It’s safe to say Nioh 3 is an absolute treat for Soulslike action-RPG fans. The combat brings some great new additions while its open world is designed to tempt you into ignoring the main story in favor of discovering new loot, enemies, and skills for your character. However, this is a game that follows the franchise’s traditions and doesn’t hold your hand as a result.
Surviving the brutal landscape can get pretty daunting, with enemy soldiers and yokai lurking at nearly every corner. But worry not! After investing plenty of hours, we’ve gathered key tips that will significantly enhance your experience without overwhelming you. Let’s dive in!
1. Master Your Burst Counters
Every enemy in Nioh 3 has one or more Burst Attacks that come with a red glow and an audible cue. You can’t block these attacks, but a well-timed Burst Counter can negate the strike and deal significant Ki damage. As you face unfamiliar foes or bosses, learning the timings for these attacks can give you a crucial edge. Be patient, and practice makes perfect!
2. Learn Enemy Attack Animations
Combat in Nioh 3 thrives on finesse and precision. Observing an enemy’s attack patterns, especially for bosses that deal heavy damage, will pay off. Each early boss has fixed attack patterns—study them, and you’ll uncover strategies that ease your fight. Exploit small openings, and remember, these are stepping stones before facing more formidable challenges.
3. Master Ki Management
Ki management is pivotal in Nioh 3. Keep a steady flow of attacks to drain your enemies’ Ki as you manage your own. Stay relentless and patient; a well-timed assault can exhaust your enemies quickly, allowing you to land critical hits. Consider the Ninja style for continuous aggression, or use the Samurai style’s Parry to inflict extra Ki damage.
4. Don’t Sleep On The Samurai’s Stances
The Samurai style incorporates stances, which are crucial in Nioh 3. While you start with the Mid stance, investing skill points into Low and High stances can optimize your gameplay. The High stance enhances combo damage, and the Low stance is instrumental for depleting enemy Ki bars quickly. Transition between these stances for a well-rounded offensive approach.
5. Explore, Explore
The main missions, known as Crucibles, pose significant challenges. Instead of rushing through these, take time to explore the surrounding areas. You may find Enemy Bases ripe for XP and loot or stumble upon a Lesser Crucible that offers a challenge worth tackling.
6. Check the Recommended Level Of An Area
Nioh 3’s vast map is divided into sections, each marked with a recommended level. Keep tabs on your character’s level and explore areas that are close to or slightly above it to efficiently gain XP. If you decide to level up beyond the recommended limit, you’re in for an exhilarating power trip through the region!
7. Abuse Your Ninja Style
Encountering enemies out of reach? The Ninja Style lets you strike from a distance. As you progress, elemental bombs come into play, allowing you to inflict AoE damage on groups. Use this to build elemental status effects and exploit enemy weaknesses while creating distance when needed.
8. Complete Enemy Camps ASAP
Enemy Camps are generally less challenging than Lesser Crucibles, making them ideal for quick XP and loot. Complete them quickly as they often harbor Samurai or Ninja Locks necessary for skills upgrades. With the game’s stealth options, picking off isolated foes will help level the playing field.
9. Activate Auto Pickup
Managing a plethora of loot can be a chore. Enable the auto-pickup option in the settings before diving into your journey. This allows your inventory to fill itself with valuable items and gear, freeing you to focus on the action without constantly picking up loot.
10. Time Your Ki Pulses
Utilizing the Ki Pulse mechanic correctly is crucial. Wait until your stamina gauge is fully white before triggering the Ki Pulse to regain a chunk of expended stamina. Timing varies by weapon type, but mastering the rhythm of your combos will come with practice, significantly impacting your survivability in Nioh 3.
11. Use The Ninja Right
The Ninja style excels in ranged combat and offers strong performance in close quarters. Its enhanced evade abilities make dodging through enemy attacks a breeze, especially when attacking from behind. Use your Ninjutsu abilities wisely, switching back to Samurai style when necessary to replenish and continue the damage cycle.
12. Use Your Ranged Weapons Right
The Longbow and Matchlock Rifle can eliminate foes from a distance—but aim precisely! If you can sneak up on enemies, a headshot can potentially lead to a one-hit kill. Utilize these weapons to target weak points on yokai, draining their Ki and setting the stage for a Killing Blow.
13. Pick A Couple Of Favorite Weapons
Amid an abundance of skills for various weapon types, choosing a couple of favorites allows you to funnel skill points efficiently. Focus on two weapons that suit your playstyle, benefiting from access to powerful moves and enhancing familiarity for greater damage output.
14. Be Smart About Your Stats
While level farming may be easier in Nioh 3, wise allocation of stat points is crucial. Choose weapon types reliant on Strength or Skill, and allocate points accordingly. Prioritize Constitution, Heart, and Stamina, while Magic and Intelligence can build around spell-casting playstyles.
15. Pick Your Revenants Wisely
Bloody Graves present opportunities for loot and Ochoko Cups to summon assistance in challenging fights. Focus on Revenants that match or exceed your level for optimal gear farming. Collecting better loot increases durability and damage, vital for survival in the harsh world of Nioh 3.
With these essential tips in hand, your journey through ancient Japan will feel less daunting and far more exhilarating. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the adventure that Nioh 3 offers!