Nioh 3: Mastering the Art of Samurai and Ninja Combat
Nioh 3 offers players a dynamic combat experience, centered around the distinct playstyles of the Samurai and Ninja. Whereas you can switch between them mid-fight, understanding each style’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for success. The choice isn’t about which is “better,” but which aligns with your preferred approach to battle.
Samurai: The Way of Strength and Precision
The Samurai style in Nioh 3 builds upon the foundations of previous Nioh games, emphasizing deliberate, powerful attacks, Ki (stamina) management, and precise counters. It’s a style that rewards patience and tactical awareness.
Top Samurai Weapons
- Odachi: This heavy greatsword delivers immense damage, but requires careful timing and Ki management. It excels in high stance, but benefits from pairing with a faster weapon.
- Dual Swords: Offering a more agile approach within the Samurai framework, Dual Swords allow for quick attacks and combos, though they aren’t as defensively strong.
- Spear: A defensive powerhouse, the Spear allows for maintaining distance and effectively dealing with multiple enemies. Ki management is key to success.
Key to mastering the Samurai style is the “Ki Pulse,” allowing for quick Ki recovery after attacks. Understanding stances – high for offense, low for defense – is also vital. Deflecting enemy attacks is a core skill, replenishing Ki and enhancing Arts proficiency.
Ninja: The Path of Agility and Deception
In contrast to the Samurai’s direct approach, the Ninja style prioritizes agility, speed, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. It’s a style that favors hit-and-run tactics and utilizing the environment to your advantage.
Top Ninja Weapons
- Kusarigama: A personal favorite, the Kusarigama excels at both close and ranged combat, perfectly complementing the Ninja’s versatile playstyle.
- Tonfa: These close-range weapons deliver rapid attacks and can quickly stagger opponents, but require precise timing and evasion skills.
- Ninja Sword: A well-balanced weapon, the Ninja Sword is effortless to learn and provides a solid foundation for mastering the Ninja style.
The Ninja style doesn’t rely on stances, allowing for greater freedom in combat. Focus on maximizing evasion and utilizing Ninjutsu abilities to control the battlefield.
Weapon Stats: Focus on Fit, Not Perfection
While certain weapons excel within each style, Nioh 3 emphasizes customization. Stats are randomly allocated, so focus on finding weapons that complement your build and playstyle. Look for passive effects that enhance Ki recovery, damage output, or specific martial arts.
Consider pairing weapons to cover weaknesses. For example, the heavy-hitting Odachi benefits from being paired with the faster Dual Swords.
Martial Arts: Unleashing Devastating Techniques
Mastering martial arts is essential for both Samurai and Ninja. Here are some recommended techniques:
Samurai Martial Arts
- Moonlit Snow (Odachi)
- Retrograde Flow (Odachi)
- Bolting Boar (Odachi)
- Crashing Waves (Odachi)
- Thunderbolt (Odachi)
- Punish the Proud (Dual Swords)
- Earthrender (Dual Swords)
- Spinning Dragon (Dual Swords)
- Windstorm (Dual Swords)
- Sign of the Cross (Dual Swords)
- Spear Bash (Spear)
- Flying Monkey (Spear)
- Cull the Herd (Spear)
- Rising Dragon (Spear)
- Triple Threat (Spear)
Ninja Martial Arts
- Pollard (Kusarigama)
- Foot Sweep (Kusarigama)
- Whirlwind Kick (Kusarigama)
- Tangle Strike (Kusarigama)
- Leaping Strike (Kusarigama)
- Demon Dance (Tonfa)
- Pulverize (Tonfa)
- Sacred Fire (Tonfa)
- Impenetrability (Tonfa)
- Wasp Sting (Tonfa)
- Kurama Sword Dance (Ninja Sword)
- Izuna Drop (Ninja Sword)
- Wagon Kick (Ninja Sword)
- Cloudrunner Blade (Ninja Sword)
- Kite Cross (Ninja Sword)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is one style objectively better than the other?
A: No. Both Samurai and Ninja are viable and powerful. The best style depends on your individual playstyle and preferences.
Q: How significant are weapon stats?
A: While important, focus on finding weapons that complement your build and playstyle rather than chasing perfect stats.
Q: Should I focus on mastering one style or try to use both?
A: You can effectively use both, but specializing in one style initially can help you understand its nuances and maximize its potential.
For more Nioh 3 guidance, explore resources on obtaining Glory, Yokai Teardrops, and customizing your appearance here.
Related reading