Nioh 3 Complete Walkthrough and Guides: 2026 Strategy & Maps

Getting Started: Essential Nioh 3 Beginner Tips

Starting your journey in the Sengoku period can be brutal without the right preparation. Before you draw your blade, it is crucial to understand how to set up your protagonist properly, so be sure to check our detailed character creation guide for optimal starting stats and aesthetics. Once you are in the game, your priority should be unlocking online features and selecting a weapon that matches your playstyle.

How to Unlock Multiplayer in Nioh 3?

Multiplayer is not available immediately upon starting a new game. You must complete the tutorial mission, “The First Samurai,” to access the world map. Once on the map screen, select the starting point to enter the “Torii Gate” menu. From here, you can choose “Expeditions” for cooperative gameplay or “Random Encounters” to assist other players. Remember that summoning visitors requires Ochoko Cups, which drop from Revenants.

Choosing the Best Starting Weapon for Nioh 3

Your starting weapon determines your initial stat bonuses, but you are not locked into it forever. For beginners, the Katana or Spear offers the best balance of reach and speed. If you prefer high-risk, high-reward gameplay, the Dual Swords provide excellent DPS but require close proximity. For a full breakdown of scaling and tier rankings, review our Nioh 3 weapons list to plan your build effectively.

Nioh 3 Complete Walkthrough and Guides for Campaign

The campaign is divided into six distinct regions, each escalating in difficulty and introducing new Yokai types. This Nioh 3 complete walkthrough and guides section focuses on the critical path through the first region, ensuring you don’t miss key upgrades like the Blacksmith or the Hidden Teahouse.

Region 1 Mission Progression Route

In the first region, prioritize the main mission “Village of Cursed Blossoms” to unlock the basic shrine functions. Afterward, complete the sub-mission “The Dark Blacksmith” immediately. This unlocks the Blacksmith services, allowing you to disassemble loot and forge better gear before facing the first major boss. Skipping this sub-mission will leave you underpowered for the “Beast of the Smoke” encounter.

Region 2 & 3 Highlights

Once you clear the first region, the game opens up significantly. In Region 2 (Soaring Regions), your main goal should be locating the Hidden Teahouse in the “Spider’s Nest” mission. This unlocks Clan Battles, providing passive buffs that are crucial for mid-game survival. In Region 3 (Shadow Regions), the difficulty spikes with elemental enemies. Ensure you have unlocked the Onmyo Magic skill tree to craft elemental resistance talismans before tackling the “Ice and Fire” main mission.

Nioh 3 Boss Guide and Weaknesses

Every boss in Nioh 3 has specific elemental weaknesses that can turn a hopeless fight into a manageable one. Using the right Talismans or Oni-bi Soul Cores can exploit these vulnerabilities. The table below outlines the weaknesses for the early-game bosses you will encounter.

Mastering Yokai Abilities and Soul Cores

Unlike its predecessors, Nioh 3 integrates Yokai abilities directly into weapon combos, making them an essential part of your DPS rotation. Collecting Soul Cores from fallen enemies allows you to attune them to your Guardian Spirit, granting you powerful active skills that consume Anima.

Essential Early Game Soul Cores

In my testing, the Enki Soul Core is invaluable for the first three regions. Its ability launches you into the air and throws a spear, which not only deals solid Ki damage but also acts as a “panic button” to avoid ground-based grab attacks. Another must-have is the Ippon-Datara Soul Core, which flattens enemies and creates a pool of fire, perfect for extending combos when your Ki is low.

Understanding Burst Counters

The Burst Counter is your primary defense against the deadly “red aura” attacks. Depending on your Guardian Spirit type (Brute, Feral, or Phantom), your counter timing differs. Brute interrupts attacks with a smash and is the easiest for beginners. Feral is a dodge-counter that requires precise timing but offers mobility. Phantom is a stationary shield, best for players who prefer parrying. Mastering one of these styles is non-negotiable for beating bosses like Mezuki.

Best Early Game Builds

You don’t need a min-maxed build in the first region, but having a focused stat distribution helps immensely. Here are two reliable setups I recommend for new players.

The Red Demon Scout (Agility A)

This build focuses on Light Armor and the Spear. Your goal is to maintain A-rank Agility for maximum Ki recovery and dodge distance. Prioritize Constitution (15) et Skill (12) early on. This setup excels at poking enemies from a safe distance and repositioning quickly. It’s fragile, but if you master the “fluidity” skill, you can dance around bosses without taking a hit.

The Obsidian Tank (Stamina B)

If you prefer to trade hits, go for Heavy Armor and the Axe. You’ll need to pump Stamina to 20 et Strength to 15 to wear heavier gear without being over-encumbered (keep weight below 70% for B agility). This build allows you to block boss attacks that would normally break your guard and deliver crushing high-stance blows that deplete enemy Ki instantly.

Where is the Best Place to Farm Amrita in Nioh 3?

Amrita is the lifeblood of your progression, used for leveling up stats. In the early game, efficiency is key, as you want to minimize risk while maximizing returns. Finding a reliable farming spot can save you hours of grinding when you hit a difficulty wall.

Early Game Nioh 3 Resource Farming Spots

The best early game spot is the sub-mission “Voice in the Twilight” in the first region. This mission consists of waves of enemies in a small arena, allowing you to clear it quickly for a high Amrita yield. Additionally, the Benevolent Graves here often belong to high-level players, dropping quality gear that you can offer at the shrine for extra Amrita.

Late Game Amrita Farming Strategies

Once you reach the fourth region, the mission “The Refined Man of the Underworld” becomes the premier farming location. By using the Extraction Talisman and Sake, you can multiply your Amrita gain significantly. Combine this with gear that has “Amrita Earned” stats tempered onto it to maximize your intake per run.

Navigating the World: Nioh 3 Map Locations

Exploration in Nioh 3 is rewarded with more than just loot. The maps are dense with shortcuts, hot springs, and collectibles that directly impact your combat effectiveness. Learning to read the environment is just as important as learning enemy patterns.

Finding Hidden Kodama on the Nioh 3 Map

Kodama are small green spirits hidden throughout each mission. Finding them is essential because every five Kodama you guide back to the shrine increases your maximum Elixir capacity by one. Look for them behind breakable crates, on rooftops, and near the edges of cliffs. If you hear a faint high-pitched sound, a Kodama is nearby.

Unlocking Shortcuts and Secret Paths in Nioh 3

Maps often loop back on themselves via ladders, doors, and elevators. Always check for “locked from the other side” doors as you progress; these are shortcuts that will let you bypass enemies if you die. Keep an eye out for Nurikabe (wall Yokai) which act as secret doors. You can identify them by their breathing animation and two eye-holes; use a gesture to bypass them peacefully.

Stuck on a Boss? Customize Your Difficulty

Sometimes the difficulty spike can feel insurmountable, especially if you just want to enjoy the story or experiment with builds. XMODHUB offers a safe, offline solution to tailor the game’s challenge to your preference.

Using XMODHUB Tools for Nioh 3

The trainer allows you to toggle specific advantages that can help you bypass frustrating sections without ruining the entire experience. You can enable infinite health to learn boss patterns without dying, or give yourself unlimited items to test out different ninja tools and magic. It works seamlessly with the current PC version.

Safe Usage of Nioh 3 Mods

When using mods or trainers, always ensure you are in offline mode. Nioh 3 has online components like Revenants and Clan Battles; using cheats while connected to these services can lead to a soft ban. To be safe, disconnect from the internet or set Steam to offline mode before launching the trainer.

Common Mistakes New Samurai Make

Even Soulslike veterans can struggle with Nioh 3’s unique mechanics. Avoiding these common pitfalls will save you countless deaths and lost Amrita.

Ignoring Ki Pulse Mechanics in Combat

The Ki Pulse is not optional; it is the core of combat. Failing to Ki Pulse after a combo leaves you vulnerable and unable to block. Practice tapping the stance button immediately after an attack when blue lights gather around your character. This instantly recovers stamina and purifies Yokai Realm pools.

Mismanaging Nioh 3 Resource Inventory

Hoarding low-level gear is a mistake. Your inventory has a limit, and low-level weapons quickly become obsolete. Instead of selling them for gold, disassemble them at the Blacksmith. The materials you gain are far more valuable for forging high-level gear later in the game than the paltry sum of gold you would receive.

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