Nioh 3 Beginner's Guide - Everything New Players Must Know!

Starting out in Nioh 3 can be intimidating for new players, but with the right strategies, you can master the game and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you're a veteran Soulslike player or completely new to the genre, this Nioh 3 Beginner's Guide will help you navigate the game’s challenging mechanics. Here’s everything you need to know to get started and enjoy your journey through feudal Japan.

What Makes Nioh 3 So Special?

Nioh 3 offers players a deep, complex world filled with action-packed combat, intricate character progression, and a variety of enemies and bosses to conquer. The game builds on the success of its predecessors, introducing exciting new mechanics that make it stand out. For new players, understanding the basics early on is essential to survive the brutal difficulty.

This Nioh 3 Beginner's Guide is designed to give you the essential information to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. From combat tips to understanding the world and how to build your character, we've got you covered.

1. Master the Combat System Early

One of the most crucial aspects of Nioh 3 is its combat system, which combines action and strategy in a way that requires both skill and planning. As a beginner, focusing on mastering the stances is key:

• High Stance: Best for strong attacks, useful against enemies with high health.
• Mid Stance: Balanced stance for versatility, great for both offense and defense.
• Low Stance: Quick and nimble, perfect for dodging and delivering fast strikes.

Incorporating these stances into your attacks will make combat feel more dynamic. Don’t forget to practice the Deflect mechanic, as it’s essential for countering enemy strikes and preventing damage.

2. Learn the Importance of Amrita

In Nioh 3, Amrita is the lifeblood of your character progression. It's the game's version of souls (from Dark Souls), used to level up your character and improve your stats. You’ll earn Amrita by defeating enemies and completing missions, but losing Amrita is a real risk when you die. Be cautious when you're about to fight

a boss or face tough enemies, as you’ll want to make sure you secure your Amrita by retrieving it after each death.

• Tip: Use the Shrines to level up regularly. If you’ve accumulated a lot of Amrita, it’s a good idea to spend it before venturing into risky territory.

3. Understand the Skill Trees

As a beginner, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of skills available in Nioh 3. The game offers multiple skill trees, each corresponding to different weapon types, combat techniques, and abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the main skill trees:

• Weapon Skills: These increase the effectiveness of your chosen weapons. Whether you favor katana, spear, or dual swords, upgrading these skills can give you an edge in battle.
• Ninjutsu Skills: These provide various tactical advantages, such as traps or elemental attacks.
• Onmyo Magic: Focuses on elemental magic and can be useful for weakening enemies or controlling the battlefield.

Prioritize the skill tree that suits your playstyle. If you prefer a direct combat approach, focus on Weapon Skills; if you like using magic and traps, then invest in Onmyo Magic and Ninjutsu.

4. Prepare for Boss Fights

Bosses in Nioh 3 are not just tests of skill—they require careful preparation. Here are a few tips to help you overcome them:

• Study Boss Patterns: Each boss has a unique attack pattern. Watch their movements closely, learn when to dodge, block, or counterattack.
• Use the Environment: Many boss fights take place in areas with obstacles or terrain that can be used to your advantage. Look for places where you can trap or evade the boss.
• Bring the Right Equipment: Don’t go into a boss fight without healing items, proper armor, or buffs. Make sure your character is properly equipped for the fight ahead.

Bosses in Nioh 3 will challenge both your reaction time and your strategic thinking, so be ready to adapt during the battle.

5. Utilize Yokai Abilities

Yokai powers are another exciting feature in Nioh 3. As you progress through the game, you'll encounter Yokai, which you can absorb to gain unique abilities. These abilities can give you powerful advantages in combat. However, managing Yokai powers effectively is crucial:

• Energy Management: Yokai abilities consume energy, so use them wisely. Don’t waste your energy on every encounter; save it for difficult situations.
• Timing: Activate Yokai abilities at the right time during combat to deal maximum damage or gain buffs.

6. Crafting and Looting

Looting is a huge part of Nioh 3, and as a beginner, you may not realize the importance of crafting and upgrading your equipment. Here’s how you can optimize your gear:

• Upgrade Gear: As you progress, upgrade your weapons and armor to improve your stats.
• Craft and Enchant: Keep an eye out for materials to craft new gear or enchant your existing equipment to add special properties.

Be sure to check in with blacksmiths to enhance your equipment regularly. Proper gear can make the difference between success and failure, especially when facing tougher enemies and bosses.

7. Don’t Skip the Side Quests

While the main missions in Nioh 3 will take you through the primary story, side quests are an excellent way to level up your character and gain valuable items. These quests often lead to hidden bosses or tough enemies that reward you with rare loot. Completing side quests also helps you improve your combat skills and knowledge of the game world.

• Tip: Side quests often provide excellent opportunities to farm Amrita, so don’t skip them, even if they seem optional.

8. Adjust Difficulty as Needed

Nioh 3 can be tough, especially for newcomers to the action RPG genre. Fortunately, the game offers various difficulty settings to cater to all types of players. You can adjust the difficulty in the menu based on your experience level.

• Tip: Start on a lower difficulty if you're new to Nioh 3, and gradually increase it as you gain more confidence and skill.

For more detailed tips on difficulty settings, check out our Nioh 3 Difficulty Guide.