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Nioh 3 Ultimate Beginner Guide

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Enemy Ki and Grappling in Nioh 3

Enemies, regardless of whether they are human or Yokai, will also use their Ki to attack you. Attack them to reduce their Ki, once the enemy's Ki is fully depleted, you can stagger them to deal heavy damage, and 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. The Yokai Realm is a peculiar realm wherein enemy yokai are born. Human Ki recovery speed is greatly reduced here. While in a Yokai Realm, successfully executing a Ki Pulse while in Samurai Style will cleanse and dispel that Yokai Realm.

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.

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 (a new resource). Player gain spirit force by conquering challenges called crucible spikes, and other key points of interest.

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. Another great feature that is showcased with the Guardian Spirit is that you can use it on both Samurai and Shinobi (Ninja) mode. This enables your character to play through various combat styles that best suit your preference. You will also be able to maximize the advantages that each Style Shift has to offer with a much more powerful damage output.

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.

Enemies and Bosses in Nioh 3

In Nioh 3, you will encounter a diverse array of Enemies and formidable Bosses throughout the game's richly detailed world, each designed to test your mastery of combat mechanics. These adversaries vary widely in threat levels, from opportunistic ambushes by agile foes to grueling endurance battles against resilient giants, drawing from historical samurai warfare and ancient Japanese folklore.

Human enemies encompass rogues like stealthy ninjas wielding dual swords, kusarigama, or tonfas and deploying shuriken for ranged harassment; rifle-wielding Sohaya marksmen who snipe from afar; spell-casting mages unleashing elemental barrages; and frontline soldiers in standard or tougher armored variants that charge with melee weapons. Yokai, born from negative human emotions or Amrita corruption, include brutish Oni with muscular, horned forms dwelling in mountainous terrains; mischievous Enki, once abused monkeys twisted into agile combatants; and newer aerial threats such as swarming wasps, ethereal ghosts, or shape-shifting Yokai that take to the skies for unpredictable dives.

Bosses elevate these challenges further, often blending human cunning with Yokai ferocity—such as the cavalry charge specialist Yamagata Masakage, who shifts into a horse-mounted Yokai form with devastating phases, or the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen, revealed in dynamic gameplay footage showcasing dual-blade ninja counters and relentless swordplay. These epic confrontations demand precise parries, elemental exploitation, and adaptation to arena-altering Dark Realms, ensuring every victory feels hard-earned.

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. Another way of using the Burst Break is timing it with using your Style Shift when a Red attack hits you. Not only that it triggers an effective Burst counter against your enemy, it will also give you the flexibility to use the abilities that are at your disposal for the mode that you switched to.

Style Shifting in Nioh 3

The central new mechanic in Nioh 3 is the ability to shift between Samurai and Ninja styles by pressing R2. This same input is used to counter dangerous Burst Attacks. When an enemy glows red, press R2 just before they hit to perform a Burst Break. A successful Burst Break cancels the enemy's attack and deals heavy Ki damage. Timed right, this will cancel the enemy's attack, deal damage to their Life and Ki, and reduce a yokai enemy's maximum Ki. However, it's important to know when to retreat if you find the timing too difficult.
You can also separate the controls for Style Shift and Burst Break via Controls under System in the Main Menu.  

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.

Co-Op in Nioh 3

Co-Op is confirmed for Nioh 3, as stated by the Nioh 3 - Gameplay Showcase. 

Samurai Combat Style in Nioh 3

The Samurai Combat style is one of the two combat styles that you can switch to according to the combat situation. Samurai Combat Style puts primary focus on the use of heavy weapons, melee attacks, and managing the use of your Ki. You will find a small icon in the lower right side of your screen which displays the Arts Gauge. This will gradually fill up when you perform attacks, guarding attacks, or perform a deflect against enemies. Filling up the Art Gauge will then give you the chance to activate your Arts Proficiency.

Ninja Combat Style in Nioh 3

The Ninja Combat style is the second combat style you can switch to according to the combat situation. Ninja Combat Style primarily focuses on Rangeed attacks, with the use of Dodging and Ninjutsu. Similar to the Samurai Combat Style, attacking enemies, guarding and deflecting their attacks will fill up the Arts Gauge, and will also fill up the Ninjutsu Gauge allowing you to use your Ninjutsu. Assassinating your enemies from the back will deal more damage than taking them head on, especially when in Ninja Style.

Samurai Style Mechanics

Samurai Style focuses on direct melee combat and aims to dish out greater damage through Arts Proficiency. Apart from its more methodical approach, the Samurai Style also leans on improved defensive mechanics such as better parrying, and in general feels more tougher than the Shinobi Style.

Arts Proficiency

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.

Deflect

A new high-skill defensive tool. By guarding at the perfect moment, you will Deflect the attack, restoring your own Ki and significantly filling both the Arts and Ninjutsu gauges.

Stances

The classic High, Mid, and Low stances return. Switching stances changes your attack animations, damage, and Ki consumption, forming the tactical foundation of combat.

Ki Pulse

A signature mechanic of the series. After an attack, press R1 with precise timing to perform a Ki Pulse, instantly recovering a portion of the Ki you just spent. Mastering this is crucial for maintaining pressure on enemies.

Ninja Style Mechanics

The Shinobi (Ninja) Style focuses on agility combined with hit-and-run tactics that utilize Ninjutsu to attack enemies from a distance. The Shinobi mode also enables you to approach your enemies in a classic stealthy approach and eliminate them beneath the shadows. You will also enjoy the swift aerial combos on this mode, along with the capability to relocate your character more swiftly to evade attacks. It is also great to keep in mind that Ninja mode does more damage when attacking enemies from behind.

• Ninjutsu: A range of powerful techniques from long-range attacks to mobility skills, activated with R1 + face buttons. Each Ninjutsu has uses that are restored by attacking enemies.
• Acrobatic Movement: The Ninja style introduces several new movement options:
• Mist: Quickly pivot after an attack to create a diversion and temporarily shift enemy focus. Using Mist after an attack will cause you to quickly turn your body, evading the enemy without consuming Ki. Additionally, using this ability near enemies will create a shadow of yourself that temporarily attracts enemy attention. However, unlike Ki Pulses, Mist cannot recover Ki or perform Purification. 
• Evade: A special dodge that restores Ki and fills both gauges if it successfully avoids an attack. It has a long invincibility window and can be used consecutively.
• Footstool Jump: Leap off an enemy to unbalance them, creating an opportunity to strike from their back.
• Assassination: Close in on an enemy that hasn't noticed you and use a Strong Attack.

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.

Nioh 3 Weapons

Weapons in Nioh 3 are the main instruments of dealing damage to Enemies and Bosses, and are divided between Samurai Style and Ninja Style weapons. Samurai Weapons are further divided into three types, which are: Swords, Odachi, Spears. For the Ninja Weapons, there are Dual Ninja Swords, Talons, and Kusarigama. Weapons in Nioh 3 are style-restricted and require the player to have two separate loadouts for two styles. Weapons also come with their own Skill Tree which provides Martial Arts (for Samurai) and Ninjutsu (for Ninja).

• Odachis: Attack with exceptional power and range.
• Spears: Employ attacks with great reach.
• Swords: Balanced and easy to use.
• Dual Swords: Overwhelm opponents with multiple moves.

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. Attacking enemies will fill each Ninjutsu's Gauge and recover its uses.

Onmyo Box in Nioh 3

A major new system in Nioh 3. The Onmyo Box uses the power of collected Soul Cores to generate various Onmyo talismans. By defeating powerful enemies called "Crucible Wraiths", you can even unlock special talismans that allow you to summon and command those Yokai in battle.

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.

Spirit Veins in Nioh 3

Spirit Veins can be seen glowing on cliffs or boulders that are blocking your progression path, to get over this roadblock, you can borrow the powder of the Guardian Spirit that corresponds to the type of blockage to aid you in getting to the next area. As you continue to progress the game, you can unlock new Guardian Spirits to help you get through different types paths blocked by the environment marked by the Spirit Vein.

The Eternal Rift in Nioh 3

The Eternal Rift acts as your main hub that you can fast travel to, you will need to unlock this location by simply progressing the game. Once you have this location unlocked, you will also have access to the following services:

• The Blacksmith
• A Sudama merchant
• NPCs that can provide you with Master Missions, Myths, and more
• Access to the Hidden Teahouse
• Access to the Character Creation menu to change your character's appearance
• Access to view unlocked illustrations and rewatch cutscenes

Gale Sprinting in Nioh 3

The Gale Sprint is a technique that allows you to sprint during your exploration without having to consume your Ki. If you get caught in combat before the Gale Sprint is done, it will begin to consume your Ki. To obtain Gale Sprint, you will need to obtain the Guardian Spirit Enko in the Crucible Manifested mission, you will be able to unlock the Gale Sprint. 

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.

Nioh 3 also introduces other quality of life improvements, such as eliminating Ki consumption for sprinting outside combat, allowing for freer exploration. Players can now jump, double jump, crouch, and employ stealth mechanics to flank enemies or bypass combat encounters. These additions, combined with fast travel and customizable waypoints, make navigation of the open zones much smoother and invite different approaches to both combat and exploration.(Confirmed in Alpha)

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.

Amrita Memories in Nioh 3

The Amrita Memories is the codex that keeps all the tutorials and the encyclopedia of Nioh 3. If you find yourself forgetting a mechanic or control for combat or exploration, or simply want to look at the encyclopedia for the various special locations, creatures, and the lore of the previous 2 games. You can access the Amarita Memories in the player menu and choose between Tutorial and Encyclopedia.

 Environment in Nioh 3

The following is within the Crucibles and the different time periods. The video goes on to show just how different each location can be with the environment and the mechanics and controls needed to get to hard-to-reach areas.

These areas also show some of the enemy types that you may encounter, depending on the location and the time period, enemies within the Crucible are always stronger than those you counter outside thorugh exploration. 

With tough enemies lurking in the lands, you will be able to change your combat style to adapt to any situation, whether you will need to perform long-range attacks, or take enemies head-on with close-ranged attacks. 

Additionally, you will be able to request aid from online players or friends to assist you in tough battles.

Although you may encounter several yokai enemies, there are also some friendly yokai you can encounter and interact with to gain various rewards and achievements.

Crucibles and Lesser Crucibles in Nioh 3

Those who summon the Crucible are Heroes who have lost the way. And Succumbed to their own ambitions and misguided Causes.

The objective within the Crucibles is to defeat these fallen heroes and purify the crucibles of each area.

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.

 Continuing about Environment in Nioh 3

 Scampusses are round cat creatures that will lead you somewhere that may have enemies or rare items, interact with it to gain extra rewards

Next, is the Kodama. Kodama are little green spirits that are commonly found resting atop of a Shrine.

However, some Kodama are lost, interact with them when you find one to send it back to the Shrine and gain blessings.