Nioh 3 is one of the most mechanically deep action RPGs available, and its dual combat style system can feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks down the core systems — Samurai vs Ninja builds, Ki Pulse, stances, weapons, and stats — so you can start making smart decisions from hour one.
For critical reception and what reviewers said, check our Nioh 3 review roundup.
Samurai vs Ninja — Two Combat Styles
Every player wields two weapons and switches between two combat styles during fights. The game expects you to use both.
Samurai Style:
- Uses Ki Pulse for stamina recovery after attacks
- Three stances (High/Mid/Low) for different situations
- Guard Parry for countering enemy attacks
- Heavier weapons, better blocking, higher damage, lower mobility
- Best for: punishing openings and sustained damage
Ninja Style:
- Uses Mist Step — a timed dodge after attacks that recovers Ki and repositions
- No stances; instead uses three Ninjutsu Gauges for ranged attacks and traps
- Aerial combo chains and enhanced Ninjutsu integration
- Speed and evasion over raw damage
- Best for: aggressive pressure and mobility
Pro tip: The strongest playstyle is hybrid. Use Ninja to pressure enemies, then switch to Samurai for heavy damage during openings.
Ki Pulse — The Most Important Mechanic
Ki Pulse is Samurai style’s signature mechanic. After any attack, blue particles gather around your character. Press R1 when they converge to instantly recover a large portion of spent Ki (stamina).
How to learn it: Go to Settings and enable “Ki Pulse Visual Guide.” A visible ring contracts around your character — press R1 when it reaches its smallest point for maximum Ki recovery. This visual aid is essential for learning the timing.
Flux System: Recover additional Ki by switching stances during a Ki Pulse. Press R1 plus a stance input simultaneously to Ki Pulse and switch stances in one motion. This is the difference between average and advanced players.
Stance System (Samurai Only)
| Stance | Damage | Speed | Ki Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Highest | Slowest | High | Punishing openings |
| Mid | Balanced | Moderate | Moderate | General combat |
| Low | Lowest | Fastest | Low | Safety, dodging |
Start fights in Mid stance. Switch to High when you see a clear opening. Drop to Low when you need to dodge or play defensively.
Weapon Types Overview
Nioh 3 features 13 melee weapon types plus two new additions:
Beginner-friendly picks:
- Sword (Katana) — Balanced stats, versatile moveset, forgiving timing windows. The best starter weapon.
- Spear — Long reach keeps enemies at safe distance. Great for learning spacing.
- Switchglaive — Morphs between stances, excellent with Onmyo magic builds.
New weapons in Nioh 3:
- Chain-Scythe — Aerial pulls and grappling; yank enemies into the air for juggling combos
- War Fan (Tessen) — Swift melee strikes with magical projectiles, mid-range zoning, gliding attacks
Stat Allocation for Beginners
Prioritize these stats early:
- Heart — Max Ki (stamina). Vital for every build. More Ki = more attacks, more dodges, more Ki Pulses.
- Stamina — Equipment load. Lets you wear heavier armor without fat-rolling.
- Constitution — Max HP. Don’t neglect survivability.
Each weapon scales with three “Reference Stats.” The game dynamically scales damage based on which is highest. When picking two weapons, find ones that share at least two Reference Stats to avoid spreading points too thin.
Don’t stress about builds: Use the Book of Reincarnation to respec freely. Experiment early and often.
Co-op Setup
Nioh 3 supports up to 3 players with cross-play between platforms. Two methods:
- Visitor System: Offer Ochoko Cups to summon up to two visitors into your mission
- Expedition Mode: Play story missions or replay completed missions together. Uses a shared Assist Gauge — downed players can revive but it costs team health
Co-op is often called “Nioh 3’s true easy mode.” If you’re stuck on a boss, summon help.
Quick Tips for Soulslike Newcomers
- Turn on Ki Pulse Visual Guide immediately in Settings
- Start with Sword — it teaches fundamentals without punishing mistakes too harshly
- Don’t ignore the Titles/Prestige Points system — it provides permanent stat boosts
- Blocking is more effective in Nioh than in Dark Souls — use it, especially in Mid stance
- Every enemy has a Ki bar. When it’s depleted, they stagger for massive damage — focus on depleting enemy Ki
- Loot is Diablo-style — you’ll get thousands of items. Don’t get attached early; better gear comes constantly
