Mastering Nioh 3: 5 Essential Tips for Success in the Dojo

Nioh 3 presents a formidable challenge that goes beyond mere combat, requiring players to engage in deep study and analysis. With the inclusion of jump mechanics, expansive exploration options, and innovative dual combat styles, newcomers will find the learning curve more intense than ever before.

Welcome to the Dojo! Here, we present five critical strategies to aid you in your ascent to becoming the Shogun. Adherence to these insights will not only enhance your gameplay experience but also unlock the full potential of what many consider one of the finest combat systems in the action RPG genre.

Experiment with All Weapons

Combat scene from Nioh 3 showing a character facing armored foes

Nioh 3’s weaponry builds upon its predecessor, Nioh 2, with a twist. The expansive arsenal is divided into two styles: Samurai Style and Ninja Style. However, it’s important not to underestimate the Ninja-exclusive weapons, as many of them represent variations of Samurai weapons, vastly enriched with both familiar and new Martial Arts techniques.

Samurai Style Arsenal: Includes Sword, Dual Swords, Axe, Spear, Odachi, Switchglaive, and Cestus.
Ninja Style Arsenal: Comprises Ninja Sword, Dual Ninja Swords, Talons, Kusarigama, Tonfa, Splitstaff, and Dual Hatchets.

While the standard Sword and Ninja Sword are viable options, limiting yourself to just these choices could hinder your strategy. As I explored the diverse arsenal, I discovered a newfound appreciation for weapons I previously overlooked, such as Dual Swords, Kusarigama, and Dual Hatchets. No weapon will make the game insurmountable; hence, it’s critical to find the weapon that suits you best and invest time into mastering its associated Martial Arts.

Unlock Stances and Deflection Early

Skill tree showcasing options for Samurai Style in Nioh 3

In Nioh 3, mechanics are introduced gradually, which, while helpful, can lead to a sense of overwhelming difficulty early in the game. Combat revolves around effectively switching between Low, Mid, and High stances, yet only the Mid stance is available at the onset, making early encounters feel unjustly challenging.

To mitigate this, allocate your first Samurai skill points to unlock High and Low stances as soon as possible, each requiring just one skill point. Additionally, prioritize learning how to Deflect enemy attacks. By timing a block with L1/LB just before an enemy strike lands, you can stagger foes and enhance your Arts Proficiency gauge, boosting the effectiveness of your Martial Arts and Heavy Attacks.

If the complexities of Samurai stances seem daunting initially, consider embracing the Ninja Style. While it deals less damage, it offers a more accessible moveset and increased agility, making it well-suited for learning as you acclimate to the game’s mechanics.

Master the Ki Pulse Mechanic

The Ki Pulse mechanic remains the cornerstone of gameplay in the Nioh series. Exclusive to the Samurai Style, executing a Ki Pulse by pressing R1/RB directly after an attack restores a portion of your Ki (stamina).

Character demonstrating Regular Ki Pulse Timing in Nioh 3 — Regular Ki Pulse Timing

Character performing Perfect Ki Pulse Timing in Nioh 3 — Perfect Ki Pulse Timing

Watch for the light particles around your character, which signal the optimal timing for a successful Ki Pulse. Aim for the Perfect Ki Pulse initially, though don’t feel pressured to achieve perfection right away. Focus on mastering the rhythm that the series is known for, integrating ‘hit-and-pulse’ into your combat style.

As you improve your timing, aim to activate the Flux ability (requiring 1 Samurai skill point), which enables you to recover even more Ki during a Ki Pulse by switching stances. With practice, this technique will become second nature, reinforcing the distinctive combat flow that defines the series.

Regularly Change Your Gear

Equipment menu in Nioh 3 showing character gear

The loot system in Nioh 3 can feel overwhelming at first glance, but veterans will tell you a valuable secret: during your first playthrough, fret less over building the perfect character. Instead, focus on equipping the highest-level gear you encounter and keep progressing.

What truly matters is your Agility, influenced by your Current Encumbrance Ratio:

A Rating (Under 30%): Ensures the fastest Ki recovery and extended dodge range.
B Rating (30% – 70%): Strikes a balance between defense and Ki restoration speed.
C Rating (70%-100%): Offers high defense but limited Ki recovery speed.
Over-Encumbered: Avoid this situation, as it massively hampers your Ki recovery and puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Learn When to Guard and When to Dodge

Combat scene in Nioh 3 with a character utilizing guarding mechanics — Guarding is the safest defensive option in Nioh 3.

For those familiar with the Soulslike genre but new to Nioh, you might find the dodging mechanics of Samurai Style less effective compared to those in games like Bloodborne or Elden Ring. This is a unique characteristic of the Nioh series—the option to guard against attacks is so effective that it should be your primary defensive choice.

With the introduction of Ninja Style, dodging has also become a viable defensive technique, offering increased distance and a quick repositioning ability post-attack using Mist, Ninja’s version of Ki Pulse (though without the stamina restoration).Mastering both styles will be essential as you progress through the game.

Character engaged in exploration in Nioh 3 — Nioh 3 features expansive open-world maps, rewarding exploration.

Exploring Nioh 3’s open landscapes is not only enjoyable but also essential. Players can uncover Skills, Skill Points, and gain access to enhanced Yang options for your Soul Cores by overcoming combat challenges found in Lesser Crucibles. These rewards allow you to summon the spirits of fallen Yokai for powerful assistive abilities. Additionally, find Battle Scrolls to engage in compact Nioh-style side missions featuring formidable foes.

However, pacing is crucial. Over-exploration can lead to outleveling content and diminish the game’s challenge. Follow your curiosity rather than aiming to clear every icon. Remember that in a Team NINJA game, your first playthrough serves as a tutorial, allowing for ample exploration in subsequent playthroughs once the real challenges ramp up.

This concludes the inaugural entry in our “Enter the Dojo”series, where we journey through the essential mechanics of Nioh 3, aimed at achieving mastery.

This guide is based on a comprehensive playthrough using the Steam version 1.01. Screenshots were captured from the same release.

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