.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows® 11
• PROCESSOR: Intel Core i5-10400, AMD Ryzen 5 2600 6 cores / 12 threads or higher
• MEMORY: 16 GB RAM
• GRAPHICS: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 VRAM 6GB, AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT (Rev. 2.0) VRAM 6GB
• DIRECTX: Version 12
• NETWORK: Broadband Internet connection
• STORAGE: 125 GB available space
• SOUND CARD: 48000Hz 16bit Stereo
• ADDITIONAL NOTES: Multi-channel memory configuration recommended. SSD is required. Gameplay performance may be affected if the SSD’s performance is insufficient. Playable at 1080p / 30fps using the ‘Lightest’ graphics preset (with upscaling). Frame generation is supported. Note: Complies with Windows® 11 system requirements.

Nioh 3 Story & Setting

Nioh 3 is set in an expansive open field, allowing players to freely explore while experiencing the signature tension and intensity the Nioh series is known for. You play as a young warrior destined to become the next Shogun, navigating a cursed kingdom teeming with danger.

Face off against powerful yokai, uncover secrets in eerie, suspicious villages, and take on the brutal trials of The Crucible. With hostile new environments and relentless challenges, survival demands skill, strategy, and resilience.

 

Nioh 3 Alpha Demo Closed

The Alpha Demo for Nioh 3 is now closed. The Alpha Demo for Nioh 3 is now available exclusively on PlayStation 5. This limited-time demo offers players a carefully selected portion of the game to experience ahead of its full release. Please note that the demo requires an internet connection and cannot be played offline. It will remain accessible only until June 18, 2025. Please be aware that once this period has passed, it will no longer be available to download or play.

As a bonus, players who complete the demo will receive an exclusive helmet as a reward, which can be used in the final version of the game.

Nioh 3 Online Multiplayer

Players will now be able to assist and seek help from other players through the "Summon Visitor" mode, or even explore the open field with others through the online multiplayer mode "Expeditions", popular in the previous entries of the "Nioh" series.

This feature will come in handy to those who have reached a stalemate playing solo, or those who would like to overcome challenges together.

 

Nioh 3 Open Field Exploration

Nioh 3 is introducing open fields, offering players a new sense of exploration and freedom. These expansive areas will still deliver the signature tension and challenging confrontations the Nioh series is known for.

The previous mission structure, where you'd return to an overworld map after completing a mission, will no longer be present in this game. Now, everything is interconnected within these larger zones. You'll be able to seamlessly tackle Main Missions and Side Missions without having to go back to a map.

Samurai Style

This style provides a gameplay experience similar to previous "Nioh" titles. New actions such as "Arts Proficiency", which enhances the power of martial arts, and "Deflect", which allows players to block enemy attacks at the last moment, have been added, helping create a series of intense and deadly face-to-face confrontations

Samurai Style Features

Samurai Style boosts your attack power and guard proficiency, making it well-suited for direct, head-to-head combat. To perform a Ki Pulse, press R1 after an attack. This technique recovers the Ki you’ve just used, allowing you to maintain pressure and extend your combos.

Ninja Style

This style excels in quick movements like dodging and aerial actions, giving ninjas the advantage of being able to attack from outside of the enemy’s range by utilizing a variety of "Ninjutsu" techniques according to the situation on the battlefield. Players have the ability to use techniques like "Mist", which leaves a clone after an attack, and "Evade", which allows for narrowly avoiding enemy strikes. Both techniques help players outmaneuver foes while delivering devastating speed attacks from behind.

Ninja Style Features

Ninja Style emphasizes speed and low Ki consumption, making it ideal for agile combat. It also deals increased damage when striking enemies from behind compared to Samurai Style. To perform a Mist, press R1 after attacking. Using Mist after an attack will cause you to quickly turn your body, evading the enemy. However, unlike Ki Pulses, Mist cannot recover Ki or perform Purification.

Compass Functions and Objectives in Nioh 3

Objectives are displayed on the compass located in the top-right corner of the screen. You can customize the compass behavior in the Basic Game Settings under the System menu in the Main Menu. It can be set to either always point north or rotate based on your character’s direction.

The compass displays more than just your current objectives, but also highlights useful points of interest, such as the locations of Shrines and Graves. During combat, the exterior of the compass will glow red. In special circumstances, the entire compass may glow red as well.

 

Progress Menu Features in Nioh 3

Mission and Myth progress and achievements can be viewed via the Progress option on the Main Menu.

Prioritized Myth locations will be shown on the compass.

 

Shrines in Nioh 3

Shrines serve as checkpoints in Nioh 3. Praying at a shrine restores your Life and Elixirs, but also causes defeated enemies to respawn.

If you die in battle, you’ll return to the last shrine you prayed at. You can also fast travel between different shrines you've unlocked on the map.

 

Leveling Up in Nioh 3

You can level up by selecting the Level Up option at a Shrine and spending Amrita to increase your Core Stats.

Before leveling up, you can view which stats and which weapons' Attack will be affected.

 

Arts Proficiency in Nioh 3

Samurai Style's Arts Gauge can be charged by attacking and guarding against enemy attacks. When the gauge is full, using a Strong Attack or Martial Art will activate Arts Proficiency.

While Arts Proficiency is active, Strong Attacks and Martial Arts will be enhanced.

• Ki consumption is reduced, and activation does not consume Ki.
• Damage dealt to enemies is increased.
• Different Martial Arts can be used consecutively.

Martial Arts can be viewed via Customize Martial Arts/Ninjutsu in the Main Menu.

 

Ninjutsu in Nioh 3

Ninja Style grants access to Ninjutsu, which offers a range of powerful techniques such as long-range attacks, mobility skills, and other unique actions. To use a Ninjutsu skill, hold R1 and press the corresponding face button (Triangle, Square, or X).

Each Ninjutsu has a Gauge that refills by attacking enemies, gradually restoring its number of uses.

 

Call Acolyte in Nioh 3

Offering an Ochoko Cup at a Benevolent Grave will summon an Acolyte, an allied warrior who fights alongside you. These graves are marked by a dark blue aura rising from the ground. Acolytes will remain by your side until either their Life is depleted or the Battle Spoils gauge runs out.

You can earn Ochoko Cups by playing Co-Op mode or defeating Revenants summoned from Bloody Graves, which are identified by a red aura emerging from the ground.

 

Map and Exploration Level in Nioh 3

Use Map on the Main Menu or press the touchpad to open the map and view information on areas you've visited. You can place Markers anywhere on the map by pressing X. Markers will be displayed on the compass.

Raising your Exploration Level allows you to gain items and base stat increases, while also granting Area info based on your level, including the following:

• Display entire map inside area.
• Display location of exploration spots.
• Display location of collectibles.

You can increase your Exploration Level by completing Myths, capturing Enemy Bases, purifying Lesser Crucibles, and exploring the region. Additionally, interacting with friendly yokai such as Kodama, Scampusses, and Chijiko will also raise it.

 

Death in Nioh 3

When you die in Nioh 3, you’ll lose the Amrita you've collected, which is required for leveling up. However, if you're accompanied by a Guardian Spirit, a grave marked by a golden glow will appear at the spot where you died.

You can recover your lost Amrita by returning to this grave and interacting with it. Keep in mind that if you die again before retrieving it, the grave will vanish, and the previously lost Amrita will be gone for good.

 

Crucibles in Nioh 3

Taking damage from enemies in the Crucible or Lesser Crucibles will cause Life Corrosion, reducing your maximum Life. You can gradually recover your lost max Life by defeating enemies, dealing damage, or retrieving your grave after reviving. To further reduce the effects of Life Corrosion, you can pray to the Six Jizo found throughout each region and obtain Jizo Blessings from Shrines or Bodhisattva Statues.

Destroying a Crucible Spike offers valuable advantages: it raises your Spirit Force cap, increases your Guardian Spirit’s Attack power, and unlocks special effects that scale based on how many Crucible Spikes you’ve destroyed. In Lesser Crucibles, additional benefits may activate as well, such as an increase in the amount of Amrita floating around the area or the unlocking of new Spirit Veins.

 

Chijiko in Nioh 3

Chijiko are playful yokai that resemble floating handballs. They enjoy being used for target practice, and if you shoot them down with your bow and pet them afterward, they’ll reward you with something precious as a sign of friendship.

You can often locate Chijiko by listening for the sound of bells in the area.

Enemy Ki and Grappling in Nioh 3

When an enemy’s Ki is fully depleted, you can perform a Grapple. This will have your character deal massive damage to enemies who are out of Ki. To perform it, press Triangle near the enemy. You’ll know an enemy is out of Ki when their lock-on icon turns red.

Human enemies gradually regenerate Ki over time, but Yokai do not unless they are in the Yokai Realm or under other special circumstances. Be aware that stronger Yokai cannot be grappled until their maximum Ki is completely drained. You can significantly reduce a Yokai's max Ki by destroying their glowing golden weak points.

 

Strong Yokai Max Ki in Nioh 3

Strong yokai are less likely to stagger when attacked, but when their Ki reaches zero, they are guaranteed to stagger, creating an opportunity to attack. By continuing to attack and reducing their maximum Ki, you will be able to perform a Grapple and deal significant damage.

Burst Break and Guardian Spirit Skills are particularly effective in reducing maximum Ki.

 

Battle Scrolls in Nioh 3

You can replay cleared Main Missions or take on Battle Scroll-exclusive missions by selecting the Battle Scroll option at a Shrine.

While in a Battle Scroll mission, this option will change to "Return", allowing you to exit the mission. You can also use a Divine Branch Fragment to leave the mission at any time.

 

Changing Guardian Spirits in Nioh 3

The Guardian Spirit accompanying you can be changed.

Each Guardian Spirit provides unique stat bonuses and determines which Guardian Spirit Skills you can use in battle.

 

Style Shift in Nioh 3

Use Style Shift to switch styles and alter your approach in combat. To perform this action, press R2.

• Samurai Style focuses on direct melee combat and aims to dish out greater damage through Arts Proficiency.
• Ninka Style focuses on agility combined with hit-and-run tactics that utilize Ninjutsu to attack enemies from a distance.

 

Style Shift and Burst Break in Nioh 3

Enemies will sometimes be surrounded in a red aura, indicating an incoming Burst Attack. You can counter a Burst Attack by performing a Burst Break. To perform a Burst Break, press R2 when you're about to get hit with a Burst Attack.

If timed correctly, the Burst Break will cancel the enemy’s move, deal damage to both their Life and Ki, and reduce a Yokai’s maximum Ki. However, if the timing proves too difficult, it’s often wiser to retreat and wait for a better opening.

 

Living Artifact in Nioh 3

The Guardian Spirit icon to the left of your Life Gauge is your Amrita Gauge, which fills as you collect Amrita. Once full, you can press Triangle + Circle to transform, channeling the power of Kusanagi and taking on the form of your Guardian Spirit.

While this Living Artifact form is active, you’ll be protected from fatal damage, and your attacks will be imbued with your Guardian Spirit’s elemental power. The gauge gradually drains over time and from taking damage. When it’s depleted, the transformation ends. You can also manually exit this form at any time by pressing R1 + Circle.

 

Co-Op and Online in Nioh 3

In Nioh 3, you can still enjoy co-op play with a friend by visiting a Shrine and selecting the co-op option from the shrine menu.

From there, you’ll have three choices: Summon a Visitor, where you offer an Ochoko Cup to call another player into your world; Become a Visitor, where you respond to another player’s summon and assist them in their mission; and Expeditions, where you team up with a friend to explore and complete missions together in a more structured cooperative mode.

 

Martial Arts & Ninjutsu in Nioh 3

In Nioh 3, you'll discover Young Samurai Locks and Young Ninja Locks throughout the world. These items can be used to learn new Martial Arts and Ninjutsu through the Acquire Martial Arts/Ninjutsu option in the menu. Once learned, you can activate and assign them by selecting Customize Martial Arts/Ninjutsu from the Main Menu.

Some Martial Arts, such as deflect and evade, give you better tools for responding to enemy attacks. You can assign Martial Arts based on your preferred style and weapon type, while Ninjutsu can be customized through the Basic Controls under Ninja Style.

 

Guardian Spirit Skill in Nioh 3

Guardian Spirit Skills are special skills associated with the Guardian Spirit you currently have equipped. To perform a Guardian Spirit Skill, press L1 + Square; this consumes Spirit Force. You build up Spirit Force by landing attacks on enemies.

The Guardian Spirit Skill icon appears just to the left of your Spirit Force Gauge. When the gauge is full, you’ll be able to unleash your Guardian Spirit’s Skill. These abilities are especially effective against yokai, as they can significantly reduce the enemy’s maximum Ki when landed successfully.

 

Kodama in Nioh 3

Kodama are small, friendly spirits with red bowls on their heads, found scattered throughout the world. When you come across one, interact with it to guide it back to the nearest shrine. Each Kodama you return will increase the number of Elixirs replenished at that shrine.

As you continue to help Kodama, you'll earn their trust, gaining Kodama Merit in the process. This merit can be used to receive Kodama Blessings, which offer useful benefits and can be selected at any shrine.